Very rarely am I surprised by the unique events going on in our beloved city of Brighton and Hove. However, when I stumbled across an event called a Yoga Rave, I couldn’t help but be surprised by something many would consider a good example of an oxymoron. After some research, I discovered that that my eyes were not deceiving me, but instead I had discovered an incredible event designed for those who fancy doing something a little bit different this Christmas. 
Nine Lives Yoga is a yoga company offering a unique experience for both yoga and ravers alike. Described as a ‘celebration of life and connection’ the Yoga Rave combines the rhythm of the bass and with the rhythm of breath. With geometric string art from Ke-V to sound healing frequencies and shamanic music melded into house and techno, this is no ordinary yoga session. Artist Lu:sid will be playing a live set that combines dance music with deep meditative sound healing, all whilst Cat Duval of Nine Lives Yoga leads a team of teachers in a flow that involves many different types of yoga, from vinyasa to Humandala. The teachers will be dressed in UV, as will the décor, and will guide all participants through the yoga sequence. There will also be stilt walkers, dance floor African rhythms and a therapy area. Of course, it’s not a rave without refreshments (amongst other things) but don’t expect there to be any alcohol or drugs at this rave, with stalls selling smoothies, snacks and raw chocolate as well as being treated to a cacao ceremony. The ‘conscious Christmas rave’ will be a welcome addition to the Christmas season, with Cat Duval, the founder of Nine Lives Yoga, saying “We’ve had a wonderful reception from festival-goers across the UK and Europe experiencing their first yoga rave. People have the space to be playful in their practice, paint each other in UV and dive deep into the rave. We invite everybody with every body type to this alternative festive celebration”.
The Yoga Raves started in April 2014 in London, but was brought to Brighton once it started evolving. The raves were then taken to the British Yoga Festival and in February this year, over 235 yoga ravers took part at the All Saints Church in Hove. Talking to Brighton Style Mag, Duvall said “It’s a conscious clubbing experience that offers a fresh alternative to booze and tinsel with top quality DJ’s, therapy area, stilt walkers and performers, body paints, smoothies, raw chocolate and this time a cacao ceremony to start the night”. This unique event is not one to miss regardless of your yoga, or raving, experience. The event is being held this Friday at the All Saints Church in Hove, and you can find out more here.
Holly Martin
feature image: Tucker Sherman under the creative commons license
