Uwishunu.com

Whenever I see yoga in movies or at the gym, I always think the same thing: even if I did that right, it would look ridiculous. The truth of the matter is yoga is great for flexibility and for some it can be very relaxing. But it always seems like the people who enjoy yoga are the ones that bring a certain level of grace to the proceedings, that make the stretches and strains look effortless and even elegant. Elegant I am not. I can’t even do the Electric Slide, let alone yoga. But for those who are and want to take the elements of this ancient art to the next level, there is a troupe that can help.

Tripsichore are a London-based dance team who have invented a type of yoga-inspired modern dance that the Yoga Journal compared to Cirque de Soleil, cleverly referring to the dancers as “yogacrobats.” These “yogacrobats” are not new to the game. Starting in 1979 as a company devoted to creating narrative structures out of dance, the troupe performed punk ballets and performed for rock videos. They became known for their movement storytelling and wild movements. While the troupe insists that yoga was always a part of their choreographic style, it wasn’t until 1992 that the troupe “realised the expressive potential and choreographic viability of yoga postures.”

The result is a group of lithe, muscular dancers twisting themselves into pretzels, interweaving their bodies to create what look like moving sculptures, all set to a new age backbeat. You can see this feat for yourself as Tripsichore comes to Studio 34 in West Philly this weekend. The troupe will be performing as well as offering workshops and classes for interested potential yogacrobats.

So if you are like me and can barely walk across your apartment without stubbing your toe, you may want to be in the audience for this one. But if you think you have what it takes, you can try this style out for yourself.

Just don’t say we didn’t warn you.

Studio 34
4522 Baltimore Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19143
(215) 387-3434
www.studio34yoga.com