“Yoga must not be practised to control the body: it is the opposite, it must bring freedom to the body, all the freedom it needs.”
– Vanda Scaravelli
Scaravelli-Inspired Yoga: Subtle Practice, Lasting Change
We have a new series of evening classes starting on Thursday, July 24th with Catherine Annis, navigating how Scaravelli-inspired yoga approaches the feet, back, hips and fascia. Each class will invite you to explore the subtle power and surprising strength of movement, breath, and gravity – the core principles of a Scaravelli-inspired yoga practice.
While some might already know a bit about Vanda Scaravelli and her influence on contemporary Yoga practice, we thought it would be a good opportunity to delve a bit deeper into understanding her approach.
Intro
Scaravelli-inspired yoga is an approach that helps you rediscover how to move with more freedom, strength, and awareness. Based on the teachings of Vanda Scaravelli, who came to yoga in her late 40s, the emphasis is on working in tune with your body, guided by the spine and the support of gravity. This way of practising goes beyond simply achieving a particular shape or form. It’s about retraining your nervous system and building a deep, resilient kind of strength, often in ways that are quietly powerful and unexpected.
Whether you’re new to yoga or have plenty of experience, this approach can bring fresh depth to how you move and feel every day.
3 WAYS IT’S DIFFERENT
1. Tune Into the Breath and Gravity
We usually begin by gently tuning into the breath and noticing how gravity influences our bodies. The focus isn’t on following a fixed routine, but on exploring how movements develop from our own breath and sensations. There’s space to pause, listen inwardly, and make small adjustments—letting your practice feel truly personal and supportive, every time.
2. Focus on the Spine
Everything starts from the spine. Through mindful, often simple movements, you learn how to create length, space, and support along your spine, which naturally spreads out into the rest of your body. This approach goes deep—helping you to find strength and stability that lasts, without forcing or pushing.
3. Every Class is Different
No two Scaravelli-inspired classes are exactly alike. Teachers encourage experimentation and exploration, giving you space to respond to what your body needs that day. You may use props or explore different forms and movements, but the goal is always to help you discover fresh ways to improve your steadiness, balance, and focus.
If you’re looking for yoga that’s practical, strong, and rooted in real body awareness, the Scaravelli-inspired approach offers a powerful way to move, breathe, and retrain your system—helping you feel at home in your body, inside and out.
Join Catherine for these Scaravelli inspired community yoga classes, free for all members:
Yoga for Healthy Feet – July 24th, 7 – 7.45pm BST
Start from the ground up. Strengthen and mobilise your feet to improve your balance and posture and stay mobile and flexible throughout your body. Supports pelvic floor and lower back health.
Fascial Release for Ease and Fluidity – July 31st, 7 – 7.45pm BST
Release stiff tissues, reduce aches, and improve overall mobility. Gentle, targeted movements help restore natural glide, supporting circulation, joint health, and full-body functional movement.
Yoga for Strong, Mobile Hips – August 7th, 7 – 7.45pm BST
Build resilient, flexible hips to enhance stability, prevent injury, and support graceful movement. Targeted yoga movements build functional strength, ease tension, and encourage healthy alignment for whole-body vitality.
Relief for Lower Backs – August 14th, 7 – 7.45pm BST
Ease lower back tension, soothe discomfort, and promote resilience through mindful movement. Restore balanced posture and comfort with gentle yoga designed to support and nourish your spine.
Written by Catherine Annis
Catherine teaches regular weekly classes in London and leads retreats at various locations in India and Europe. She created the first Scaravelli inspired immersion course, which is now held annually in Sussex, and is regularly invited to teach workshops throughout the UK, and internationally.
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