Practicing Yoga to This Pop, Rock & Funk Icon Might Be Exactly What We All Need Right Now

Reggie Hubbard’s Prince Practice, a series of yoga classes set to the music of Prince, continues to grow in popularity as a means of fostering self-liberation, community, and joy through movement and music.

The classes, led by Hubbard, blend yoga poses with dance, music, and expressive movement inspired by Prince’s legacy. They often include sing-alongs, dance breaks, and playful cues, emphasizing fun, community, and liberation. Hubbard, a former political activist turned yoga teacher, founded the practice in 2020, initially during the pandemic, to honor Prince’s memory and promote accessible, inclusive yoga. The classes are held annually from April 21 to June 7, aligning with Prince’s death and birthday anniversaries. Participants range across ages, races, and body types, reflecting Hubbard’s goal of making yoga accessible to all. The practice also incorporates themes of activism, Black joy, and collective liberation, aligning with Prince’s own stance as an icon of peaceful protest and cultural expression.

Why It Matters

This development highlights a creative intersection of music, activism, and yoga, emphasizing mental health, community building, and cultural expression. It offers an alternative approach to traditional yoga, encouraging playful, expressive movement as a form of spiritual and emotional release. The event’s growth signifies increasing interest in culturally relevant, inclusive wellness practices that honor legacy figures like Prince and promote social justice through movement.

Background

Prince, who passed away in 2016, remains an enduring cultural icon known for his activism, musical innovation, and influence on Black culture. The practice launched during the pandemic, inspired by a desire to combine wellness with cultural homage. Similar tribute classes for artists like Britney Spears and Taylor Swift exist, but Hubbard’s approach is distinctive for its emphasis on dance, community, and activism. The annual timing aligns with Prince’s death and birth dates, reinforcing the connection between his legacy and the practice’s themes of liberation and joy.

“Sometimes the most spiritual thing you can do is have fun in community.”

— Reggie Hubbard

“We don’t move like this in everyday life, and that’s a problem.”

— Reggie Hubbard

What Remains Unclear

It is not yet clear how widely the Prince Practice will expand or whether it will become a permanent fixture beyond its current annual schedule. Details about future collaborations or formalized programs remain under development.

What’s Next

Hubbard plans to continue hosting annual Prince Practice classes, with potential expansion into new formats such as workshops or retreats. There may also be collaborations with other artists or cultural figures to broaden the practice’s reach.

Key Questions

What is the main goal of Prince Practice yoga classes?

The main goal is to promote self-liberation, community, and joy through expressive movement, dance, and music inspired by Prince’s legacy.

Are these classes suitable for all levels?

Yes, the classes are designed to be accessible and adaptable, encouraging participants to find poses and movements that work for their bodies and comfort levels.

Why focus on Prince’s music and legacy?

Prince’s activism, musical innovation, and cultural influence serve as powerful symbols of liberation, joy, and resilience, aligning with the class themes.

Will the classes continue annually?

Yes, Hubbard has committed to holding the classes annually from April 21 to June 7, in honor of Prince’s death and birthday anniversaries.

Source: Yoga Journal