RAISING THE VIBRATION OF THE PLANET
Most yogis have never heard of a “yoga rave,” although many are intrigued by the concept: high-energy yoga, dancing, music and substance-free celebration. Erica Austin also sees it as an opportunity to explore the Sanskrit meaning of the word yoga by uniting the community for a worthy cause. With her UPLIFT Yoga Bash coming to Los Angeles on April 25th, Erica is bringing these elements together in an upscale and unexpected way which is generating tremendous buzz in the yogasphere.
Erica’s inaugural UPLIFT Yoga Bash in Orange County last August was a sold out success that brought 400 yogis together in a giant warehouse art gallery. Erica and her team transformed the venue into a sophisticated yogi playground by incorporating talented body artists, concert- worthy laser lights, healthy food, electronic dance music, glow sticks and a yoga dance flow. The next day yogis flooded Facebook with stories of connection and bliss. Erica credits much of UPLIFT’s popularity to her good friend and UPLIFT lead instructor, Anthony Chavez. “Anthony is a natural at bringing people together. I cannot imagine a more uplifting yoga teacher to lead this event.”
UPLIFT is a fundraiser for Erica’s non-profit organization, Keep Friendship Alive, and its innovative new middle school program called UP, which brings yoga and inspiration to young teens. The research-based UP program will launch in Southern California next fall. “It is awesome to see how much teens love yoga. The eight week UP program utilizes themed yoga sessions as a vehicle to connect with teenagers in an unconventional way,” says Erica.
UPLIFT LA will be held at the historic Vibiana Cathedral in downtown Los Angeles on Thursday, April 25th. Erica has planned a bigger and more elaborate follow-up to her OC event. “We are expecting 600 yogis at the yoga rave and 125 yogis at our special Teeki VIP Pre-Party in Vibiana’s gorgeous garden courtyard. Some new additions to the LA event include aerial dancers, free Teeki apparel for everyone, breakdance yoga performers, an interactive photo booth, a ZICO refreshment bar and LUNA giveaways. Yogis of all levels are welcome to join us for this unforgettable night.”
Erica’s passion is contagious. Her mission to help teens live extraordinary lives begins here in Southern California and her intention is to expand the UP program nationwide. The UPLIFT Yoga Bash has become her unique way to connect our community doing two things yogis love: practicing yoga and contributing to a greater good. Erica loves what Anthony told the crowd at UPLIFT’s first event. “Tonight we will raise the vibration of the planet.” From downtown LA in April, this UPLIFT mantra will unite 600 yogis to positively impact the world.
Visit www.UPLIFTyogabash.org to watch the video, get info and buy tickets. Erica Austin and Anthony Chavez at the Vibiana Cathedral Photo by Natalie Moser
