We’re bringing Yoga & Body Image Coalition love to the Twin Cities.
Join us for two days of workshops followed by a panel discussion and your chance to meet a few contributors to our book, Yoga and Body Image: 25 Personal Stories About Beauty, Bravery & Loving Your Body. (Reading the book in advance isn’t required, but we hope you’ve purchased your copy!)
Check out the sessions and then REGISTER HERE.
We are pleased to offer one work for trade scholarship for each session. Email us for details.
Melanie Klein and Gigi Yogini
Body Positive Tips & Tools for Teachers & Students
12:00 - 3:00 p.m.
Body Image is an important topic in the yoga community. Teachers and students are invited to learn how to be positive role models by really understanding what body image means, as well as tips and tools for making any classes safe for all different types of individuals. From language choices to modifications and variations, the co-founders of the Yoga and Body Image Coalition want to help you be more body positive.
More about Melanie.
More about Gigi.
Dianne Bondy
No Yogi Left Behind - Bridging the Divide
3:30 - 6:30 p.m.
Through this lecture and master class, teachers and students will explore strategies, solutions, and detailed techniques to create diverse and multilevel classes that see no participant left behind. We’ll focus on learning options and modifications for yogis of all shapes, sizes, and abilities through comprehensive postures, so as to enjoy a truly progressive mixed level class. Learn to customize poses to suit each person’s skill level.
More about Dianne.
Friday’s venue: Unity Church - Unitarian, St. Paul
733 Portland Avenue, Saint Paul (map)
Nita Rubio
Tantric Dance of Feminine Power
12:30 - 3:30 p.m.
The Tantric Dance of Feminine Power ™ is a devotional moving meditation for women originated by Vajra Ma and is the core lineage practice of her mystery school Woman Mysteries of the Ancient Future Sisterhood. This spontaneous yet highly focused practice connects us to the wisdom of the subtle energies of the body through constant presence to sensation, natural breath, heart-opening devotion and reverence to Goddess. This session is woman-specific and no prior dance experience is necessary.
More about Nita.
Kerrie Kauer
Empowered Yoga
4:00 - 7:00 p.m.
Body positivity. Empowerment. Respect. The yoga community must embrace these as important principles for anyone, not just those fitting current stereotypes of what a yogi is or should be. This session will address the inclusive nature of a yoga practice and how yoga can and should meet each of us how we are in our own practice and in our lives off the mat. Practicing yogis and those curious about yoga are invited to attend. Focus will be on communities that have historically been underrepresented or marginalized including LGBTQ communities, people of color, and those with class-based oppression.
More about Kerrie.
Saturday’s venue: Minneapolis Yoga Workshop
2637 27th Avenue South #207, Minneapolis (map)
Reading and panel discussion
1:30 - 3:30 p.m.
Contributors to our new book, Yoga and Body Image: 25 Personal Stories About Beauty, Bravery & Loving Your Body. (Available on Amazon) will share from their chapters:
Confessions of a Fat, Black Yoga Teacher - Dianne Bondy
F*** Yer Beauty Standards! - Melanie Klein
Beauty, Value, and the Feminine Roots of Yoga - Nita Rubio
The Athletic Yogi: Sexuality and Identity Through the Body - Kerrie Kauer
Readings will be followed by a panel discussion including our book contributors and local members of the Coalition, Beth Berila, and Elen Bahr (moderator).
Group Yoga and Meditation
3:30 - 4:30 p.m.
Our panelists will lead a large group meditation and movement for bodies of all shapes and sizes. Bring a mat if you have one — we’ll have a few on hand, as well. No previous yoga experience required. Come as you are!
Book signing
4:30 - 5:30 p.m.
Get your copy autographed by book contributors Dianne Bondy, Melanie Klein, Nita Rubio and Kerrie Kauer. Bring a copy with you or purchase one at the event.
Sunday’s venue: Minneapolis Yoga Workshop
2637 27th Avenue South #207, Minneapolis (map)