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Dancing Warrior

Not yet reviewed by a qualified teacher Needs verification: names and instructions not yet confirmed by two sources

Also called
Dancing Warrior Flow, Peaceful Warrior flow
Tradition
Modern vinyasa (name used by many teachers; no single source)
Order
Newly designed educational flow
Level
Intermediate
Approximate duration
about 10 minutes
Focus
Strength
Audience
Experienced
Props
Block, Mat

A newly designed educational flow, not a traditional sequence. Teachers order these poses in many ways.

Origin and source

A modern vinyasa teaching name with no fixed published order. This page is a newly designed educational flow by YogaVacation (2026). Individual warrior poses: Light on Yoga (Iyengar); reverse warrior is a modern name.

Who it is for

Knows Warrior I, Warrior II, reverse warrior and extended side angle as separate poses; comfortable in a wide stance for a minute or more.

The steps in order

Version shown: YogaVacation dancing warrior: Warrior II, reverse warrior, extended side angle, Warrior II, Warrior I, Warrior II, one breath each, each side

#StepBreathSideHoldCues and options
1Mountain
Tāḍāsana
Free breathing5 breaths
YogaVacation (suggested)

Transition: Stand at the front of the mat; step the left foot back into a wide stance.

Easier option: Feet hip-width.

2Warrior II, right knee bent
Vīrabhadrāsana II
InhaleRight1 breath
YogaVacation (suggested)

Transition: Bend the right knee over the ankle, arms out at shoulder height.

Easier option: Bend the knee less; hands on the hips.

3Reverse warriorInhaleRight1 breath
YogaVacation (suggested)

Transition: Turn the front palm up and reach it overhead and back; back hand rests on the back leg.

Easier option: Small lean; front hand on the hip.

4Extended side angle
Utthita Pārśvakoṇāsana
ExhaleRight1 breath
YogaVacation (suggested)

Transition: Sweep the top arm over and fold forward, forearm to the front thigh, top arm along the ear.

Easier option: Forearm on the thigh; top hand on the hip.

5Warrior II
Vīrabhadrāsana II
InhaleRight1 breath
YogaVacation (suggested)

Transition: Press into the front foot and lift back to Warrior II.

6Warrior I
Vīrabhadrāsana I
InhaleRight1 breath
YogaVacation (suggested)

Transition: Turn the hips toward the front, arms overhead.

Easier option: Lift the back heel; or replace with a high lunge.

7Warrior II
Vīrabhadrāsana II
ExhaleRight1 breath
YogaVacation (suggested)

Transition: Open the hips and arms back to the side. Repeat the pass twice more.

Easier option: Hold here for three breaths if you need a rest.

8Mountain
Tāḍāsana
Free breathing3 breaths
YogaVacation (suggested)

Transition: Step the back foot forward.

9Repeat the pass three times with the left foot forwardFree breathingLeft1 breath per movement
YogaVacation (suggested)

Transition: Step the right foot back; same six movements on the left.

Easier option: Do one pass only if the legs tire.

10Wide-legged forward fold (rest)
Prasārita Pādottānāsana
Exhale5 breaths
YogaVacation (suggested)

Transition: Turn both feet parallel and fold with soft knees.

Easier option: Hands on blocks.

11Mountain
Tāḍāsana
Free breathing

Transition: Hands to the hips, come up with a long spine, step the feet together.

Left and right

Right foot forward first (three passes), then left foot forward (three passes).

Repetitions and counting

One pass = six movements (about six breaths). Three passes per side; right side then left side = one round. Two rounds suggested.

Props and adaptations

Shorter stance; hands on the hips throughout; forearm on the thigh in side angle; high lunge instead of Warrior I; hold poses instead of flowing; a block under the hand in side angle.

Precautions

Learn it with a teacher: A teacher can check that the front knee stays aligned while the arms move, and help with the hip turn between Warrior II and Warrior I.

General information, not medical advice. Poses do not cure illness. If you are pregnant, injured or have a health condition, check with your doctor and tell your teacher before you practise.

Beginner and chair alternatives

Chair Yoga Sequence: a 20-minute seated routine, Warrior Flow: a standing sequence through Warriors I, II and III

Easier alternatives

Chair Yoga Sequence (https://yogavacation.com/practice-plans/chair-yoga-sequence/)
Warrior Flow (https://yogavacation.com/practice-plans/warrior-flow/)

Sources

  1. B.K.S. Iyengar, Light on Yoga: Virabhadrasana I and II, Internet Archive (catalogue record) (accessed October 6, 2026)
  2. Yoga: Effectiveness and Safety, National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NIH) (accessed October 6, 2026)

https://yogavacation.com/practice-plans/dancing-warrior/ · printed October 19, 2026