With more than 4,000 people in attendance at its kickoff event last year, the ninth annual Virginia Yoga Week will not disappoint. Take a lunge of faith and discover your inner Zen by participating in the many events and classes hosted by more than 15 yoga studios and instructors from across the region.
“We want to educate and make people aware of their options [for yoga studios in Virginia] through Yoga Week,” says yoga instructor and DRPR Communications President Dina Ramon. “We have expanded the reach of this event. We want this to be an event that the whole state of Virginia can participate in.”
Each day is jam-packed with events hosted by a variety of Virginia yoga studios that aim to leave participants feeling refreshed, relaxed and inspired. It all kicks off Sunday, June 12, at 10 a.m. with the Love Your Body Yoga Festival at Reston Town Center. The festival is sponsored by Beloved Yoga and is open to yogis of all ages and abilities. There will be number of tents, including the Ancient Art of Healing tent where visitors can learn about and try different types of therapeutic healing practices such as reiki, chiropractic, massage and, of course, yoga. The Bhatki tent will feature the tranquil sounds of traditional Hindu forms of musical devotion, Kirtana and Bhajan. The Farm-to-Table tent will offer free samples of healthy foods and drinks provided by local farmers, distributors and artisans. For the smallest of yogis, there will be a children’s area, Kidasana, featuring free yoga classes and activities such as face-painting and henna art. And throughout the day, you can visit the jewelry and clothing vendors, talk to the instructors at the yoga studio tables and enter raffles.
From June 13-17, participants can sample a variety of affordable classes held at the participating studios: Bedrock YOGA, Blue Nectar Yoga, Flow Yoga, Honest Soul Yoga, Yoga Week’s presenting sponsor Yogaville and many more. All of the studios offer an array of classes ranging from free to $5 as well as the special-edition Karma classes. Proceeds from the Karma classes benefit charities selected by the studios, including YoKid, the Carpenter’s Shelter, Cornerstones, Yoga Gives Back and others.
During the free classes, instructors will observe students and provide them with additional Yoga Week classes best suited to their skill level. Promotional packages come in a variety of forms for new students—the most common are a free initial class or a discount on a week’s worth of classes. Mats will be available to rent for $1 to $2 at the studios.
Yoga Week continues into the weekend, beginning with Honest Soul Yoga’s Bend and Brew class on Saturday, June 18, from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. While perfecting their tree pose, yogis can try samples of Forge’s locally brewed beers. Then on Sunday, June 19, celebrate the last day of Yoga Week by becoming one with nature. Mentally connect with your warrior pose as you take in the beauty of Meadowlark Gardens at the free outdoor Summer Solstice event sponsored by East Meets West Yoga Center. It runs from 10:30-11:30 a.m. under the Lilac Pavilion and will be followed by lunch in the gardens. Later that day, take in the sights and sounds of Old Town Alexandria at the week’s final event, Free Yoga in the Fresh Air. The first 100 attendees will receive a surprise gift. Meditative musician Deepak Ram and new-age artist Wynne Paris will perform.
Find a complete list of classes and events at the Virginia Yoga Week calendar.
