Who we are
AMANDA FERRIS
Senior Teacher
Amanda Ferris is a 25-year practitioner and Level 2 Authorised Ashtanga yoga teacher who brings clarity, warmth, and attentiveness to her teaching. Deeply rooted in the traditional teacher-student relationship at the heart of Ashtanga yoga, Amanda's strengths lie in maintaining steady practice containers and nurturing authentic growth in her students through compassion, consistent presence, and guidance.
Amanda has cultivated a daily yoga practice in the Ashtanga tradition without interruption since 1999. She is a direct student of Pattabhi Jois, Sharath Jois, and Saraswati Jois, with whom she started visiting regularly in Mysore, India from 2004. She teaches the primary and full intermediate series, and additionally completed 500 hours of training with Yoga Arts Byron Bay in 2001. Amanda is recognised by Yoga Australia as a senior teacher and was mentored by Dena Kingsberg from 2001-2007.
While her primary focus is the Ashtanga tradition, Amanda also draws on yogasana for rest, restoration and therapy, occasionally sharing this varied approach with students. Her teaching is informed by her ongoing studies in Gestalt Psychotherapy and her completion of a course for teachers of presence with Eckhart Tolle in 2023.
A deep thinking, creative, and articulate person, Amanda draws on her extensive yoga experience alongside her broad educational background and life experiences. Born and raised in the midwestern United States, she holds an undergraduate degree from Sarah Lawrence College and studied Landscape Architecture at postgraduate level at the University of Melbourne. Now a dual US/Australian citizen living in Melbourne's Inner Northern suburbs, she is mother to a teenager and a certified Tea Master (Australian Tea Masters, 2020).
Whether expressed through teaching and practicing yoga, parenting, tending to plants, or preparing tea, Amanda places high value on self-awareness and presence. She creates spaces where students feel safe to explore, grow, and develop sustainable practices that honor their individual needs and capacity. Both an active and reflective person, Amanda can be found rowing at NARC or resting quietly in contemplation. She dabbles in the garden, reads and listens broadly, and feels life deeply as it unfolds.
KATE CAHILL
Support Teacher
Kate first began practicing Ashtanga yoga in 1998 and has cultivated a consistent daily practice since 2008. She completed yoga teacher training with The Wisdom Yoga Institute in 2019 and has been engaged in ongoing training with Amanda at Mysore Melbourne since 2021. Kate has made two trips to Mysore, India, where she practiced with Sharath Jois in 2012 and 2016. Outside of the yoga studio, Kate is the CEO of Griefline and mother to two pretty much grown children.
SANGEETHA NAGARATNAM
Apprentice Teacher
Sangeetha began practicing yoga whilst living in New York City in 2013. She eventually found Ashtanga yoga in Melbourne in 2017 and has made it a consistent practice ever since. She completed an Advanced Diploma of Yoga Teaching (+350 hours) at Australian Yoga Academy in Melbourne in 2018, and in 2019 she started practicing with Amanda at Mysore Melbourne. She is currently training with Amanda as an apprentice teacher. During the daytime, Sangeetha acts as a Finance and Operations Manager for a French skincare company. But her true passion for movement keeps her alive and exploring, even outside of her Ashtanga yoga practice, where she trains in ballet, hand balancing, gymnastic strength and contortion.
What We Do
ASHTANGA YOGA
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We practice two fundamental elements: vinyasa and yoga tristhana.
Vinyasa is moving and breathing together in synchronization—but it's also much more than that. It's attuning to the natural patterns of rising and falling energy occurring within us and around us constantly. Practicing vinyasa teaches us to live in harmony with life and the world we inhabit.
Yoga tristhana is the practice of sustained attention. To calm the mind, we maintain focus in three places: asana, drishti, and breathing.
Within a set sequence, we move the body through a series of shapes called asanas—tools for purifying our bodies and accessing our fullest life energy. Moving, bending, and twisting cleanses, tones, and strengthens our entire being, including our internal organs.
Drishti is the practice of directed gazing. Each asana has a prescribed gazing point that cultivates mental steadiness, strengthening the mind's ability to remain focused despite distractions or wandering thoughts.
While practicing asana and drishti, we maintain free, full breathing that calms the nervous system and builds resilience.
Essentially, practicing vinyasa and yoga tristhana offers a path toward greater ease with life's natural rhythms and challenges. Learning yoga is learning to be at peace with our humanity and to carry that peace in our hearts.
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For beginning students, daily practice typically takes about 30 minutes. As you learn more asanas, practice length gradually increases and could eventually reach 1.5 hours. Length is not what matters most—what is important is practicing consistently, even if only for 15-20 minutes daily.
Well-established Ashtanga practitioners typically practice six days weekly, resting consistently on the same day each week (often Sunday), plus both full and new moon days. Practicing less frequently is perfectly fine! However, Mysore Melbourne recommends at least four days per week, as less frequent practice makes it difficult to develop and maintain the meditative focus that is yoga's heart. Irregular, infrequent practice often becomes a constant physical struggle with little opportunity to explore yoga's deeper dimensions.
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All Mysore Melbourne students learn gradually and methodically. You take responsibility for your own learning by memorizing the practice you're taught and maintaining consistent practice. Your teacher provides individual guidance, introducing each asana one at a time. While you remain responsible for cultivating your personal practice, your teacher serves as a mentor—observing, directing attention, and determining your learning pace through the sequence. We encourage respectful relationships with your teacher, fellow students, and our shared practice space.
Even experienced practitioners from other yoga disciplines begin from the foundation with us.
FAQs
Will it hurt?
We don't want you to hurt yourself! At Mysore Melbourne, we cultivate awareness, exploration, and moderation. Drawing on our years of experience, we actively guide students away from harmful patterns and toward sustainable practice.
If you practice roughly, forcefully, or become fixated on fleeting physical achievements, injury becomes possible!
Will I receive hands-on adjustments?
We use hands-on adjustments at Mysore Melbourne, intentionally keeping them minimal to promote student independence and ensure teaching sustainability. We encourage you to work through the asanas you've learned independently, without relying on physical assistance. Developing your own relationship with the poses is essential to your practice. Physical guidance from teachers is most effective when used sparingly and purposefully.
If you prefer not to receive adjustments for any reason, simply let us know. We're completely comfortable teaching hands-off!
I’m a visiting Ashtangi, what can I expect?
On your first visit, we'll likely observe your practice without immediate intervention. Practicing in a new environment with new people and a different teacher involves many inner adjustments. We allow space for you to settle in and gradually feel into our shala culture. If you'd like guidance with anything specific, please don't hesitate to ask!
Do I need to be flexible?
Not at all!
Do I need to know what I am doing before I come to classes at Mysore Melbourne?
Nope. We’ll help you out from day one.
Do I have to get up early?
Our classes are held in the mornings, but you don't need to arrive right at 6:00am. You can start later— like 7:15am, for example. The exception to this is Counted Primary Series classes, which have a set starting time of 6:00am. If you're interested in classes at other times of day, we’d love to hear from you.
Isn’t Ashtanga Yoga really intense?
Ashtanga yoga is only as intense as you make it. If you practice with rigidity or force, it becomes intense. At Mysore Melbourne, we encourage students to explore the art of being "intensely moderate"—fully present yet gentle with yourself. :)
What are teaching breaks and what should I do?
Traditional Mysore-style teaching is special in that the teaching is very personalised. The teacher works with everyone like a coach or mentor, responding to each individual’s journey into Ashtanga yoga. Mysore Melbourne teachers are attuned and hardworking and regular breaks support our ongoing ability to hold space for students.
Does the teacher abandon the students completely? During our breaks, students have an opportunity to develop their own home practice. We offer resources to support our students in doing so. Enquire here.
Is Ashtanga yoga a cult?
Yikes! We don’t think so.
Like in any human led system, problems and shady dynamics sometimes emerge in spiritual traditions.
At Mysore Melbourne, we don't employ authoritarian leadership, support unquestioning devotion (quite the opposite), or seek to isolate, control, or manipulate anyone. We don't claim to possess "the truth."
We're simply Ashtanga practitioners engaged in a long-term life experiment that's served us well. Our altar with teacher photos exists because we're grateful to those who've guided us—it's an expression of gratitude, not worship.
Testimonials
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A.A.
“I first walked into Mysore Melbourne about 8 years ago. Since than Amanda has been a gentle and sincere guide for my yoga practice. She supported me in developing a practice focused on longevity and ongoing exploration through ever changing life circumstances. She embodies devotion without rigidity. Her focus is on helping practitioners develop a sustainable practice, no matter what someone’s personal perceived limitations or challenges are. She can teach anyone – and I’ve seen it.
Apart from Amanda, what I love about Mysore Melbourne is the community. I am continuously inspired by all the other practitioners – genuine people in all stages of life. When stepping into Mysore Melbourne you will feel a warm and welcoming atmosphere, you will see bodies breathing and moving in silence, sparingly used hands-on adjustments to foster the students’ independence, you will hear Amanda’s well-articulated cues – and, of course, the occasional laughter.”
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C.B.
“Mysore Melbourne is special for 2 reasons.
Firstly, Ashtanga yoga helps relax your mind because you follow the same sequence. I find this very meditative.
Secondly, Amanda is a generous teacher and natural coach. She intuitively knows when to be gentle and when to push you a little.
Thank you :)”
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N.A.
“As a Yoga practitioner of over 22 years, people often ask, what makes me continue getting on the mat? Amanda’s teaching is palpable pure devotion, and far from static. Each morning in amongst the quiet space, we students sift through thoughts, emotions, physical barriers and sometimes even lack of faith in our own abilities. Amanda sees it all, and allows what arises, to arise. Cheering and steering us on, and through, our practice. Our collective energies have weaved the core of Mysore Melbourne - Community is everything in our Shala. I’ve been here at Mysore Melbourne, for nearly 8 years, still learning, still growing, still feeling a part of something larger than us all. That’s why I continue doing Yoga.”
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D.S.
“Amanda's heart is at Mysore Melbourne. I can feel that every day. I don't have many comparisons to other types of yoga or other studios but I can feel that every person in the room receives all the love and attention that Amanda has to give. There were a few occasions now where I could observe how students who studied with her a long time ago returned back to the studio after months or years. They take up where they have left off. I think this is something special and that students gain a sense of long term trust in a teacher. I was also fortunate to observe how Amanda introduces new students to the practice. Recently my dad asked me how it was possible that all these students in the room know what to do. He thought you must pre-train to come to the studio - No. Every student receives Amanda's full attention and enthusiasm every day. Longevity is difficult for us to understand when we have practiced for only a few months or years. Which is why Amanda is very clear about movements that are beneficial for us and which ones are not beneficial for us in the long term. We need this guidance as we sometimes cannot see how a movement that might be easy for us now could become difficult or even painful as we progress through our lives. Mysore Melbourne gives me space and time to grow and learn and I am very grateful for this opportunity.”
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S.N.
“For almost six years, Mysore Melbourne has been my sanctuary, a place I call home where I’ve grown not only in my practice but as a person. Walking into the shala every morning, I always feel an overwhelming sense of peace and belonging, knowing that I’m stepping into a space where both my body and spirit are nurtured. What began as a physical practice has evolved into something so much more under Amanda’s guidance.
Amanda’s depth of knowledge and experience is beautifully complemented by her humility and innate intuition. Her ability to read her students is truly remarkable—she always knows when to encourage me further and when to remind me of moderation in my practice. With her gentle yet powerful presence, Amanda has guided me through the intermediate series, with patience, strength and steadiness. The deep trust we have in our student teacher relationship gives me the confidence to go beyond what I think is possible, and now, as I embark on the journey of the third series and longer final backbends, I feel both challenged and supported in ways that only Amanda can provide.
What further sets Amanda apart is her unwavering dedication and consistency in her own practice and her teaching. She was brave and tenacious to continue teaching Mysore classes online during the lockdowns several years ago. Teaching Kapotasana via zoom is not something any teacher will be willing to attempt! She shows up for her students with such care and commitment, creating a space where we feel safe to explore, to fail, and to grow.
I’m eternally grateful for Amanda—not just as a teacher, but as a mentor and a true guide on this journey. She has opened doors within my practice I didn’t know existed, and I can’t imagine my life or my practice without her. I always get very emotional reflecting upon my time here and my heart swells with so much love for this practice and community.
Mysore Melbourne is more than just a place to practice traditional Ashtanga yoga; it is where I have found a deeper connection to myself, and for that, I am forever thankful.”
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M.V.
“I am very lucky and grateful to have stumbled upon Mysore Melbourne post COVID lockdowns at a time when I needed support to reconnect with yoga. The program allows ample space for learning, consolidation and reflection on one’s practice and offers flexibility to connect remotely when travel or other circumstances prevent in person participation.
Amanda models and encourages patience, openness and lack of judgement, holding space for participants to develop and evolve a personal practice according to their individual capacity and needs. While others sometimes teach yoga in a way that seeks to impose external ideals as a kind of one size fits all, she is great at adapting the practice to the individual to accommodate and work through any physical limits encountered.
She meets each student who arrives at the shala where they are on their yoga journey, be they an absolute beginner or experienced practitioner, offering the benefit of her keen observation and extensive experience to give each individual guidance and support that is appropriate to them in the current moment. She has a knack for providing just enough support where needed without undermining individual responsibility. Being part of this program has been key for me in establishing and maintaining a daily personal practice through the cycles of progress (and occasional setbacks) over the last 4+ years as a student at Mysore Melbourne.”
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N.K.
“I absolutely love my early mornings at MM. Despite the huge windows, it maintains perfect privacy above the street that makes me feel a lifted sense of being. On occasions, you even get to enjoy watching hot air balloons floating through space. The sound of everyone breathing is calming and the space has such a warm energy. Amanda has been my teacher for 10 years and I trust her implicitly with adjustments and advise because her knowledge goes beyond. Whether it's a brief statement or a deep thought, you can tell every word is heartfelt and authentic.”
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M.H.
“Finding the MM community 12 months ago has been a lifeline to my practice. The shala itself is a warm and welcoming place. Amanda’s teaching has helped to reconnect with the Ashtanga tradition in a way that feels both sustainable and deeply enjoyable. Amanda’s gentle and wise guidance has helped me to explore and understand my own movement needs and tune in to the impact of my practice. Amanda is skilled at creating an environment where the practice feels welcoming, attuned, and responsive to the needs of each practitioner. I’m so grateful to have her as a teacher!”
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H.W.
“Amanda’s devotion and commitment to the Ashtanga tradition and her students are second to none. She has taken great care to get to know me as a practitioner to offer me sincere and incredibly tailored guidance.
During practice she gently reminds us of the parallels between what happens on and off the mat in daily life. Not only does she equip us with the physical building blocks, she guides us deeper to realise our own power in cultivating a unique and lifelong practice and self-awareness.
Amanda radiates energy and joy, and is a natural communicator. She ensures her wealth of experience and knowledge is accessible to practitioners of all levels, and as her student I feel completely safe and supported. I’m so grateful to begin most of my days in her Mysore room where anything seems possible afterwards!”
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A.B.
“Amanda creates a beautiful space daily. From the moment you enter the Shala, you realise that this is no ordinary yoga practice or teacher. In the true tradition of yoga, Amanda leads and teaches with grace, empathy and patience. When she adjusts my poses, I can feel her intuitiveness comes from years of teaching and practice. Through the 2020 lockdown, Amanda held the space through the virtual Shala. She was strong and enabled an unwavering connection through an extraordinary isolating time. It was by chance that I heard about Amanda. One of those moments. I feel privileged and humbled to be part of an incredible community. I love Mysore Melbourne.”
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M.F.
“Anyone who sits and individually follows us on screen during a dark lockdown winter at 6am with such interest is a teacher at heart. Amanda’s constant and close observation lends itself to precise verbal adjustments, which for me has unlocked the key to change. In 9 months, I am slowly mastering poses I thought weren’t for me after 28 years of continual yoga practice. I am 68 years old. More importantly Amanda’s yoga wisdom comes to me when I get “the wobbles“ and I am needing balance. I feel at home.”
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D.R.
“I think that Mysore Melbourne and Amanda embody a mindful, grounded and gentle approach to a practice that can often be mistakenly perceived as rigid and intense. Ashtanga is for everyone and MM is certainly a place where everybody is welcome.”