Charlottesville, I have some big news if you haven’t yet heard.
We FINALLY have a vinyasa studio in town. And it is awesome. Actually, awesome doesn’t even begin to describe it.
Opal had a soft opening on February 14th and a whole lot of yogis spent Valentines day opening their hearts together. The studio is now up and running with classes 7 days a week with flexible times throughout the day. The schedule is available online and is continuously being updated with more classes! The class rate ranges from $13-15 for a drop-in and varies by the length of the class.
Karen Thomas has created a space that is inviting, airy, bright, and most importantly fun. The list of instructors is seriously impressive. These women bring passion, skill, and love into every practice. You will feel challenged and open to reaching new heights. Their gentle assists keep all students in alignment and provide variations for new and more advanced practitioners.
I took a class with Kiki Hocking (one of lululemon athletica Cville’s AmBADASSadors) that lived up to all of the hype. First, Kiki posted a preview of the nights playlist. That’s right kids, there is no silent yoga in this studio. The beats will pump you up and make you wanna dance, which you are encouraged to do. I’ve only recently started taking yoga classes where music is played and its kind of life changing. I love the solitude and challenge of a classic Ashtanga class. But having music that is both recognizable and that has some amount of meaning to me changes my practice. I feel more accepting of where my body is in that moment. The thoughts of internal competition melt away and I really can just flow.
What I loved most about this class (and many of Kiki’s) was the reminder that this is a place to play. It was my expression of the practice. I’m still working which is the basis behind yoga… There is no perfect practice or pose, only movement towards a new level. Remembering that along with a feeling of comfort to at least try poses, and play, got me into arm balances for the first time. Opal will be my space for freedom and expression in yoga.
So get yourself to Opal for some yummy Vinyasa. You’ll leave feelin’ the love, both inside and out.
{ 3 comments… read them below or add one }
Hope to see you there Alex!!
I recently started going to a Baptiste studio and I’m definitely missing music at class! A good (or any) playlist makes a difference. That being said, Baptiste has its own benefits, but yeah, music is huge!
I FINALLY took a class this past week. I went to Vinyasa at ACAC and was reminded that I truly did love it. I was still focused on posturing and posing and making sure I got things right, so I’m not sure I was able to get the mental benefits as much as I hope to in the future. I was quite happy that I was able to do as well as most of the people in the room.
Music would be great…love that.