Mysore Style Ashtanga in Dubai: What to Expect

Mysore-style is the traditional way Ashtanga yoga is taught. Each student practises the same sequence at their own pace, with breath leading every movement, while the teacher gives individual guidance. If you have only tried led classes, the first Mysore session can feel unusual. This guide explains how it works at Ashtanga Yoga Dubai, and how to enquire.

Ready to try it? Request a place, or see the Dubai Mysore pop-up.

What "Mysore-style" means

The name comes from Mysore, India, where Ashtanga was taught this way. In Mysore-style practice there is no teacher counting every pose for the whole group. That counted practice is the led class. Mysore-style works like this:

Everyone follows the same sequence, but each person is at a different point in it.
You move at the pace of your own breath. Slow, even breathing through the nose sets the rhythm, not a group count.
The teacher works with each student, giving the next pose when the last one is steady, and helping with breath, posture and pacing.
The sequence is learned gradually. Beginners usually practise only part of the series at first and add poses as they become steady.

It is self-practice with support. Over time you remember the sequence, which lets you focus on breath, gaze (drishti) and steadiness rather than on following a count.

The series you will practise

Ashtanga is built on fixed sequences. Practice here covers the first two:

Primary Series (Yoga Chikitsa) — sun salutations, standing poses, seated poses and a closing sequence. Browse it pose by pose on the Primary Series page.
Intermediate Series (Nadi Shodhana) — added after Primary, only when practice and body are ready. As the FAQ puts it, Intermediate is never rushed. See the poses on the Intermediate Series page.

Each practice begins with Surya Namaskara A and Surya Namaskara B, and closes with the finishing sequence, followed by rest. The full overview is on the Asana page.

How practice is organised in Dubai

Practice already runs in Dubai as pop-up classes, private sessions (Dubai and online by arrangement), and Mysore-style practice in the Primary and Intermediate series, alongside a shala in the future (see the Shala page). The Sessions page sets out how the formats differ.

Private Mysore-style sessions

Private sessions are ongoing one-to-one Mysore-style guidance in Primary and Intermediate, in Dubai or online, by arrangement. The place for an in-person session is agreed when you book. They suit:

beginners laying foundations;
students refining the series they already know;
anyone who wants close attention to breath, posture and pacing.

If you are new to Ashtanga, private sessions are the place to start. The price is shared on request. Online, practical details such as the video platform, session length and available times are agreed when you enquire. How that format works is set out in online Ashtanga private sessions.

The Dubai Mysore pop-up

The Dubai Mysore pop-up is a shared Mysore-style room for Primary and Intermediate. Dates are announced once the room is confirmed, and the venue is shared at the same time. Details go to the waitlist before anywhere else. Drop-in and series options are shared on enquiry.

Dubai pop-up classes are from AED 100 per class and from AED 900 / month (incl. VAT). These from-prices are for the Dubai pop-up, whether you drop in for a single class or practise across the month. The final price is confirmed at booking.

Pop-up rooms suit students with some Ashtanga foundation, or a willingness to learn patiently. How the shared room works, from the waitlist to a first morning, is in the Dubai Mysore pop-up guide.

Current listings are on the Dates page.

Your first Mysore session: what to expect

These points follow how Mysore-style practice is described on this site.

Your own pace, not a group count. You move with your own breath. You do not wait for a teacher to count the whole room through the sequence. A led class, where the group moves together, is a different format.
Tell your teacher what matters. Mention injuries, pregnancy or medical conditions before you begin, so the practice can be adapted.
A short practice at first, if you are new. You begin with the Primary poses you are ready to practise. A first practice can be quite short: sun salutations, a few standing poses, the closing poses and rest. That is normal. Poses are added when the earlier ones are steady.
Breath before shape. Expect attention on steady nasal breathing, gaze points (drishti) and smooth transitions, more than on how deep a pose goes.
Adjustments depend on the format. In person, sessions allow hands-on adjustments. Online, hands-on adjustments are not possible, so guidance comes through words, demonstration and careful observation.
Rest at the end. However short the practice, it ends with the finishing sequence, followed by rest.

Do I need experience?

No. The FAQ says private sessions work well for beginners, while pop-up rooms suit students with some Ashtanga foundation — or a willingness to learn patiently. Many beginners start one-to-one and join a shared room once they know the opening of the sequence.

Practical tips for practising in Dubai

Practise on an empty stomach. Allow a couple of hours after a meal.
Drink well during the rest of the day. Traditionally, you don't drink water on the mat during Ashtanga practice. In Dubai's climate, arrive rested and drink well outside practice.
Bring your own mat and a small towel.
Wear fitted clothing so your teacher can see your alignment.
Keep a practice you can repeat. Two or three short practices a week that you actually do are better than an occasional long session.
Mention injuries, pregnancy or medical conditions before you start, so the sequence can be adapted.

Who teaches

Practice is led by founder Nelli Kulikova, who teaches traditional Ashtanga, Primary and Intermediate, in Mysore-style and led classes, in Dubai and online.

How to enquire

Use the Book page. Choose your interest (private, pop-up, retreat or shala waitlist) and write a short message. Sending the form is a request, not a confirmed class. The time and place are arranged only after a later confirmation. Mention your experience, any injuries, and whether you would like to practise in Dubai or online. Practice in Dubai today is also on the Shala page.

The Sessions page compares private practice and the pop-up. For the shared room, see the Dubai Mysore pop-up. Current listings are on the Dates page.

Ready to begin? Request a place.