Perhaps you need to spice up your traditional vinyasa practice. Or maybe you have visitors in town and need something that makes them say, “You signed us up for what?”
Either way, Denver’s latest yoga offerings deliver. Here are five of the most remarkable
Kangaroo Yoga at Kangaroo Ranch
4910 Iris Street, Wheat Ridge
When you arrive in this small, nondescript industrial park, you’ll think Google Maps has led you astray. The joeys are driven to the studio from their home on the ranch a few miles away (apparently, they love the ride and fall asleep like soothed toddlers). This newly opened spot offers a one-hour experience that begins with thirty minutes of easy yoga as two baby kangaroos hop from one yoga mat to the next. The handler will sprinkle food at the top of the yoga mat to encourage interaction; pets are happily accepted. For the second half of class, the kangaroos jump headfirst into the handler’s pouches — reminiscent of a Trader Joe’s sack — and participants take turns holding them like a baby while conducting a photo shoot. Be aware: at $85 per person, it’s probably the most expensive yoga class you’ll ever attend. The mats are provided, as these feisty little dudes may want to take a bite out of one. And remember, these animals are not housetrained — they may gift you with a few poop nuggets (which the handler quickly scoops up). It’s worth noting this is not a rescue or an animal sanctuary; Kangaroo Ranch is a for-profit company specializing in unique, hands-on animal encounters.
Nude Yoga at Sexploratorium
1800 South Broadway
The world’s only educational sex museum is right here in Denver. Sexploratorium offers yoga, belly dance, burlesque, pole and drag performing classes as a form of exercise and expression. Founder Fawn O’Breitzman, who has taught about human sexuality at the college level for the last twenty years, believes in promoting body acceptance by baring all — which is why most yoga classes offered are clothing optional (exception: Snuggly Partner Yoga, which aims to increase intimacy through breathwork and gentle poses with a partner, or multiple partners). Strip down to your birthday suit in classes like Tantric Yoga, All Gender Nude Yoga, FemYoga and Dude Nude Yoga. Sexploratorium invites those who do not fall into the traditional gender binary to attend any classes. “When you are naked in front of others, there is no way to hide things about your body that you might not like or even hate,” O’Breitzman says. “We have very few opportunities to experience nudity in today's culture. We don't get a chance to see other people's bodies outside of sexually oriented materials, which gives us a very skewed view of what ‘normal’ really is. We want to celebrate the body in all sizes, shapes and abilities.”
6252 West 104th Avenue, Westminster
This yoga experience is magical. Surrounded by greenery, plants, trees — and of course, butterflies — immerse yourself inside the peaceful cocoon (pun intended) of the rainforest pavilion. Many of us haven’t given much thought to butterflies since elementary school; this class is a reminder that we take these majestic creatures for granted. Transforming from gross furry worms to colorful flying stunners in less than two weeks? Sounds made up. The yoga is gentle, with plenty of poses perfect for absorbing your surroundings. Keep your eyes open during shavasana so you can truly appreciate the beauty fluttering above you. Butterflies love bright colors, so don’t be surprised if they land on your yoga mat and hang out for a while.
Emo Yoga at Creepatorium
1974 South Acoma Street
Dubbed as “an alternative venue for weirdos, by weirdos,” the Creepatorium hosts alternative events for the strange and unusual: including a monthly emo yoga series, “Sugar We’re Flowin’ Down.” The Creepatorium’s mission is to provide a safe, accessible and inclusive space for the horror, alt, and queer communities. The venue includes a small gift store and a coffee shop called “Scr3am and Sugar." The class itself isn’t too different from a traditional yoga class, if you count the fact that Screamo music is playing softly in the background as you find a gentle twist.
39 East Florida Avenue
Once a month, this Platt Park cat café hosts an easygoing yoga class that’s great for all abilities. But let’s be honest: you’re not really here for the workout, are you? Come with an open mind knowing cats will be cats. Sometimes, the adoptable felines will crawl all over your mat or adorably lay on your back during child’s pose. Other times, they will find a cozy perch by the window while giving your downward dog some serious side-eye. Because the café focuses on cats who may have a harder time finding a home, you’ll be working out alongside shy, older, under-socialized cats or bonded pairs needing to be adopted together. Stay for post-class kitty snuggles, complimentary coffee and tea, or peruse the cat-themed merchandise.
