“Wine and Yoga,” offered by the Victoria Theatre Association, is designed to blend the invigoration of the body and the stimulation of the palate in a single evening.
“It’s a traditional practice, anyone can do it,” instructor Emily von Stuckrad-Smolinski said. “We have a lot of first-timers, and we have people come who have practiced for 20 years.”
“Wine and Yoga” is held monthly, with the next event slated for May 15 at 6:30 p.m. at the Schuster Center Wintergarden, Second and Main streets, Dayton.
It might be just what you need to get hooked on yoga, just ask Victoria Theater Association catering supervisor Tess Vella.
“The first time I did it, I felt so good and I slept so well, I just wanted to go back again and again,” Vella said. “Now, I’m taking yoga three or four times a week, I can’t stop.”
Inspiring journey
A trip to Napa provided von Stuckrad-Smolinski with the inspiration for the unique yoga class. It wasn’t long before vino and Vinyasa were paired together in Dayton.
“I couldn’t wait to bring the idea back here,” she said.
The instructor set out to research the format and create a practice that would be enjoyable for beginners as well as experienced yoga practitioners.
“Developing a practice and teaching is incredibly rewarding and really fun,” von Stuckrad-Smolinski said.
Wine and Yoga basics
Class begins with a glass of wine — students select either a red or white — and is followed by an hourlong traditional practice led by von Stuckrad-Smolinski, who has assistants helping with proper alignment or getting students deeper into various poses.
As is typical with many yoga practices, class finishes with Savasana, a resting pose that requires stillness of the mind as well as the body. Savasana is a time of relaxation and restoration but in the “Wine and Yoga” class, it’s also time for a refill.
“We pour them another glass of wine during Savasana,” von Stuckrad-Smolinski said. “And then we do a brief wine meditation.”
Wine meditation?
They learn about the wine, the vineyard and the region it came from. Then they smell the wine, sip and savor it.
“Often times, we find that the taste is different after the practice,” Vella said. “They have unlocked their senses and are more open to flavors.”
Reaping the benefits
Yoga, when practiced on a regular basis, can have significant physical and mental benefits.
From increased flexibility and balance to decreased stress and anxiety, yoga can provide a much-needed break from everyday stressors. Proper breathing is also a major emphasis in yoga practices.
Those who practice regularly might also experience improved posture and increased strength. Studies have also shown the benefits of yoga for those with high blood pressure and high blood sugar.
Increased peace of mind and decreased stress can also have physical benefits. And improved sleep after practice is also common
But yoga isn’t the only beneficial part of this practice.
Red wine, in moderation, has long been touted for its heart-healthy benefits but, according to the Mayo Clinic, all types of alcohol have been associated with heart benefits ranging from raising good cholesterol (HDL) levels to reducing the formation of blood clots.
Pair yoga and wine and it might well be a win-win or, in this case win-wine.
Getting started
From a girls night out to date night, “Wine and Yoga” participants have run the gamut. The class is open to all levels but participants must be 21 or over. Students have ranged in age from their 20s to well into their 60s in recent classes.
“It really is a perfect setting for a first-timer, because it is so relaxed,” Vella said. “I know the feeling of not wanting to be the only one who doesn’t know what they’re doing, and that’s definitely not the case here.”
Comfortable clothes, a yoga mat and an open mind are all that is needed.
“It’s really a lot of fun,” von Stuckrad-Smolinski said.
For more information on “Wine and Yoga,” go online to www.ticketcenterstage.com.
About the Author