Vinhausa combines yoga, house music and community
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Vinhausa at Garfield Park Conservatory. Photo: Carrie Shepherd/Axios
After attending yoga classes that didn't quite fit his style, Colton Ksiazek and his friend Jake Degler created a space for non-traditional yogis.
Why it matters: The physical and mental health benefits of yoga are vast but it can still suffer from dated stereotypes of hippie instructors burning incense and playing "woo woo" music. That's not for everyone.
Flashback: After the 6'7" Ksiazek practiced at a studio that was literally too small for him, and the instructor played Shania Twain's "Man! I Feel Like a Woman," he met up with Degler, a DJ, at a bar to complain that he wanted a yoga class that felt more suited to him.
- Vinhausa was born.
What to expect: Vinhausa is more like a party, with Ksiazek teaching yoga and Degler spinning live house music for a one-hour practice, plus time after for attendees to mingle and get to know one another.
- All events take place at historic Chicago venues, from Theater on the Lake to the Adler Planetarium.
The intrigue: Ksiazek and Degler hosted the first Vinhuasa for about a dozen friends in June 2024 at a park outside Willis Tower.
- By January of this year, about 200 people attended an event at Harold Washington Library.
What they're saying: "I think what Chicago is really feening for, especially in the winter, is getting outside and trying new things. You get to see these iconic venues in places that you haven't been in 10 years or never been before, to center yourself and connect with yourself, so you can better connect with the community," Ksiazek says.
💠My thought bubble: Moyo and I attended a Vinhausa event on a frigid night inside the lush and balmy Garfield Park Conservatory. The space was a welcome reprieve from a small, dark studio and the music was energizing. Ksiazek has a relaxed, personable teaching style while leading a vigorous practice for seasoned yogis like me.
What's next: The next Vinhausa is 6:30pm Thursday at the Royal Sonesta rooftop at 71 E. Wacker Dr.
- A limited number of tickets are still available for the Jan. 8 event at the Field Museum, Vinhausa's largest venue yet.
If you go: The events sell out fast. Early bird tickets can start at $15 and prices go up based on the venue.