AcroYoga: The Heart Of The Art In Houston

Nosa and Susie Edebor took their first AcroYoga class in 2012 after practicing Vinyasa yoga for years. With AcroYoga incorporating many elements not found in traditional yoga or fitness practices, the exercise offers many of the same benefits such as building strength, balance and flexibility, offering a fun alternative to get in shape.
‘This practice attracts people who are tired of their normal routine and are looking to step outside the box and push themselves outside of their comfort zone,’ says Susie Edebor.
The story of Nosie Yogi is unique in that Nosa and Susie Edebor are married and continue to foster their relationship through their AcroYoga practice.
“We had to learn to lean on each other, figuratively and literally,” says the couple. “The biggest draw was the way it opened up communication between us both, giving us a mutual language. We could speak and really improve how we understand each other on and off the mat.”

Saturday’s workshop led by Nosie Yogi at the Contemporary Arts Museum Houston was open to all skill levels. The class started with partner stretches and moved into a trust exercise where partners took turns ‘driving’ the other around the room. The partner acting as the car had their eyes closed and was directed by subtle touches from the other partner. From there, participants separated into groups of three and began working on the acrobatic element of the class. Group members alternated between the three roles: flyer (person in the air), base (person on the ground) and spotter (person who makes sure everyone is safe).
Those interested in an AcroYoga practice should start with workshops and classes. Finding a certified teacher and attending class is essential to learn basic safety and spotting foundations before acquiring more advanced skills.
Nosie Yogi holds beginner workshops at Yoga EaDo along with weekly events around the city of Houston. Registration can be found online at Yoga EaDo. The couple will also hit the road starting September 1, 2015 for a 15-city tour, The Road to Divine Play, in addition to their upcoming 2016 European and Asian tour.

Like other practices, one of the benefits of an AcroYoga practice is the community built through shared interests. Houston’s AcroYoga community is comprised of people from all over the city and from many different backgrounds.
“Teachers, students, doctors, nurses, lawyers, circus freaks, we are all different, but all the same when it comes to the love of this practice,” says Nosa Edebor.
While AcroYoga is viewed often as a form of exercise, the practice is increasingly seen as an art form. While some partnerships enjoy the physical skills, others enjoy the connection and find other ways to practice. Nosa and Susie Edebor make their practice art by participating in the Houston-based circus troupe, Cirque La Vie.
“This is what we love about acro, it’s both fitness and an art form. Depending on the intention of the partnership, it can shift more toward one or the other,” says Susie Edebor.

Not all couples in AcroYoga are romantically involved, but the essence of the practice is to build trust and communication, strengthening relationships by creating stronger communities.
“The heart of AcroYoga is having fun, building communities and learning to connect with each other,” says Susie Edebor.
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