#14 - Teach in Another Country

This was an absolute first for me. Especially because it involved trying to communicate to a whole new group of people in a language that I barely speak. This was also a first for Mirko and I teaching together! He helped me out big time – both with the demonstrations and helping to translate my broken Italian into something people would actually understand.

The class was held at a memorial party for two of Mirkos friends who had passed a few years ago. In true Italian style, rather than the event being morbid focused around death – it was a huge party! They had live bands all day long, an inflatable soccer game/slip n slide, food and a whole lot of beer. About 20 kegs or more of it!

It was a challenge to try to say what I wanted to say with my limited Italian vocabulary. It was a true test to the practice in that sometimes only a few words are necessary, and the rest is up to the students to figure out how to create the same shapes and holds with their bodies. My favourite part of the class was when a group of special needs adults came to observe what was going on. The conversation went something like this:

Italian guy – What are you doing?

Me – Acro Yoga!

IG – Why?

Me – Because it’s fun!

IG – Okay, hold me!

And he jumped on me feet and I have never seen such a big, authentic smile in a class! There was a photo on someones phone, but I can't seem to find it at the moment

Yoga in Italy is still gaining popularity, and is not as saturated as it is over here. It was such a great event to be a part of and I look forward to teaching more in their beautiful country!