Diane Long has been developing and refining yoga for most of her life. She was born in North Carolina and moved to Italy in the early 1970s. While living in Florence, Vanda Scaravelli invited her to become her student. She was a devoted student of Vanda's for the next 23 years. This meeting with Vanda introduced her to a new form of consciousness in the study of yoga and body/mind awareness. At Vanda's urging, Diane began teaching in the late '70s in Italy and later in Canada, England, and the United States.

Vanda Scaravelli, who died in Italy in l999 at the age of 9l, may be best known to many yoga students for her influential book Awakening the Spine with its striking photos of her in her 80s performing challenging poses with ease. Vanda's knowledge developed from initial study with Iyengar and Desikachar. Her own distinctive approach to yoga evolved throughout the rest of her life.

The intuitive yoga of Diane Long is a progressive physical practice with the intention of leading one to the vital core, the spine, and is based on the concept that the spine divides at the 4th and 5th lumbar vertebrae. It is here that strength grows into lightness. The base of the position is where one is rested and anchored into the earth. Refining the awareness opens the vision to wholeness and harmony, guided by this intention and concept. This becomes a way of being, a form of meditation, which allows for new sensation and a different approach to asana.

This yoga is clearly visible in Diane's body teachings. In her classes and workshops, she demonstrates and helps participants to experience the particular subtle quality of movement, breath, and attention that Vanda taught, working hands-on as much as possible with each student.

Diane is now based in Italy (Toffia) holding daily classes. She also teaches regularly in the US with visits to the UK, Mexico, and Canada. Students of all levels are welcome.

Photo by Alexandra Gray