Since the time sports ministry directed to incorporate yoga as a ‘sports’ event, yoga has caught up the fancy in a big way. After Ramdev and Shilpa Shetty, Modi and his yoga loving ministers are also competing for the ‘fittest’ tag all over the media.

As the ‘International Yoga Day’ is approaching on June 21, we would like to tell you about some unique forms of yoga invented by the women of ‘Jaipur’.

Sunita Gupta added a new flavor to this ancient technique, blending yoga with dance. It took only one class for the 45-year-old to know what she wanted to pursue in life. We asked Sunita (the Certified yoga teacher at Yoga and Peace centre, Jaipur) few questions about her love for yoga and the greatest challenges she has overcome with help of her profession.

What made you choose the dancing yoga style? Moreover, how do you think it can be compared with other styles?
Yoga-dance provides a conscious connection between music and the body. This style has evolved from normal to Vinyasa (flowing) style. I believe it helps people to engage their minds fully in what they are doing. It allows them to experience more moments of peace and serenity.

When I step up in front of a class, I make it my mission to control the focus of everyone’s mind for the duration of the class.

What activities are included in this programme?

We call it slimming yoga as it works to remove the extra fat of the body.

This exercise programme includes:

• Tie chi
• Pranayama
• Yogassana
• Astanga vinyasa iyengar yoga

Share from the beginning, your 1^st day with Yoga.
A friend introduced me to yoga 6 years ago. I wanted to lose weight, however, was not very keen with this health philosophy. But since then, this has become my daily routine and profession.

Who can attend a yoga dance class?

Everyone who is passionate enough about dance, yoga, music and a perfect body is welcome. The yoga style we teach requires a lot of stamina and dedication. Also those who are suffering from any kind of disease, like diabetes or back problem needs to disclose it before joining, so that we can design special type of yoga structure for them.

Is yoga dance similar to Zumba?

Zumba is “fun aerobics”. Our classes are designed to provide complete peace and harmony through different body moves. We try to combine the wind energy with physical energy to get best results.

What is your advice for yogis?

We live in a very loud culture, and yoga requires us to pay close attention to something very calm. Our lifestyles demand speed because of which we miss many small things. This missing peace can be attained through yoga.

When did you decide to dedicate yourself to yoga personally and professionally?
That happened soon after my first session. Soon I lost around 10-12 kgs and felt fit like never before. To keep the practice regular and share the same benefit with likewise people, I decided to take it professionally.

What do you find most rewarding about being a yoga instructor?
Even though I have had a blessed life filled with many varied experiences and a loving family, for me there is nothing more rewarding than helping others to experience true inner peace. This practice has helped them become happier and have improved their careers, relationships and even the way they have been handling financial matters. All because of the right balance between mind and body.

Everyone who feels like exploring this creative expression of yoga paired with music is welcomed to the studio Yoga and Peace by Sunita Gupta. Take out few moments and give yourself a yogic quick fix in this fast-pacing life.

Photograph by: Nupur Agarwal