Times Square is a circus!
Talk about a Public Display of Yoga, these guys wrote the rule book. Presenting the Acro Yogis of NYC! If you’ve been to any yoga parties/hooplas/broohahas, in NYC especially, you’ve encountered at least a couple of these yogi daredevils hoisting folks into the air with the draw of Cirque du Soleil, but without the kooky costumes.
click photos below to enlarge!
We got personal permission to post these divine displays of both yogic concentration and acrobatic agility. It’s a departure from the traditional practice, that’s for certain, but doesn’t it look like fun? Aw, come on, you always wanted to levitate!
What’s your take on Acro Yoga? Here’s the official description via AcroYoga.org:
AcroYoga blends the spiritual wisdom of yoga, the loving kindness of Thai massage, and the dynamic power of Acrobatics. These three ancient lineages form this practice that cultivates trust, connection and playfulness. There are 7 main elements that make up the practice: circle ceremony, asana, partner flow, Thai massage, therapeutic flying, inversions & spotting, and partner acrobatics. Our highest aim is to bring individuals into a state of union with themselves, with each other, and with the divine. From this place of mutual support the true self can be realized, celebrated and shared for the benefit of all.
Acro yogis: Mary Aranas, Matt Giordano, Sam Prestige II with snapshot precision from yogart photographer Michael St. Cole
See more pics on facebook
Earlier…
“therapeutic flying”???
i’m always fascinated by the strength and agility of the acroyogis, and acrobats in general. it reminds me of the amazing capacity of the human body, and does look fun. but this kind of public display of yoga… not sure if it does yoga any favours. i think the common perception of yoga is that it is for the uber-fit and uber-flexible – this kind of exhibitionism only perpetuates that myth.
Hi Roseanne – I flipped through these pics that YogaDork liked & posted – and none of them are therapeutic flying photos. They all come from the branch of AcroYoga that we call – you guessed it – dynamic flying, or acrobatic flying. Therapeutic flying is also beautiful, as is Thai massage – but the enegy is so graceful, slow, fluid, and gentle – and less eye-catching. You can find such portrayals in various blogs as well, though not as frequently because they draw less immediate “eye-candy” attention. The best way to enjoy Thai Massage or Therapeutic Flying is to be in it – giving & receiving. And see http://www.acroyoga.org for a workshop or course near you; go past the sensationalism and taste the deep, healing substance! Ommm shanti.
Hi again Yoga Dork,
This post inspires me to share my PDA (Public Display of Acroyoga) YouTube with the tallest twin towers in the world, KLCC Twin Towers as the background.
Public Display of Acroyoga in KLCC Malaysia
But as expected, at the 8th minute – we got stopped by 10 SECURITY GUARDS + COPS and almost got sent to jail! I don’t know whether it was (mainly) because they felt that we were going to get injured or my Base looks like he’s trying to break a 14-year old (self defense ;D).
Oh, silly me – I forgot my country implies F-word on yoga.
Acroyoga is so FUN!! Thanks for sharing the photos. I can’t believe people would try to arrest yogis for a PDA like that 😉
Enjoyed this, especially because I have spent so much time in NYC and have hung out in Times Square so often. Will be going to Brooklyn soon when third grand baby arrives any day now. (I’m sure all of you can’t wait to see the baby pictures.)
Bob Weisenberg
YogaDemystified.com
I had my first acro yoga experiance about two weeks ago and it was amazing! Lots of trust and bravery going on. I even tought it would be awesome to do with my hubby as something to build a deeper relationship. The aspects of trust, support & playfulness are are all part of seeing relationships in a new light, builing stronger bonds.
Plus, i got the nicest release in the hips, spine and shoulders.
Go try it out with ur partner Yoga Dork!