Day 32 - Level 2

Yesterday I ventured into Yoga Tree Castro for my first Level 2-3 class. I’m not going to lie, I was pretty nervous. I arrived at the Castro and could hear the bustle at the taqueria patio underneath as well as the smell of freshly made tortilla chips and I silently wished I was going for a margarita instead. Going to class in the Castro never ceases to be an experience for me, it’s kind of overwhelming. I always joke to people that this is where the serious business happens and how it wouldn’t surprise me to see people walking on their hands into class. I walk into the room with about another 100 Lululemon stamped yogis eager to practice with Stephanie Snyder. She had been very hyped up for me – lots of good recommendations – let’s just say my expectations were high. She did not disappoint, not only was her class well-paced but she was very friendly and has a beautiful voice, her chants were amazing, and I’m not even that into chanting in the first place.

The Level 2 factor was actually pretty cool. It’s not like you have to flow into a handstand during class, it’s more about the way the class was taught. The queues are more direct, more advanced variations are offered and the beginner variations are removed. Once you've been practicing a while, it's nice to have a place to move on. There is also something to be said for practicing with that many people, it’s a beautiful thing. At the same time, I could have used a few extra inches in between my mat and my neighbors'. I was thinking about how in this scenario the mat is really our own “dance space” and you absolutely do not want to, or really have room to, dance in someone else’s or in the space between. I might have enjoyed this class a little more if they had removed one person from my row. I also felt a mild claustrophobia trying to get the hell out of there after class. Think 100 people trying to leave and 100 more trying to come in through a narrow hallway.

All in all, I will be returning for this practice in the future. Finally a Tuesday class that works for me! I'll probably come back for a Margarita too...