Dirty South Yoga Fest returns to ATL (1)
Dirty South Yoga Fest is back on Aug. 6 at Ambient Plus Studio.
Jessica Murphy conceived the idea for what is now Dirty South Yoga Fest back in 2013, at a meet up of local yoga instructors coming together to discuss yoga practicing in the South. “I was completely in awe of the fact that I was in the same room as so many inspiring yoga teachers,” Murphy says. “I think I maybe said one word the entire conversation, but I was listening and could tell something special would come out of the experience.”
Turns out, she was right: Dirty South Yoga Fest, the first of its kind in ATL, launched in June 2014 at White Provisions District in partnership with local yoga nonprofit Centering Youth. Though promotion was mostly organic, the event sold out. “We went in with few expectations and were overwhelmed with gratitude by the response to the event,” she says. The following year, Murphy and her team hosted a community fundraiser at Ponce City Market benefiting the Atlanta Yoga Movement and the Yoga, Literature and Art Camp at Spelman College Museum of Fine Art.
This year’s DSYF, happening Sat., Aug. 6 at Ambient Plus Studio, promises to be even bigger and better than ever. Attendees will have a choice of four class types (all skill levels are welcome), including meditation and restorative sessions, with a total of 25 local instructors and 19 classes offered. For the first time, there will be a silent art auction component, dubbed The OM Project, that’ll feature art donated by Atlanta artists to help raise money and awareness for Centering Youth. And, of course, there’s an after party. “The after party is one of my favorite parts of the event, as it gives everyone the opportunity to hang out, connect and have fun outside of the structure of a yoga class,” Murphy says. “This year we have some surprises up our sleeve,” including a DJ, flower crowns, mat painting, raffle prizes, snacks and refreshments, a photo booth, and a local vendor marketplace.
“We truly believe that yoga is for everyone and work hard to make it accessible and fun,” Murphy adds. “Dirty South Yoga strives to inspire positive personal and social transformation through the practice of yoga while honoring, celebrating and uniting our communities and sharing the practice of yoga in the South.”
Dirty South Yoga Fest. $15-$61. Ambient Plus Studio, 585 Wells St. S.W. dirtysouthyogafest.com.