Namaste Steamboat Springs
07/17/2015 12:30PM ● By Christina Freeman
SUP yoga enthusiasts find their form at Fetcher Pond along the Yampa River Core Trail. Photo courtesy Steve Z Photography.
By Nikki Inglis
On any given evening, the soft lights of Sundance Studio glow as a collective of yogis find exhilaration in their breath and the release of muscles wound tight by hours on mountain bike trails earlier that day.
Two blocks away, stand-up paddleboards float lazily in Fetcher Pond, where SUP yoga participants and fishermen share the waters. Wander down the Yampa River Core Trail, passing runners and cyclists deep in their state of flow while the rush of the Yampa River sings in tune, with cheers from fans at the rodeo grounds.
The vibrant mountain community of Steamboat Springs reflects what the inaugural Steamboat Movement Fest captures: community connections through movement, inspired by the natural beauty of the Yampa Valley.
The Steamboat Movement Fest, at the base of Steamboat Ski Area, Thursday-Sunday, July 23-26, raises the vibration of local consciousness by spreading the joy of yoga, dance, creative expression and outdoor adventure with the world.
“In Sanskrit, ‘yoga’ means union,” says Fest managing director Talaya Thomas. “The union of creative movement and a connection with the natural world is a powerful pairing. Each practice can deepen the other, and there’s no better place to explore these connections than here in Steamboat.”
Devoted yogis and community leaders Kristen Rockford, Charlie Chase and Ellie MacAtee conceptualized the Movement Fest a few years ago. Last year, the trio joined forces with local yoga teachers Talaya Thomas and Valerie D’Ambrosio. D’Ambrosio is no stranger to large-scale yoga events. She co-founded the renowned Hanuman Festival in Boulder before relocating to Steamboat Springs. She was drawn in by the consciously connected community, which is enabling the Movement Fest to be brought to life. The team’s combined expertise and passion built the fire, able to ignite a world-class yoga festival in Steamboat Springs.
The inaugural Movement Fest features yoga, live music, plus pairings of movement arts and outdoor adventure. Take a flow class with Colorado yoga teacher Gina Caputo, then take off for a mountain bike ride and a soak in Strawberry Park Hot Springs. Meditate. Laugh. Dance. Chant. Connect and elevate.
“There are other places in the world where yoga and outdoor adventure thrive, but Steamboat is a uniquely cohesive community where we’re all bound together by our passions,” says Fest founder Kristen Rockford, owner of Sundance Studio. “At the Movement Fest, we want to expand that family to include passionate people from far and wide.” Who is Steamboat Movement Fest for? Any and all. No yoga experience required, just open hearts and open minds.