Photo: Robert Denton for PBS Newshour
While Washington insiders were celebrating the inauguration of President Obama’s second term with parties and formal balls, the yoga community there had a celebration of its own. But this first-ever Yoga Ball wasn’t about celebrating a win—it was about coming together.
“It wouldn’t have mattered if it was President Obama or President Romney up there,” event organizer Ajay Bhatt told Buzz. “It was about putting a positive intention out there for a new term.”
With the tagline “Ditch your black tie and grab your mat,” the event included yoga practice with local teachers Faith Hunter, Natalie Miller, Rob Hess; non-alcoholic “mocktails”; a vegan dinner; live music; and kirtan. Bhatt was thrilled with the turnout, noting that there were 120 mats on the floor.
“Everybody else was having a party,” he said. “I thought let’s do a yoga ball and invite everyone I possibly can.” He added that he saw the event, which made the New York Times’ Top 10 A-List inauguration balls to attend last weekend, as making yoga of service to the community, and making it accessible with the relatively low ticket price of $60. Proceeds from the event were donated to yoga nonprofit Off the Mat Into the World.
To see photographs of the event click here.
