With the purpose of benefiting music based non-profit organization NextAid’s efforts to support women’s empowerment programs in Africa, and with the power of spiritual positivity that yoga brings to the body, mind and soul beats EMBODIED build HOPE will be the first in a series of new events combining community building, dance music, yoga, and fundraising to make a tangible impact in the lives of others across the globe, physically, emotionally, spiritually, sustainably, and financially.
beats EMBODIED build HOPE will take place October 15, 2011 from 8:00pm – 12:00am at YogaWorks – Soho, 459 Broadway in NYC. The co-taught class will combine the styles of renowned yoga teachers, Anya Porter and Sangeeta Vallabhan, with the accompaniment and support of DJ’s Derek Beres, Scribe and Sabine Blaizin. The program will open with a warm-up set, followed by the combined class, and culminating in a full-blown dance after-party, with vegetarian food provided by Shanti Shack and wine. Tickets are available for only $25 pre-sale at http://embodied.eventbrite.com or $35 at the door. Also, offered is a $50 “Extra Good Karma donation” which includes food and wine. All DJ’s and teachers are donating their time so 100% of the proceeds can be donated to NextAid. The Facebook event is here.
Porter and Vallabhan will co-teach a *total* experience of the individual and collective body and voice through a rhythmic vinyasa yoga practice. They will connect students to a sense of tribal oneness with sanskrit song to tune yogis into the vibration of being and then move students’ bodies to a beat to connect to the rhythm that is already within. Through alignment, breath, heartbeat and drum the community will come together, with everyone, everywhere in an act of moving toward one consciousness and one expression of love.
Porter and Vallabhan are dedicated to channeling the spiritual strength of yoga to effect real and tangible change for others less fortunate and in need, those who can benefit from their support. Porter explains: “I collaboratively develop events and programs that use the premise of yoga, movement and music to access basic and intrinsic human connections across economic, geographical and social borders. This event with NextAid is the first of many that will be a vital part of the future of Breakti and my path as a teacher of yoga and Breakti.” Vallabhan adds: “As a student of movement for over 30 years, my vision and understanding continually deepens. As one who guides others through their own experiences and yoga practice, all I can hope for is that people gain an understanding of their own life and use that to wake up, share what they learn, and take care of others, all others.”
Proceeds from beats EMBODIED build HOPE will support NextAid’s empowerment projects in Africa benefiting girls and women, which include Youth Enterprise and Eco-Construction training at Kawangware Vision Centre, in the slums of Nairobi, Kenya; establishing critical maternal health programs and a Birth Waiting Home for girls and women in Sierra Leone; and supporting free high school education for the most vulnerable adolescent girls in Kenya’s Kibera slum.