By Melissa Smalley
An event that is the first of its kind in 100 Mile House aims to bring community members together in a fun, healthy way, while raising money for a good cause.
The Yoga Dance Party, hosted by 108 Yoga BC, is set for Dec. 9 at 7 p.m. at Peter Skene Ogden Secondary School gymnasium.
The idea to host such an event, which organizer Sonja Ramsay describes as a “fun, gentle, beginner class,” came after Ramsay was named an ambassador for the upcoming Victoria Yoga Conference in February.
One of her roles as an ambassador, she explains, is to create a free or by-donation community event. Ramsay decided on a “dance party” as a way of sharing with attendees the “highs and lows we can experience and the energy we can create” while doing yoga.
The class – to which admission is “pay-what-you-can” – will be raising money for the 100 Mile House & District Women’s Centre.
As former executive director of the Women’s Centre, Ramsay says it was a natural choice for the fundraising efforts, which will help to support programs that assist women fleeing from violence.
Whether attendees to the Dance Party have experience with yoga is not important, she notes.
“We’ll basically be going through a gentle beginner’s yoga sequence,” Ramsay says, adding there will be music and lighting to accompany the routine.
“It’s all about getting onto your mat, connecting with the community and allowing yourself to move your bodies in different ways.”
The event is open to people of all ages and experience levels, and Ramsay says she hopes for a large and enthusiastic turnout.
There will be several door prizes, including a 30-minute massage from Shilom Esthetics & Beauty, yoga classes from Kate Todd Yoga and 108 Yoga BC, a health consultation from Vitality Pure, gear from One-in-Five Apparel and a draw for an all-access pass to the Victoria Yoga Conference, valued at more than $200.
For anyone planning to attend, Ramsay asks that you bring your own yoga mat and wear comfortable clothing.
More information can be found on the 108 Yoga BC Facebook page, where Ramsay will be spreading the word about the event.
“It’s going to be a healthy, super fun way of spending a Friday night for a really good cause.”
