I take classes from a studio that is very energetic and from another studio that is very serene. I personally prefer the more energetic classes, and seems to focus more when the teacher is actually performing the poses with the class. The instructor at the studio that is a bit more low key walks around the class and observes while making small adjustments here and there to the students. I feel like I'm being judged when that happens and feel particularly uncomfortable. I prefer the intensity of the energetic studio and like to sweat and attempt poses that require strength, as well as balance. But, I have a friend who prefers to "chill" at a yoga class after a long day at work. So, personally speaking, I prefer to work harder, have less of a savasana, incorporate both stretching and strength work while learning new things, and having the teacher participate rather than observe. There have been instances where teacher trainees walk around the class adjusting the students, which is really nice too. I hope this helps!

I've only taken 2 group classes..but here's what I appreciate:

- balance of doing the poses (look at good form), and providing input on stance correction and/or encouraging you extend a little more or hold.
- positive feedback on the pose when your doing it correctly or improving.
- Providing options if the pose is challenging.
- personal attention. Not sure if this is typical in other studios..but at the end or during rest periods..the instructor will touch points on my back and/or touch my arms or neck with a lavendar fragrance. kinda cool and helpful for relax/meditation.

I choose my classes/teachers to suit my needs for the day. I generally do like being challenged so I tend to go to classes that are more dynamic, interactive and intense. But if I need to decompress, I choose a gentler class where I can just concentrate in my own thoughts and be quiet.

That being said, I like:
-teachers that move around the class, giving advice, demos, adjustments and challenges as necessary. (I don't like teachers who sit in front of the class and simply give directions, without interaction.)
-being offered options for each pose. whether you want to take it up a notch or not, or two notches!
-teachers who mix-it up a lot. who tries new things and shows us things that are different than the usual stuff (same old routines each week can get boring.)
-getting help with alignment.
-to be given detailed, helpful and encouraging instructions and feedback.
-a mix of strength and stretching, for an overall workout.
-getting help after class for specific issues. So grateful for teachers who do this!

And lastly, it's a big plus (although not necessary) if teachers have a sense of humour, are fun and have great music during class!

Our preferences are so personal but I think if one has positive energy and is friendly, and truly love your practice, the students tend to respond well. I'm lucky that I found a studio that I really love.

As a teacher, is there something that you'd wish from your students in particular?

I don't feel that my practice was complete without inversions & arm balances. For some reason they don't do these very often at my gym. I've never taken a class that didn't include balancing of some sort, but I particularly like to practice the arm balances. I switched gyms last summer and the only thing I miss from my previous gym is the yoga teacher. I do like it when the instructor corrects my form. I can't see what I'm doing, so I don't know when I'm doing it wrong. One instructor rubbed our feet with lotion during savasana which was awesome, but I don't blame any instructor for not doing that!