Chapter 1: A Dance to Remember

I vividly recall an evening when I was ten years old, attending a captivating dance performance by a professional company in upstate New York just before Halloween. Although it wasn't explicitly meant to be spooky, the dancers presented a full-length interpretation of "In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida" by Iron Butterfly, which lasted an impressive 17 minutes—a considerable duration for a young mind to be entranced by such a piece.

The performance featured a troupe that crawled, soared, and slithered across the stage, dressed initially in camouflage and then transitioning to tattered costumes. Strobe lights flickered intensely, evoking a sense of conflict and tension. It left a profound impression on me, lingering in my thoughts long after the show ended.

My mother, a long-time dance instructor and aerobics teacher during a challenging period in her life, often curated playlists for those moments when deep breaths and emotional releases were essential. She expertly combined songs that resonated with her struggles, perhaps instinctively selecting tracks that matched her emotional state.

Her talent for assembling playlists was remarkable, and she utilized them in her classes. I would say I learned from a true master.

As I ventured into teaching yoga, I found myself merging these musical inspirations with my life experiences—my joys, losses, insights, and my profound relationship with music that flowed like a lively stream over rocky terrain.

During my teenage years, my bond with music grew stronger, and as an adult, it became even more significant. Initially, I experimented with traditional kirtan music, crafting playlists that crescendoed with melody and emotion, all aimed at moving energy.

I began to incorporate artists like Michael Jackson, Def Leppard, the disco era, the vibrant sounds of the 80s, and the eclectic Peter Gabriel (seriously, what genre does he belong to?). My playlists became a labor of love, and over the years, I created hundreds, many of which I proudly played during my power flow yoga classes.

I started with tapes (remember those?), then progressed to burning CDs. Eventually, I explored a now-defunct app on ancient iPhones that allowed for music streaming. It feels like ages ago, and I can't even recall its name.

Apple Music captured my attention, and I invested heavily in songs and albums until my computer could no longer download any more music—it was overflowing. I turned to Pandora for a while, but I sought something more innovative. That's when I transitioned to Spotify in its early days.

I recognize that many musicians earn very little from having their art on such a massive platform. So whenever I can support them—by attending their shows, purchasing merchandise, or buying their albums directly—I do so. They often use Spotify merely as a means to share their music, not as a revenue source.

For someone who curates exceptional playlists for yoga and meditation classes, it's crucial to have a cost-effective and diverse platform. It's a necessary compromise, I suppose.

Much love,

Jenni Sol

Chapter 2: Halloween Yoga Fun

For a delightful Halloween experience, check out this energetic video featuring Halloween-themed dance and yoga activities designed for kids. It's a fantastic way to combine movement with festive fun!

Explore this enchanting Cosmic Kids Yoga adventure, "Halloween Yoga for Kids! | Haunted House." It's a perfect way to engage young yogis in a spooky yet playful atmosphere!