Princesses are loved by little girls. Out of my three darling daughters two of them have been princess aficionados. I have lost count of how many princess parties, princess costumes and princess cupcakes I have been responsible for organizing and creating. So if you are in a similar situation and have a special little princess in your life who is looking for something princess themed and fun to do, you are in luck because this article is all about how to create a princess themed yoga class. It is fun, easy, and will involve your princess and her court of closest friends and advisors.
First of all, you need to define what kind of princess is desired. I personally like my princesses to be friendly, adventuresome, creative, problem solvers, graceful, full of integrity, compassionate, and lovers of fine chocolate. I most often use Dancers Pose to represent the princess.
Next your princess needs a side-kick, usually an animal, with which she shares her adventures and dreams. I often let the kids in the class/at the party choose the side-kick and name it. Some possibilities include dog, cat, frog, mouse, donkey, rabbit, tiger, etc. If there is not a corresponding yoga pose invent one allowing the kids creativity and physical expression to flow.
Now we need an adventure upon which the princess may embark. This step often involves either a fun filled location (Nile River, Amazon Forest, European City, Enchanted Island), or a villain (sorcerer, witch, landlord, moneylender, etc) intend on wreaking havoc in the princess' ideal world, or both.
To warm up practice Dragon Breath (inhale deeply and exhale powerfully with fire) and Sleeping Beauty Breath (yawn & stretch).
The adventure then begins. “Once Upon a Time…”
She can traverse rivers in a boat (Boat Pose), cross mountain ranges (Mountain Pose), travel through Magic Forests (Tree Pose Group Variation), stroll through lovely gardens (Flower Pose), visit the Great Pyramids (Pyramid Pose), swim with Dolphins (Dolphin Pose), etc. Truly your imagination is the limit.
During her adventures, the princess will meet new friends such as Warrior and Dragon who help her to vanquish the villain and save the world. This is often done through magic combined with strength of character. Recall the fairy tales of your childhood and create a wonderful, heart warming conclusion to your adventure that ties up all the loose ends. Personally I like drinking the magical nectar of the lotus flower (Lotus Pose) which can only be ingested by ‘the pure in heart' so that the princess can conquer any foe and vanquish all evil.
For a yoga game alter Swami Says into Fairy Godmother Says and review many of the poses used throughout your adventure.
As always, complete your yoga session with relaxing Corpse Pose as the princess and her court settle down to a well earned rest.
