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Yoga weekend with Nancy Gilgoff

I have just returned from a fantastic weekend in Wiltshire where I attended Ashtanga yoga workshops with Nancy Gilgoff. Nancy was one of the first western women to practice Ashtanga yoga in Mysore with Pattabhi Jois (Guruji) back in the 70's. She and her partner at the time, David Williams, brought SRI Pattabhi Jois to the USA and opened up the door of yoga to the west.

Nancy has been practising this style of yoga for more than 34 years and has an amazing ability to share her knowledge of Ashtanga yoga, as it was taught to her, by her guru, Guruji. As the Ashtanga yoga practice has been embraced by the West, it sometimes gets slightly diluted or changed. Change will always naturally occur as traditions are passed down, but sometimes the changes are not always for the best. Nancy has kept true to the Ashtanga traditional teachings, but is able to see when a western body needs to do something differently to continue on their yogic journey.

I am lucky enough to have practiced with Nancy on a number of occasions and in various locations around the world. I have always found her wisdom inspiring. As a woman it is great to have a female yoga teacher for guidance and, as Nancy is also a mother, she understands the practicalities of trying to juggle yoga and family life. Nancy is an amazing yoga teacher who is able to teach this dynamic style of yoga, in a soft and kind way.

if she is passing through near you, get your mat into her class and experience her wisdom for yourself.

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