Stick people sequencing

Name of contributor: Jenny-May While

Sections: 4.2, 4.3

This exercise encourages trainees to find the fun in Vinyasa (sequencing) and to build confidence in their own creativity. It also gets them thinking about different approaches to structuring a class or practice.

Make a simple ‘stick person’ sketch of each pose in the syllabus on separate pieces of paper (you don’t need to be a great artist to do this!) You may wish to colour code the ‘families’ of poses. You now have a ‘pack’ of asanas. Use these to play with sequencing, putting them in different orders. 

Think about some of the great sequences you’ve been taught. You could recreate them or adapt them.

Try creating a sequence along each of the following approaches:
1) The class builds towards an ‘apex’ pose (choose a pose that’s the focal point and work towards it)
2) The class is built around a ‘thread of action’ (a particular action that keeps reoccurring in multiple poses throughout the sequence)
3) The class is built around a pose that keeps repeating (how is it informed by the poses that surround it?)

Now try adapting your sequences for different levels of ability, common health conditions or situations (e.g. hot weather, cold morning etc).

Practice some of the sequences you’ve created. What would you change?