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Does this describe YOU?
If you practice yoga almost every day…if your car’s full of yoga mats, water bottles and gym bags…if you plan your social life around your yoga classes…I think it’s a safe bet that yoga’s really important to you.
In fact, you may be wondering how you can incorporate more yoga into your life, but aren’t sure how to do it.
Don’t worry, we’ve all felt this way!
Even though I had a successful career in finance, I often wished I didn’t work such long hours so I could attend more yoga classes. Eventually, I realized that my personal priorities were changing. Yoga provided me with the personal fulfillment and growth I’d been seeking, and there was no point in denying it any more!
This is when I made the decision to become a certified yoga teacher.
I still remember my first teacher training class. Even though I’d been practicing yoga for three years, I could tell that some of the other students had been practicing for a lot longer. But the biggest surprise of all was that training to become a yoga teacher actually helped me become a much better student!
After just four weeks immersed in yoga study and lifestyle, I felt stronger and healthier than ever—better than when I was a professional athlete! I was 100% prepared to teach, and that’s exactly what I’ve been doing ever since!
REWARDS FOR A LIFETIME
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I joined Sunstone Yoga's teacher training to deepen my knowledge and to share my love of yoga with others. What I found was a supportive community of like- minded individuals-- a family. What I gained was a deep understanding of myself. My mind was opened and my horizons expanded. It is truly an experience from which I will continue to discover the multitude of rewards for a lifetime.
Ashley Churchill |
Why Become A Certified Yoga Teacher?
- Inspire Students and Change Lives — Teaching yoga gives you a strong sense of purpose because you’re in the position to transform lives and share your passion for yoga. Not many jobs can say that! And it feels good. Every time you lead a class of yoga students, you’ll have a new opportunity to help others live more fulfilling, less stressful lives.
- Set your own hours — I used to work Monday to Friday, putting in 60 hours a week. I was a success at my job, but I often felt trapped by the long hours. Most yoga teachers I know only work for three or four hours per day, and the rest of the time is their own. If you’re like me, you probably have other interests that you LOVE but haven’t had time to pursue, because you’ve been spending most of your time doing a job that doesn’t fulfill you.
- Learn self-awareness while you teach —You may have heard that the best way to learn is to teach. It’s true! You’ll get back as much or more from your students as you give. They’ll look to you for direction, repaying your commitment with gratitude, enthusiasm and new perspectives.
- Live and breathe yoga — Let’s face it: living a healthy lifestyle is not easy these days. Once I started teaching yoga it gave me a renewed sense of purpose, and the energy to stay healthy and develop meaningful relationships. And in a new work environment, I found new friends and co-workers who were supportive and committed to a healthier way of living.
- Support your community —You can share your love of yoga in a truly compassionate way by volunteering your teaching skills where they’re most needed. For example, you can teach at schools, rehabilitation centers, assisted living facilities or community centers.
- Earn a Good Salary — Years ago, most yoga teachers hardly earned enough to get by. Not any more! Today, certified and skilled teachers are highly specialized employees who are paid very well for their work.
- Travel the world -- In addition to teaching at Sunstone Yoga’s Dallas studios, I’ve taught yoga in California, and as far away as Germany, Australia, Thailand and India! During my travels, I realized that yoga is a truly global community that offers a shared dialogue of understanding and tolerance.
CONFIDENCE TO TEACH
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The teacher training intensive was much more than what I had anticipated. Not only did I get a firm understanding of the physical asanas and enough guidance and confidence to teach a class, but I was also intorduced to a different side of yoga that I had not known about before. Philosophy lessons, history and traditions, cleansing techniques, and nutrition are just a few of the great subjects you learn about. Thanks to the great teachers and amazing students that I got to train with, my yoga journey is just beginning!
Meagan Coy
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Wondering which teaching course to choose?
A variety of professional teacher training programs are available, but picking a bad one can be costly in both time and money. If you’re not sure what to look for, you can find out right now for free. Just fill out the form below for instant access to our FREE report that tells you about the factors you need to consider before you select a training course.
COULDN'T BE HAPPIER!
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When I decided to do the teacher training intensive, I wanted to get deeper into my practice; I never expected the life-changing experience that I ended up getting. Besides growing stronger and more knowledgeable in my own physical practice, I learned a wide range of cutting-edge information – from exercise physiology to ancient philosophy and techniques. The friends I made along the way will be my friends for life. And when I say, "life-changing," I'm not exaggerating. Two weeks after training was over, I made the permanent move from LA to Dallas and completely changed my career and goals in life. I now teach for Sunstone Yoga full-time and am planning on opening a studio, and couldn't be happier!
Alex Newell
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Why some teachers succeed while others fail
Many of our new students have told us that they’ve already taken other teacher training courses, but after they’d graduated, they realized that they still didn’t know how to teach a yoga class.
Here’s why: Most yoga teacher training courses are made up of practicing and studying yoga. But hardly any time is spent actually teaching you how to teach others.
Therefore, the problems arise when graduates from these programs can’t find jobs because they’re simply not prepared to lead a class. They know how to perform each pose correctly, but lack the skills and confidence to share their knowledge with their students. Many end up enrolling in another training course so they’ll graduate with the confidence and know-how that’s vital for their teaching success.
SOME OF THE GREATEST KNOWLEDGE OF MY LIFE
As a lifelong athlete, I was interested in understanding what made me perform and feel good about working out.
Teacher training provided the detailed dialogue and wonderful student body to practice my incoming knowledge on. It was a very challenging experience to shift from thinking about what I was going to say next, to actually seeing what the situation was and teaching more in the moment. Three years later, my training skills are still refining and evolving. After discovering meditation towards the end of my training, my teaching (and my self) became much more grounded, and this was the true turning point for me. It happened just one week before I was to teach my first class. Before then, getting the dialogue was a tremendous challenge, but after clearing my head a little I understood how to incorporate what I was seeing in the students with what I had been taught.
Teacher training was a life-changing introduction into the deeper world of yoga. I began to see new diets, new forms of meditation, new people. I was able to change my occupation into a truly rewarding and giving career that will always be a part of any job I take on in the future.
What I've learned at Sunstone Yoga is some of the greatest knowledge of my life. All the things I had learned until then were preparing me for this monumental task of becoming a teacher. Teacher training was a beautiful stepping stone, enabling me to travel further down this path. The path of yoga is not an easy one, but with the support of fellow teachers and students, from a community that continually grows together in a healthy direction, and with a body that can (through practice) handle just about whatever I throw at it, it has become much easier than it originally might have seemed. Anything that puts me into an awkward situation shows me much about myself, as long as I am strong enough to face the situation head on.
On the path there is some darkness, but as I move through the darkness I see that there is much more light all around me than I ever knew before. I am very grateful to be a part of Sunstone Yoga, as student, franchise owner and teacher, and hope that everyone can experience even 1% of the beauty that can be found in teaching others something that you love, and being part of such a dynamic studio and practice.
Chris McGraw
Why our teacher training is different
Sunstone Yoga Teacher Training is not a “yoga camp”. It’s been researched and structured specifically to help you turn your dedication into inspiration.
Our programs have been designed by our senior teachers and teaching team—a community of Sunstone Yoga Academy graduates who teach over 640 classes a week. They remember just what it was like to teach their first class, and are committed to presenting you with information and skills that help you grow. The courses are demanding, but the rewards are huge! And best of all, the techniques you will learn are tested every day in our thriving franchise network.
In addition to our popular Intensive Course, Sunstone Yoga also offers a Weekend Course and Interactive Distance Learning. These make it easy for you to begin learning sooner without having to put your life, family or career on hold.
All three courses are conveniently divided into Tiers that do not have to be completed back-to-back to make it easier for you to get started.
Tier I: Teaching Essentials (Two Weeks): In addition to our Fire, Wood and Water yoga series, this course includes Meditation, Methodology, Verbal Technique, Subtle Energy I, Nutrition and Philosophy 1.
Tier II: Yoga Career (Two Weeks): During this 107-hour course, you’ll take many Tier I courses to a higher level. New courses include Anatomy and Physiology, Philosophy 2 and Practicum. An optional weekend workshop, The Business of Being a Yoga Teacher, is also part of Tier II.
When you successfully complete Tier I and II, you’ll earn your Sunstone Yoga 200-hour Teaching Certificate. You’ll also be ready to:
- Teach hatha yoga, which is great for most organizations
- Apply for your Yoga Alliance 200-hour certificate
- Apply to join our 500-hour Tier III program
What makes Tier III so special?
Tier III: Sunstone Foundation (Four Weeks) is offered by invitation only to our 200-hour Graduates. Designed for students who are planning to teach at Sunstone Yoga studios, your acceptance is based on a review of your application and performance in Tiers I and II.
If you accept an invitation to join, your dedication and potential will be your tuition, as there are no costs associated with Tier III. That’s right—Sunstone Yoga is so dedicated to producing quality teachers that Tier III’s four weeks of training are FREE to accepted applicants. It includes
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 Fire 90 and 60 Series |
Applied Fire Methodology |
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Wood 60 Series |
Pain-Free Yoga |
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Water Series |
Philosophy |
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Meditation |
Ethics |
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123+ Methodology |
Lifestyle |
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Verbal Technique |
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50 hours of in-studio practicum is also required.
Graduates of our 500-hour Certification Program:
- Are qualified to teach in the Sunstone Yoga studio network
- Receive a 500-hour Sunstone Yoga Teaching Certificate
- May apply for a Yoga Alliance 500-hour Certificate after completing 100 hours of additional teaching experience.
THIS WAS AWESOME!
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I decided to participate in teacher training because I was excited about the way yoga was changing my life. I began fitness yoga at Sunstone Yoga after a few classes at Bikram, and found I loved the atmosphere and teachers at Sunstone Yoga.
In the beginning I was motivated by physical gain, but eventually I experienced changes internally. The first changes were physical, like no more tendonitis pain in my wrists from years of gymnastics and cheerleading. Then, my chronic heartburn disappeared. I had been struggling with GI problems for about 2 years, even while exercising, eating well and trying to lead a "healthy" lifestyle. This was awesome!
One day I came to practice and the teacher was late. The studio owner joked that I might have to teach the class if the teacher didn't show because he had to leave and I was the most senior student there. I was so excited that when the teacher showed, I actually felt a bit disappointed. I decided to join the training program to spread the benefits of yoga to everyone I could. I participated not because of money or the need of a job change, but because I wanted people who had not experienced yoga to have the chance to feel what I felt.
During teacher training, I deepened my practice, learning a more 'spiritual' side to yoga and also sharing the experiences of everyone in training. I really enjoyed hearing and learning from Nicole's experiences. She is always a wealth of information and perspective! I enjoyed the nutrition portion of the class. I began to learn what I could and could not tolerate as I use food for energy rather than a source of comfort. This was a huge change that yoga helped me discover. I enjoyed learning the postures more in depth and what they could do for me physically.
Meagan Shoults
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What to expect as a Sunstone Yoga Academy student
All training courses begin with an orientation session. It’s a great time to meet the students and instructors, and to ask any questions about your course.
During your training course, you’ll study several of the Sunstone Yoga Series classes in-depth, including our popular Fire and Wood series. Your instructors will also show you how to lead a class—something that’s essential to your success. You’ll learn how to:
- Introduce and practice proper class and studio etiquette
- Adjust your students’ poses without embarrassment
- Make new students feel comfortable from their very first class
- Answer questions about yoga’s history and philosophy
- Provide a class atmosphere that’s nurturing, welcoming and ultimately inspiring—a sanctuary from the stresses and demands of modern life
I SIMPLY CANNOT IMAGINE MY LIFE NOW WITHOUT THIS PROGRAM!
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I had one intention when starting the teacher training program: to establish a mind-body connection (basically to go deeper within my own yoga practice). Looking back now, I have achieved this and so, so much more! The best thing that I have EVER done was to take this step and open myself up to a new realm of possibilities and self-expansion. My body is changing. My thought process is evolving. My heart is opening. I simply cannot imagine my life now without this program!
Paula Dzuck
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The Intensive Program
The program provides big rewards in exchange for a serious commitment to learning. It’s the fastest path to your 200-hour certification.
Offered four times a year, Intensive classes are held Mondays through Fridays. Each day begins at 6:30 a.m. and ends at 8:00 p.m. It’s a daily challenge you’ll grow to love! After you complete Tier I, you can go straight to Tier II or join a class later in the year.
You’ll also attend a Sunday Orientation from 2:30 – 4:00 p.m. where you’ll meet your teachers, mingle with other students and enjoy a tour of the Sunstone Yoga Training Academy.
A Day in the Life of an Intensive Program Student
Here’s an example of a typical day’s class schedule. As you progress through the Tiers, you’ll move up to new challenges and new classes.
| 6:30 a.m. |
You’ll start the day with a challenging 90-minute Fire Series taught by Sunstone Yoga Academy’s Teaching Faculty |
| 8:00 a.m. |
Time for a morning break and shower before the next class! |
| 9:00 a.m. |
Learn how to lead others confidently during Methodology class. |
| 11:00 a.m. |
Perfect the art of Pain-Free YogaTM with a core-strengthening Wood Series class. |
| 12:00 p.m. |
Enjoy a light, healthy lunch before your afternoon classes begin. |
| 1:00 p.m. |
Classes in Nutrition, Anatomy and Philosophy help you transition from student to teacher. |
| 3:15 p.m. |
During Meditation sessions you’ll take time to learn about different techniques and practice applying techniques during dedicated “meditation” time. |
| 4:15 p.m. |
This session may consist of a Philosophy or Ethics class, or applying Methodology techniques. |
| 6:30 p.m. |
End your day with a Fire or Water Series class —or celebrate Friday with an early 6:00 departure! |
I DIDN'T WANT IT TO END
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I started teacher training on the weekends and was lucky enough to enter the intensive program. The days were long and lots of hard work but the experience is one I'll never forget. I grew mentally and physically and met people that I know will be life-long friends. I learned so much and continue to grow in my practice as the information sinks in. At the time I counted the days, eagerly awaiting my certificate- but once training was over I didn't want it to end.
Julie Cassol
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The Weekend Program
Not ready to leave your current job? Prefer to learn at a slower pace? Sunstone Yoga’s Weekend Program provides the same training as our Intensive Program and is ideal for students who live in the DFW area.
Here’s how it works:
- You’ll attend Tier I (five weekends) and Tier II (five weekends) for 2 1/2 months of classes.
- If invited, you’ll attend Tier III (10 weekends), with a free weekend after each five weekends of training.
- A total of six months’ training is required to complete all three Tiers.
- In addition to weekend classes, you’re required to commit to an average of four hours of yoga classes on the weekdays during the training period.
- Weekend training is held Saturdays and Sundays from 8:30a.m to 6:15 p.m.
- Orientation is held on the first Saturday of each Tier I training period, from 7:00 to 8:30 a.m.
- You’ll be teamed up with a personal coach from our training faculty who will assist and guide you through a step-by-step implementation plan for the course.
- New weekend training programs begin every few weeks, so you won’t have to wait long to get started!
A Day in the Life of a Weekend Program Student
Here’s an example of a typical day’s class schedule. As you progress through the Tiers, you’ll move up to new challenges and new classes.
| 8:30 a.m. |
Begin your weekend with a teaching Methodology class. |
| 10:30 a.m. |
Continue to build a solid teaching foundation with a Fire 90 Series class. |
| 12:00 p.m. |
Prepare for your afternoon classes with a healthy, light lunch break. |
| 1:00 p.m. |
Expand your knowledge during classes in Anatomy and Physiology. |
| 3:15 p.m. |
Improve your learning and relaxation skills with a group Meditation session. |
| 4:15 p.m. |
Learn how to apply and relate both modern and traditional (historical) values of a yoga practice during Philosophy class. |
Interactive Distance Learning
If you live too far away to attend class at our Academy, relax! Sunstone Yoga offers innovative Interactive Distance Learning that brings the Weekend Program to YOU. To participate, you’ll watch webcasts, chat live online, and participate in teleconferences as the Weekend Program courses are held.
Interactive Distance Learning follows the same schedule as our Weekend Program. Just like the weekend students, you will be assigned a coach and you must follow a regular yoga practice averaging four hours each week during your course.
NOTE: DUE TO THE WAY YOGA ALLIANCE DEFINES ‘CONTACT HOURS’, INTERACTIVE DISTANCE LEARNING DOES NOT QUALIFY FOR YOGA ALLIANCE REGISTRATION.
Why Interactive Distance Learning could be your ideal choice
Recently I caught up with one of our Interactive Distance Learning graduates. Here’s why this course worked so well for her—and why it can work for you, too!
| Q. |
Why did you choose Sunstone Yoga’s Interactive Distance Learning option? |
| A. |
I chose the Sunstone Yoga Interactive Distance Learning option after looking around at several other online “schools.” I didn’t have the time or budget to fly back and forth between my home and the Sunstone Yoga Academy for the six months of the Weekend Program. And I couldn’t take time off from work to enroll in the Intensive Program. Talking with Sunstone Yoga staff and looking at the website made choosing Sunstone Yoga a real no-brainer! |
| Q. |
Why didn’t you choose another yoga training program near your home instead? |
| A. |
There are several courses available nearby, but it was obvious to me that they would not be as good. Sunstone Yoga has its own Academy and needs to train good teachers for its franchise network. Also, I chose this one because I could take a training break between Tiers if I wanted. |
| Q. |
What were the biggest benefits provided by Interactive Distance Learning? |
| A. |
There were several important advantages! I didn’t have to worry about travel or hotel expenses, I didn’t need to quit my job, and I didn’t have to be separated from my family for days or weeks at a time. |
| Q. |
How has Interactive Distance Learning changed things for you? |
| A. |
I’m not going to lie—Interactive required me to set aside my weekends solely for yoga. As a result, I’ve become more disciplined in study and practice so I could achieve the certification and results I wanted. I can understand why the course needs to be run on an 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. schedule on weekends—it’s the only way Sunstone Yoga can offer the amount and quality of instruction to its students. At first, the time away from family and friends...and being stuck in front of the computer...seemed a little daunting. But as the course progressed, time has flown by and I’ve really enjoyed learning new things and brushing up on other concepts that we can forget over time. |
Not sure if you’re ready to teach?
Becoming a yoga teacher takes commitment and dedication. It’s not about being the most flexible person in the room—it’s about your willingness to learn, and your desire to make a meaningful contribution to others’ lives.
SURROUNDED BY A SUPPORTIVE STAFF
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The teacher training program at Sunstone Yoga provided me with a well-rounded, diverse and flexible learning experience into the world of yoga. For me, the training program quickly evolved from a simple certification process into a deeper understanding of myself, my body, my goals, and my lifestyle. Surrounded by a supportive staff, in a challenging yet encouraging environment, I found a beautiful learning experience that prepared me for the challenges of teaching as well as challenges in other aspects of my life. I found the experience invaluable and I would recommend Sunstone Yoga's teacher training program to anyone interested in deepening their practice and finding a new life path in a nurturing environment.
Jenny Childress
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Meet your teachers
A great training program is made up of a great team. Many yoga courses are led by only one or two instructors, but Sunstone Yoga’s teaching courses are led by a robust and diverse team of 15 talented instructors.
Each one contributes his or her unique skills, background, support and thousands of hours of teaching experience to your development into a yoga teacher. Our teacher trainers don’t just lead your classes—you’ll also be assigned to a teacher who will also act as your personal coach.
The Sunstone Yoga Academy
The Sunstone Yoga Academy is fully dedicated to teacher training and committed to providing the world the best yoga teachers. It’s located in Addison, Texas near the intersection of Belt Line and Midway Roads, making it an easy commute for students in the DFW area.
The Academy is a state-of-the-art facility, offering:
- Over 8,000 square feet of classroom and studio space.
- Two spacious, 2,000 sq. ft. yoga studios. Both feature, automated HVAC systems that maintain each Series’ correct combination of heat and humidity.
- Convenient kitchen areas with refrigerators and microwave ovens. Bring your favorite lunch dishes, snacks and drinks with you.
- Men’s and women’s shower and locker rooms.
- A library of yoga-related books and materials.
Special hotel rates for out-of-town students
Sunstone has arranged affordable rates at two hotels near the Academy. Both offer free Wi-Fi and shuttle service. The closest one is just 100 steps away! Click here for details.
So why is teaching yoga so great?
Well, let’s put it this way: if you spend all day sharing what you love with others, it’s pretty hard not to be happy! You’ll have the freedom to escape the 9-5 grind—it’s up to you! Teaching yoga empowers you to grow and expand your own yoga practice while working in a positive, healthy environment.
To date, I’ve taught thousands of classes in five different countries, and now I am sharing my love of yoga through the Sunstone Yoga Franchise Network and Yoga Teacher Training Programs. What an amazing journey it’s been since I took the plunge and became a yoga teacher!
Take the next step!
The practice of yoga is a lifelong journey of personal growth and self-discovery. Along the way you develop self-awareness, rewarding relationships and personal fulfillment. I understand that the first step can be a bit daunting—that’s why the entire Sunstone Yoga community is committed to providing you with the support you need from Day One.
Life is short, and sometimes you have to ask yourself, ‘If not now—then when?’. Becoming yoga teacher has changed my life, I know it will change your life, and together we can share the gift of yoga with the global community.
Call Sunstone Yoga’s Training Coordinator, Rob Thomas, at 214-764-2119 x3 to enroll.
Congratulations on your decision to become a yoga teacher! I look forward to personally welcoming you to our community.
Sincerely,
Brandon Hartsell
CEO
Sunstone Yoga
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To Do
Sunstone Yoga and the Yoga Alliance
| Sunstone Yoga’s Intensive and Weekend Training programs are both registered with the Yoga Alliance, a non-profit organization that maintains a registry of yoga schools that comply with its standards. |
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Unlike many other programs that only qualify for the Yoga Alliance’s 200-hour certification, Sunstone Yoga Teacher Training qualifies for the 200-Hour and 500-Hour Certifications.
For more information about the Yoga Alliance, click here. |
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Tuition
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Tier I Tuition: $1500 up to one calendar month prior to start-date for early enrollment; $1900 for regular enrollment.
Tier II Tuition: $1500 up to one calendar month prior to start-date for early enrollment; $1900 for regular enrollment.
Tier III: Tuition: No tuition fees for accepted applicants.
All major credit cards accepted.
Please note: tuition fees are non-refundable.
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Training Schedule
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INTENSIVE FORMAT
| Winter |
Tier I |
1/10/10 |
| Tier II |
1/25/10 |
| Tier III |
2/8/10 |
| Spring |
Tier I |
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| Tier II |
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| Tier III |
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| Summer |
Tier I |
6/13/10 |
| Tier II |
6/28/10 |
| Tier III |
7/12/10 |
| Fall |
Tier I |
9/19/10 |
| Tier II |
10/4/10 |
| Tier III |
10/18/10 |
WEEKEND FORMAT
| Group D |
Tier I |
1/9/10 |
| Tier II |
2/20/10 |
| Tier III |
4/10/10 |
| Group C |
Tier I |
4/10/10 |
| Tier II |
5/22/10 |
| Tier III |
7/10/10 |
| Group B |
Tier I |
7/10/10 |
| Tier II |
8/21/10 |
| Tier III |
10/2/10 |
| Group A |
Tier I |
10/2/10 |
| Tier II |
11/13/10 |
| Tier III |
1/8/11 |
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Workshops and Jump Start Program
Our Workshop and Jump Start Programs are a great way to preview our Teacher Training Program. The schedules are below and you can find out more here.
Weekend Workshops
The same Continuing Education that Sunstone Yoga teachers take every year is open to students! Workshops are a great opportunity to lear side-by-side with your Sunstone Yoga teachers. Workshops are open to students wanting to deepen their practice and understanding of each of the series taught at Sunstone Yoga.
Workshops are held throughout the year at our Addison training facility on Saturday and Sunday from 8:30am - 5:30pm.
Calendar
 | |  | | 01/14/11 - 01/16/11
03/18/11 - 03/20/11
06/10/11 - 06/12/11
08/19/11 - 08/21/11
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02/25/11 - 02/27/11
04/29/11 - 05/01/11
07/29/11 - 07/31/11
|  | |  | | 05/20/11 - 05/22/11
10/21/11 - 10/23/11
| | 02/04/11 - 02/06/11
04/08/11 - 04/10/11
09/09/11 - 09/11/11
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Jump Start Calendar
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SESSION |
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START |
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FINISH |
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Winter |
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1/11/11 |
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1/15/10 |
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Spring |
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4/5/11 |
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4/9/11 |
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Summer |
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6/21/10 |
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6/25/10 |
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Fall |
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9/20/11 |
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9/24/11 |
Photos courtesy Britt Bailey
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