09/08/2026
A little reintroduction.
I’m Helena Melkjorsen, senior Astanga Yoga teacher and co-founder of Mysore Yoga Cph.
My relationship with movement began more than three decades ago through contemporary dance and performance. I came to Astanga in Helsinki in 2000, when I met Petri Räisänen, who remains one of the most important influences on my practice and teaching. I was authorized to teach by R. Sharath Jois at the KPJAYI in Mysore, and have continued to study with teachers including Petri, Chuck Miller, Maty Ezraty, Richard Freeman, Adam Keen and Darlene Christensen.
My teaching is rooted in the Astanga tradition, while drawing on my long experience with movement, somatic awareness, breath, coordination and functional movement.
I practice 5–6 days a week, and I’m still learning: I fall, adapt, get injured, rest, recalibrate and begin again. That ongoing exploration is at the heart of how I teach.
I work with beginners and experienced practitioners, young and older students, and people finding their way back to movement after illness, injury or other challenges.
If you’re curious about starting or deepening your practice, please reach out to Mysore Yoga Cph or to me directly. You are very welcome.
Helena Hertz Melkjorsen
Mysore Yoga Cph
Petri Räisänen
