Wellness For Festival Bodies
Local festival has a whole space, away from it all, dedicated to Healing Arts and Movement Classes
Pittsboro, NC - "Healing" and "wellness" are not exactly terms people think of while planning to come to a music festival. But if one thinks about it, people do go to festivals to be happy, to enjoy life, to be outside in the fresh air amongst other people - so what if they were able to make their bodies just as happy as their brains? The Spring Shakori Hills GrassRoots Festival of Music & Dance, in Chatham County May 5-8, holds a space for festival-goers to come and get the healing they need and to explore ideas of wellness to take with them as they leave.
The Healing Arts Area is hidden away in the midst of everything. To find it, cross the bridge over the creek from the Food Court towards the Meadow Stage and stop when you see the Peace Park with it's interactive rock towers, stone Labyrinth, and Medicine Wheel on the left. Turn to your right and enter into a peaceful grove. After a night of dancing and who-knows what, there are morning yoga classes. After three nights of sleeping on the ground in a tent, getting a massage by a trained professional might just be the trick. The Healing Arts area consists of a large tent (Movement Tent) where group classes are held, and other smaller tents in which licensed practitioners offer their services.
Movement classes are for all ages and levels of experience. There are also specific yoga classes for children. Participants are asked to wear comfortable clothing and to bring water and a mat or blanket, if available, for some classes. Some examples of Movement classes are:
Tai Chi - Learn a graceful, easy nine-step Tai Chi Five Element form. These moving meditations and energy exercises release stress while building vitality and strength. Learn and embrace tools to keep your energy clear, balanced and flowing. In a circle, and with the beauty of nature around, we will more deeply connect to the Sky/Heaven energies above and the Earth energies below with a focus to harness their gifts and integrate them into our bodies and heart more consciously. Led by Founder of The Tree of Life Polarity School, Janice Marie Durand.
Balancing Vinyasa Flow - Balancing Flow Yoga is a flowing, breath-based Vinyasa sequence intended to bring a feeling of balance to our mind and body. Each class will incorporate a mindful meditation practice with a full body asana sequence. Expect gently warming flow, invigorating power postures, fun balancing, and slow deep stretches to reboot your energy for full festival enjoyment! All levels welcome and modifications will be provided. Led by Rita Silver.
Thai Yoga Bodywork - This workshop is a gentle and restorative yoga practice combined with the healing modalities of massage, bodywork and Thai massage; expanding and deepening one's connection to the body, mind and spirit. While the asanas are being held, adjustments and bodywork are integrated into the practice to encourage discovery and awareness for one's health, healing and well-being. Led by Crystal Hetrick and Miles George.
Nia Dance Movement - Dance your body fit with sassy shimmies...strengthen your body with martial arts movements...find your focus and calm with healing arts, deep breathing and stretches- experience Nia's unique blend playfulness, power and emotional release in this 50-minute demo class. Instructor Heather Murphy (CommunNia) is a lifelong dancer, performer and teacher and offers classes and events in the Chapel Hill area.
On a more individual level, the Healing Arts Practitioners offer massage, shiatsu, Ayurvedic medicine, and other bodywork therapy. Natural healing and gentle care for (non-life threatening) injuries and other health concerns are also available. The Healing Arts Area is open 9am-6pm. Later or earlier appointments can be scheduled with available practitioners.
Shakori Hills GrassRoots Festival of Music & Dance - May 5-8
4-day passes - $114 in advance (through May 3rd) / $124 at gate
Youth (13-15) 4-day passes - $59 advance / $64 at gate
Kids 12 and under are FREE!
1-day passes - $32 (Thurs), $42 (Fri), $42 (Sat), and $32 (Sun) - all with $5 off if purchased in advance
Youth (13-15) 1-day - $16 (Thu), $21 (Fri), $21 (Sat), and $16 (Sun) - only at gate
Tent camping - $15advance / $20 at gate
Vehicle camping - $86 advance / $94 at gate
Shakori Hills is located at: 1439 Henderson Tanyard Road, Pittsboro, NC 27312
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