2011-06-09T20:20:00.000-07:00

Join the Singers Yoga group on Facebook!

Visit Chilliwack Community Arts Council to register for Singers Yoga! Reisa is also teaching oral storytelling workshops for CCAC. Details on their website. See you there!

Q: What will we do in class?

A: Simple movement, visualization and sound. We'll do toning. This means singing vowels that correspond to the body's energy centres (chakras). There is a correlation between the chakras and the singing vowels: Ay, Eeee, Ah, Oh, Ooh and Eh. Sometimes a group ends up in an improvised chant. You will fall in love with your voice through group synergy.

One of the consistent breakthroughs in these groups, is that someone will say, "Oh, that sounds beautiful," believing they are hearing others in the group. Then comes the sudden realization, "That beautiful voice is mine."

Sometimes it takes being surrounded by others' beauty in order to see our own.

Practicing Sacred Sound techniques will enhance your singing and speaking voice. With practice, persistence and patience, you'll eventually find depth and self trust you've always dreamed of.

For more information, please email: singersyoga (at) gmail.com. Private voice lessons are also available. These take place in your home.

Q: I've wanted to try something like this, but am not young, fit or thin. I've never stepped into that LL place. May I participate without embarrassment?

A: Yes! Your instructor is middle aged with a large body. She has practiced these techniques for many years to not only maintain her voice and stage presence, but to send healing energy to a twice-fractured spine with degenerative disk disease and osteoarthritis. There will be no wild postures. And you may wear anything from sweats and a big T-shirt to your wickedest '70's spandex. Just no platforms :-D

"Movement" means:

* Stretching your arms upwards
* Walking in large circles and in random patterns
* Swinging your arms
* Bending your knees
* Letting your upper body drop forward
* Using the power of breath and sound to help your ribs and spine stretch. Sometimes these stretches are small, sometimes they're medium to large. If it hurts, STOP.

Q: Can this practice help me with stage fright? I do public speaking at work and am very nervous.

A: Variations of this practice have been used by performers for many years to alleviate stage fright. This practice will help you feel relaxed, centred and powerful.

To get on the mailing list for all Singers Yoga events,
please email: singersyoga (at) gmail.com

Q: Is this an ancient practice? Is it a cult?

A: Cult schmalt, we're going to breathe, stretch and make some noise.

As for origins: Singers Yoga is a name Reisa fell in love with, and is using to describe a movement/vocal discipline used in acting and voice programs world wide. It has elements from FitzMaurice, Alexander, Feldenkrais, Method acting, Tai Chi, Chi Gong, martial arts, modern dance, energy healing, Hatha yoga and Comedy Central. Reisa has added her own knowledge of voice work to the mix, as all artists and educators do.

The practice is broken down into approximately 5 minute movement "sets," which we then link together. There is a visualization component, and a brief, silent meditation. Then we move into more structured, long tones. This occasionally turns into vocal improv, again accompanied by simple movement. We go slowly, with brief check-ins as to how participants are faring physically. You will be encouraged but never forced to do a movement, and may take a break when you need to.

If you're a yogi or yogini, one thing you'll find different is that we breathe only through our mouths during practice. This is how singers breathe, eventually achieving "circular breathing"---where one can inhale while exhaling on a note. It takes a little getting used to. If you've heard professional singers who sound seamless, this is something they have mastered.

You can find pics and descriptions of basic postures in Kristin Linklater's voice training classic, Freeing the Natural Voice. Amazon.com has it, as does the UBC library.

Reisa apprenticed in the movement portion of this practice for three years with beloved singer and teacher Ralph Cole, baritone with the Chicago Lyric Opera and bass with The Nylons. She has been practicing since 1989. Ralph turned his voice class over to Reisa when he was in AIDs crisis, continuing to teach her from his hospital bed and home. He expressed the belief that Reisa's voice called him back from death in Intensive Care, because his work here was not done. Ralph passed away in the setting of his choice, after a Sioux Sun Dance in Manitoba. He continues to spiritually guide Reisa's work in this discipline; she honours him as an adopted ancestor. Reisa comes from a long line of Ukrainian and Jewish singers, some of whom endured slavery in Europe by singing through the brutally crushing work day. Her family was not freed until 1986.

Q: I'm in counselling/therapy/recovery. Will these classes be useful?

A: This practice will enhance self awareness and well being. The classes are not group therapy. For the safety and confidentiality of everyone, we will not discuss personal issues.

Profound breathing and movement along with toning can trigger buried feelings: joy, sadness, anger, etc. Some intense feelings will be dispersed through sound and chakra clearing. If uncomfortable feelings continue, it's a good idea to speak to your counsellor. This practice is not a substitute for medical care.

Reisa is an artist, so encourages making art to express feelings: sing, dance, paint, write a song about what's happening.

Q: May I book a private singing lesson with you?

A: Yes! Lessons are available in the privacy of your home. Areas for private lessons: Metro Vancouver, Burnaby and North Vancouver. What is necessary: a piano keyboard, a space at least 10' X 12", and a 100% smoke-free environment. Sorry, smokers are not accepted as students.

Reisa will travel farther for group workshops.

To get on the mailing list for all Singers Yoga events, please
email: singersyoga (at) gmail.com
Your info will never be loaned or sold.

Email this page to a friend by clicking on the envelope icon below.

Singers Yoga FAQs