The following mantra from the Kena Upanishad is traditionally chanted by teacher and student. I have an abundance of reverence for the students who come to my classes – I learn from them everyday! Below are some of the kind words they have said about my teaching. If you would like to add to this page, please feel free to contact me!
ॐ सह नाववतु | सह नौ भुनक्तु | सह वीर्यं करवावहै | तेजस्विनावधीतमस्तु मा विद्विषावहै॥ ॐ शान्तिः शान्तिः शान्तिः॥
Om saha nāvavatu | saha nau bhunaktu | saha vīryaṃ karavāvahai | tejasvi nāvadhītamastu |
mā vidviṣāvahai | Om śāntiḥ śāntiḥ śāntiḥ ||
Accept us both together. Protect us both together. May our knowledge and strength increase. May we not resent one another.
“I began attending April’s yoga classes about a year ago, and right from the beginning, she remembered my name, what poses I was working on, and even took time after class to give me pointers on them. In open level classes with wide ranges of experience, April is very skilled at pushing advanced students while giving new students foundational practice at the same time – always offering multiple options, and building from the basics. When I traveled for a summer, she wrote me a daily sequence to practice while away. My practice has grown with her attention, precision, and the amount of love she puts into each class.”
Yana, Brooklyn, NY
“The first time I met April she was assisting an Inversions Workshop I was taking and I was impressed by her level of interest in helping me improve my practice. She suggested I try Aerial Yoga, and I have been going to her classes ever since. It is rare to find a teacher who can pay attention to an individual’s needs while leading a whole class. April does this with grace. She is clear and thoughtful at the same time, providing the perfect balance of instruction and space to learn about the self. More than anything, she is intuitive with people and applies this ability to her teaching. If I have a question, her answers not only encompass her knowledge of yoga and technique, but her understanding of who I am as an individual. This is a rare gift from a teacher, and I am truly grateful to have April’s classes to look forward to each week.”
Samantha, Long Island, NY
“I encourage you to take it back to the beginnings of your own practice and experience April’s four-week basics curriculum at Jivamukti. Be sure to take advantage of the opportunities she gives to ask questions. During a lesson on standing poses, I recall April’s pencil-equipped demonstration of how you can feel the raising of the arches of your feet. From someone who only intended to take one class, and then wound up completing the whole set it was well worth it.”
Matthew, Jersey City, NJ
“I am so lucky to have crossed paths with April. She really has a gift for teaching yoga, whether it be her creative sequences, meaningful adjustments, or knowledge of yogic philosophy. Her classes are challenging and suitable for all levels of yogis, but most of all, they are fun! I always leave feeling inspired and relaxed.”
Katie, Brooklyn, NY
april dechagas 