David Swenson
26-28/02
“Practice, and all is coming.”
It is a true joy and honor for me to welcome David Swenson to Vienna.
David is one of my teachers and someone I deeply admire - not only for his knowledge, but for the integrity, humility, and humanity he brings to the practice. As part of the early generation who helped bring yoga to the Western world, his teaching carries both depth and authenticity.
David Swenson shares his deep knowledge about Ashtanga in an approachable, joyful, and grounded way - creating a learning environment that is both inspiring and accessible to practitioners of all levels.
A Detailed Tour of Ashtanga
Flowing, Flying, Breathing, and Looking Within
26–28 February 2026
A three-day immersion into the principles of Ashtanga Yoga - movement, breath, transitions, and inner awareness - led by David Swenson.
Friday 26th
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Exploring the FUNdamentals
18:00-20:00
This class is an introduction to Ashtanga Yoga open to all levels of experience or lack there of. The building blocks of Ashtanga Yoga will be explored through what David refers to as The Five Elements of Practice; Breath, Bandhas, Drishti, Asana and Vinyasa. After the short discussion David will conduct an introductory flow through an abbreviated sequence from the First Series. This is a great way to gain a taste of Ashtanga under the guidance of one of the world’s most renowned and compassionate instructors.
If you are curious to know more about this dynamic and flowing system then come and join David for a fun, flowing, user-friendly adventure into the basics of Ashtanga Yoga.
*Cautionary Note:You might actually enjoy it
Saturday 27th
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Dancing with the Breath in a First Series Flow
09:00-11:00
This class is designed for those already familiar with the First Series of Ashtanga Yoga yet it is open to all levels of proficiency from the daily-practicing aficionados to the novice fit-it-in-when-I-can weekend warriors and everyone in between. The class will be conducted like a choreographed dance flowing along all of the way from the opening sun salutations to the closing savasana. David will spend time at the beginning of class to introduce alternatives to some of the more challenging asanas as well as offer user-friendly vinyasa options. There will be time at the end of the flow to enjoy a soothing, deep relaxation.
Required Items: Mat and Breath
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A Fun-filled exploration of Vinyasa and Arm-balances
12:30-15:00
One of the greatest challenges of the Ashtanga flow is the vinyasa. In this class David will break the vinyasa down into its components. He likes to refer to this as: “The Physics of Flight”. The class will also explore the elements of handstands and arm-balances.
This will all be done through the avenue of partner work. There is always plenty of laughter and fun as well as a depth of information in this class. All levels may attend even if you have never done a handstand before. Alternatives are always given.
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Exploring the Mantra of Ujjayi and the Mystical Energy of Bandhas
15:30-17:00
In Sanskrit, Man means Mind and Tra means to Free or Deliver. Therefore the word Mantra means to Free the Mind. There are many mantras in yoga such as Om, Hare Krishna, Om Namo Shivaya and a plethora of others. In Ashtanga Yoga the mantra is the sound of our breath: Ujjayi. There is no other sound more universal than breath. It is not tied to language or culture and is “chanted” from the first moment of birth. This class will focus on the mantra of ujjayi within asana practice as well as during pranayama. In addition to breath work the class will also explore the invisible world of Bandhas. We well attempt to gain greater understanding of these subtle yet powerful tools through interactive discussion as well as a series of practical exercises.
Sunday 28th
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An Introduction to the Intermediate Series of Ashtanga Yoga
09:00-11:00
Students should have a regular practice of the First Series in order to attend this class. There will be an introductory discussion of the dynamics inherent to the Second Series. David will then lead the class through a portion of First Series acting as a springboard into as much of the Second Series as seems appropriate. There will be a variety of options given for each posture in order to allow multiple approaches.
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Finding Stability When the World is Inverted and Returning Home to Breath
12:30 - 15:00
This class will turn your world upside/down in order to explore the dynamics of inverting the body through building a solid foundation from which to grow while also looking at the opposing forces at play in Inversions. Backbends will be redefined as front openings and sitting quietly will be explored as an active participation in self-exploration through developing a relationship with our lifelong companion, breath.
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How does this practice apply within the context of daily living?
15:30 - 17:00
Underlying the mysterious and complex philosophy of Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras there is a truly profound simplicity that may be applied within the context of our daily lives. This class will discuss the Eight Limbs of Ashtanga Yoga and explore their applications within our day-to-day life. What is the use of Philosophy without real application? We may memorize quotations or stanzas from great writings but unless we can apply them within our life they are merely words spoken rather than knowledge realized.
Weekend Pass
Limited Spots
Early Bird until 31/01/2026
310 €
Regular price
350€
Not available for the full weekend?
A limited number of Day Passes and Single Classes will be available.
FULLY BOOKED
About David
David began practicing yoga in 1969 at the age of 13, first guided by his older brother Doug. His introduction to Ashtanga Yoga followed in 1973 after meeting David Williams and Nancy Gilgoff in Encinitas, California. In 1975, he witnessed the first visit of K. Pattabhi Jois to the United States, marking the beginning of his direct studies within the tradition.
David travelled to Mysore for the first time in 1977, where he learned the complete Ashtanga Yoga system as it was originally taught by K. Pattabhi Jois. Today, David Swenson is regarded as one of the world’s foremost practitioners and teachers of Ashtanga Yoga. His workshops are taught in a supportive and compassionate manner, making them accessible to practitioners of all levels.
