Boston University’s 200-hour Yoga Alliance (RYS) Yoga Teacher Training offers an opportunity to explore yoga in its fullness—not just as a series of postures, but as a discipline rooted in philosophy, anatomy, mindfulness, and personal growth. Whether you’re interested in becoming a certified instructor or want to deepen your understanding of the practice, this 8-month program creates a supportive and structured path for exploration.

A Holistic Approach to Training

The program is led by Daniel Orlansky and Andrea Fotopoulos, two seasoned instructors who bring more than 35 years of combined teaching experience to the mat. Their diverse yet complementary backgrounds offer students a rich learning experience that blends tradition with functional, modern practice.

Daniel has been immersed in yoga and meditation for over four decades. Certified in multiple lineages—including Kundalini, Jnana, and Kali Ray TriYoga—he is the originator of Meridian Yoga and a longtime student of Qigong. His teaching is informed by a master’s degree in expressive arts therapy and years of experience leading workshops around the world at institutions such as Kripalu, Omega, Lesley University, and Tufts.

Andrea, who holds two 500-hour E-RYT certifications, brings a powerful blend of alignment-focused asana, strength and mobility training, and deep knowledge of yoga therapeutics and philosophy. Her teaching style is thoughtful and engaging—known for beginning with a story or reflection, then weaving in movement that challenges the body while anchoring the mind. She’s especially passionate about making yoga accessible for every body, guiding students to find strength, suppleness, and presence in each moment.

Together, they lead a curriculum that covers:

  • Asana practice and instruction

  • Breathing techniques and meditation

  • Functional anatomy and physiology

  • Hands-on teaching methodology

  • Ethics and yoga philosophy

  • Mindfulness and personal reflection

Classes meet one weekend per month in person at BU’s FitRec Center on Commonwealth Avenue in Boston, complemented by weekly Zoom sessions to build consistency and support learning throughout the week.

A Program That Meets You Where You Are

One of the strengths of this training is its flexibility. Whether you’re a full-time student, a working professional, a parent, or someone in transition, the format is designed to be both immersive and manageable. Students are encouraged to move at their own pace, ask questions, and integrate the material in a way that aligns with their lives and goals.

And while the program offers a Yoga Alliance-approved certification, many participants enroll not because they plan to teach right away, but because they want to explore the roots of yoga in a more meaningful way. The community that forms around this shared curiosity is often one of the most rewarding aspects of the experience.

Thinking About It? Come to an Open House

If the idea of a teacher training program intrigues you but you’re not quite sure if it’s the right fit, consider attending a virtual open house. These sessions are informal and welcoming—an opportunity to meet Daniel, ask questions, and hear more about the structure, expectations, and spirit of the training.

Yoga Teacher Training Virtual Open Houses

  • Tuesday, August 19 | 7:00–8:00 PM
  • Tuesday, September 9 | 7:00–8:00 PM

Register online at: www.yogaofenergyflow.com/open-house
Or email Daniel directly at orlansky@mac.com

Begin Where You Are

The decision to enroll in a teacher training program is a personal one. It may come from a desire to teach, to grow, or simply to spend more time doing something you love. Whatever brings you to the mat, this training offers space to explore it fully—with guidance, community, and a curriculum that honors both the depth of yoga’s traditions and the realities of modern life.

For more details on the training schedule, curriculum, and certification, visit our Yoga Teacher Training page.

Questions? Contact Ramelle Adams at rfadams@bu.edu or 617-353-0865.