The Art of Sequencing Module 2: The Fundamental Formula

Welcome to Module 2 of The Art of Sequencing Workshop!   

This Module builds on the first two principles addressed in Module 1, adding the final principle of the Fundamental Formula, the 7 Elements of Opening. In this Module 2, Master Sequencer Melody White will also share how to categorize postures for purposes of anatomical and energetic alignment, and the important role of balance and symmetry in the practice.

You’ll develop a greater understanding of the postures that make up dynamic sequences and learn how to categorize those postures into one of two categories that allow you to easily place them into any format in a manner that supports the subtle body and creates a more optimal feel to the practice.

The focus in this module is on placing basic standing open hip and squared hip postures, and their associated standing balances, into linear sequences from both the top of the mat and the back of the mat, as well as working with complementary floorwork. 

 

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Before you begin watching the videos in this workshop module, please download the Module 2 Workshop Handout.

module2_handout

 

 

 

PART 1: 7 Elements of Opening

All classes begin with the understanding that the spine must be warmed up first and can be taken from varying points of orientation. Once you've attended the spine, the next step is to address the 7 elements of opening.

The 7 Elements of Opening - A

module_2_7_elements_opening_A

Duration: Approximately 8 minutes

The 7 Elements of Opening - B

module_2_7_elements_opening_B

To further demonstrate the concepts introduced in the previous video.

Duration: Approximately 25 minutes

The Fundamental Formula

View The Fundamental Formula video below and follow along in the handout to understand the 3 principles that govern the format for creating dynamic classes and/or sequences.

The Fundamental Formula

module2_fundamental_formula

Duration: Approximately 31 minutes

PART 2: Categorizing Postures & Understanding Open & Squared Hip Poses

Now that we have a working knowledge of all 3 principles that make up the Fundamental Formula, the next step is to break down postures into 2 categories. These categories are open hip and squared hip. Placing them into these categories allows one to work with postures that are aligned anatomically and energetically and supplies the base from which we create mini sequences that are then used to create all types of classes and all formats of rotation on the mat. In this workshop, we will be focusing solely on linear format. Modules 3 through 7 will take these same categories and utilize them in mandala patterns.

Categorizing Postures & Understanding Open & Squared Hip Poses

module_2_categorizing_postures

Duration: Approximately 52 minutes

PART 3: Balance & Symmetry - Our Entry into Sequencing

With an understanding of Open Hip and Squared Hip postures, we are now ready to begin the dynamics of sequencing. To address both the anatomical and energetic aspects of sequencing, we will begin this journey with breaking down what is symmetry and what is balance in relation to the asanas and the overall practice. 

Understanding Balance & Symmetry

module_2_balance_symmetry

Duration: Approximately 43 minutes

PART 4: Mini Sequences for Squared Hip Postures

By watching the videos in this section, you'll be learning to place basic standing Squared Hip Postures in a Linear Sequence from both the top of the mat and the back of the mat. The videos will be working either from the top of the mat or the back of the mat to share this concept.  As an additional resource, your Module 2 handout includes a comprehensive series of written mini sequences that contain multiple versions of this concept, allowing you to carry them to your mat to work with and practice at your own pace. These written mini sequences also provide a powerful source to use later to create full classes.  

Note: There are more written sequences than videos so that you have a larger and more permanent resource from which to create your own classes.

Squared Hip Mini Sequence A from Down Dog

squared_hip_mini_sequence_A

Duration: Approximately 5 minutes

Squared Hip Mini Sequence B from Down Dog

squared_hip_mini_sequence_B

Duration: Approximately 3 minutes

Squared Hip Mini Sequence C from Down Dog

squared_hip_mini_sequence_C

Duration: Approximately 4 minutes

Combination of Squared Hip Mini Sequences A & B

combination_squared_hip_A_B

Duration: Approximately 9 minutes

Combination of Squared Hip Mini Sequences B & C

combination_squared_hip_B_C

Duration: Approximately 19 minutes

Practice these Concepts

Experience and gain a feel for these new understandings by practicing with Active Beginner Series Classes 1 and 2.

Active Beginners #1

active_beginners_1

Addresses Hip Flexion, Hip Extension and Hamstring Lengthening; includes squared hip poses of Warrior 1, Splits Prep, and Pyramid Pose, followed by standing Big Toe Posture; complementary floorwork is Seated Staff and Seated Forward Fold, followed by Leg Up the Wall Pose and Savasana in Restorative Child's Pose.

Duration: Approximately 54 minutes

Active Beginner Series #2

active_beginner_2

Addresses Hip Flexion, Hip Extension, Shoulder Opening and Back Extension; includes squared hip poses of Crescent Lunge, Modified Crescent Lunge, Standing Splits, followed by Dancer Pose; complementary floorwork consists of Reclined Supported Virasana with an option to deepen, then Bridge Pose, Reclined Twists with sandbags, closing with Savasana in Restorative Child's Pose.

Duration: Approximately 1 hour

PART 5: Mini Sequences for Open Hip Postures

By watching the videos in this section, you'll be learning to place basic standing Open Hip Postures in a Linear Sequence from both the top of the mat and the back of the mat. The videos will be working either from the top of the mat or the back of the mat to share the concept we are currently working on.  As an additional resource, your Module 2 handout includes a comprehensive series of written mini sequences that contain multiple versions of this concept, allowing you to carry them to your mat to work with and practice at your own pace. These written mini sequences also provide a powerful source to use later to create full classes.  

Note: There are more written sequences than videos so that you have a larger and more permanent resource from which to create your own classes.
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