The Sedona Yoga Festival is one of the city’s longest standing festivals and made its debut in 2013. In its decade-plus existence, the festival has won awards and even garnered international attention. Sedona and yoga are a natural fit. “It’s just really nice to be in such a powerful place that amplifies this sort of peace frequency that we all find ourselves in when we’re practicing together in a large group, and it’s an ideal place for deep study as well as just play and exploration,” says Heather Shereé Sanders, producer and director of the Sedona Yoga Festival.
Although the festival is well respected and draws plenty of experienced yoga practitioners, it’s ultimately intended for those of all skill levels. “It’s ideal for yoga professionals, but it’s also such a wonderful place for someone trying to find their entry point to yoga because they can sample a lot of things and see what works for them,” says Heather. “Attendees have nearly 200 classes, workshops and events to choose from. Everyone really has the opportunity to tailor their own curriculum.” The festival includes one plenary session each day of the festival, where everyone is invited to attend. Workshops range from a four-hour deep dive into Ayurveda to a 60-minute DJ-led class. According to Heather, the festival tries to capture the variety that yoga has to offer. Prominent yoga teachers like Kia Miller, Reggie Hubbard and Angela Fears will be featured presenters.
A few other highlights of this year’s festival include free and by-donation-based kid’s yoga during the festival, forums about the yoga industry and yoga culture, music and keynotes. The festival also will offer a 20-hour trauma conscious yoga training program. At the vendor marketplace, look forward to plenty of local makers in addition to companies from all over the globe. Heather is also currently working on a yoga festival that’s slated to take place in Tahiti, but the festival seems to have found a true home in Red Rock Country. “Sedona is the heart of what we’re hoping will become a global collaborative effort toward connecting with nature and all of humanity,” says Heather. – Teresa K. Traverse
SEDONA CALENDAR: Events, activities, shows, happenings
