After a few minutes of introduction, we are invited to take part in a chant, joining a group who repeat English and non-English phrases after Nicki Doane. She then take us through forward bend, building into a complete sun salutation sequence: "Suryanamaskar A". Each position in the sequence is described in great detail in a talk-over that allows the vinyasa to be demonstrated without interruption. The movements include forward bend, Chaturanga Dandasana (press-up), upward and downward dog pose. They are repeated several times for about 10 minutes. After this, lunges and chair pose are added to create the more complex sun salutation sequence of "Suryanamaskar B", whch is also repeated for a little over 10 minutes. Both versions of sun salutation are vigorous and particularly develop upper body strength. If this video is intended for beginners, they should be on the strong and flexible end of the spectrum, as no modifications are suggested. On the other hand, the detailed instruction is useful for those new to yoga.

There follows a 20 minute standing pose sequence including triangle, revolved triangle and side angle bend, followed by a series of wide legged forward bends. Each position is a development of the previous one and is held for about a minute on each side. The standing poses are completed with forward leg stretches and mountain pose. We then sit cross-legged for a few minutes before relaxing into corpse, accompanied by a hypnotic chant.

The entire video is filmed above cliffs overlooking the Hawaian coast. All the postures are beautifully performed, with both Sanskrit and English words used to describe them in great detail. In addition, a pose guide is available at the start of many. This allows your video controller to be used to view a separate performance of each posture, with further explanation. Few videos give this much practical guidance on the mechanics of Yoga but never does Nicki Doane ask us to notice how we feel. This seems to be consistent with her belief that many yoga videos present too much information, all at once and overwhelm the beginner. This video follows her video "Ashtanga Yoga, Introductory Poses" that teaches only Suryanamaskar A and B. The standing poses are a very welcome addition, producing a lovely yoga video in the style of her teacher, Sri K. Pattabhi Jois.

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