The Audition

The Audition/April 2018


Three hopeful yoga teachers showed up to audition for a spot teaching in a local studio.

I was one of them.    I first prepared an hour-long class, then learned three hours prior that each applicant had 15 minutes.  Okay:  slash!  cut!  skinny down!  Reduce that hour to a concise, fast-moving, and well constructed 15 minute class!  Practice it.....practice it again! 


First up were two women who specialize in teaching pranayama and meditation.  They presented an introduction to their program, and then left the studio.

The three prospective hatha/asana teachers set up, and a group of current teachers played the role of students.    We were selected to go first, second and third at random.

The first applicant was as shiny as a new-minted penny!  Although nervous, and laughing at her miscues, she did not let the pressure overwhelm her.  She was so fun and playful, very free-spirited. Once her music came on, she visibly relaxed and brightened.     She's going to be a good teacher once she has some experience.

The second applicant adheres to a strict and fairly rigid set of postures from a specific program most of us have heard of.   Quickly-paced, flowing power vinyasa, followed, and she went a bit over time allowed.   This teacher is obviously confident in her program of choice, and was firmly but knowledgeably hands-on.  Great speaking voice and sequencing.      Would have no trouble at all teaching power yoga.

My 15 minute segment was too similar to the second segment, so I elected to have the last 15 minutes be the deeper stretches and longer holds typical of the last part of an hour-long class.    I chose to abandon my "lesson plan" for what seemed to be an appropriate end to the session, which had both advantages and disadvantages --as I was winging the middle 5 minutes!

It continues to be my experience that the yoga teaching community is supportive and encouraging.  The beauty of the practice is the variety of sizes/shapes/types/personalities/backgrounds and approaches there really are.



Namaste!