Practicing Yoga to This Pop, Rock & Funk Icon Might Be Exactly What We All Need Right Now

Reggie Hubbard is hosting regular yoga classes set to the music of Prince, blending dance, mindfulness, and cultural celebration to promote collective liberation and personal well-being.

Hubbard’s classes, called ‘Prince Practice,’ began during the pandemic in 2020, initially themed around Prince’s birthday. They incorporate dance breaks, pose variations, and lyrics from Prince’s songs, creating an energetic, community-focused experience. The classes are both online and in-person, emphasizing joy, activism, and accessibility, especially for Black communities.

Hubbard, a former political activist turned yoga teacher, considers Prince an icon of peaceful protest and Black joy. His organization, Active Peace Yoga, aims to make yoga accessible across diverse demographics, aligning with Prince’s legacy of activism and cultural expression. The classes often include dance, encouraging participants to experience movement as a form of liberation and resistance.

Why It Matters

This development highlights how cultural icons like Prince can influence wellness practices, fostering community, activism, and mental health. It demonstrates a growing trend of integrating music and dance into yoga to promote inclusivity and joy, especially within marginalized communities. The classes serve as a form of cultural expression and collective healing, resonating with broader movements for social justice and mental wellness.

Background

Since 2020, themed yoga classes have gained popularity, often dedicated to specific artists or genres. Hubbard’s approach is unique in its explicit focus on Prince, blending his musical legacy with activism and wellness. This aligns with a broader movement of using cultural figures to inspire social and personal change through movement practices.

“Sometimes the most spiritual thing you can do is have fun in community.”

— Reggie Hubbard

“Prince is an icon of active, peaceful protest and Black joy.”

— Reggie Hubbard

What Remains Unclear

It is not yet clear how widespread or sustained the popularity of Prince-themed yoga will become beyond Hubbard’s classes. The long-term impact on participants’ mental health or activism efforts remains to be studied.

What’s Next

Hubbard plans to continue hosting annual Prince Practice classes, potentially expanding online offerings and collaborations. Future initiatives may include retreats or community events centered on music, dance, and activism.

Key Questions

How do Prince-themed yoga classes differ from traditional yoga?

They incorporate dance, lyrics, and performance elements inspired by Prince, emphasizing joy, cultural expression, and activism alongside traditional postures.

Who can participate in these classes?

Anyone interested in movement, music, and community, regardless of experience level or background, is welcome.

What is the goal of Prince Practice classes?

To promote self-liberation, cultural celebration, and collective healing through joyful movement and music.

Are these classes accessible to all demographics?

Yes, Hubbard’s organization aims to make yoga accessible across race, gender, body type, and economic status.

Source: Yoga Journal