Salt Cave Hosts Alpha Resource Benefit

Yogis, if you are seeking someone or something meaningful to dedicate your practice to, look no further than the fifth annual benefit for the Alpha Resource Center Theater Program at the Salt Cave. Cohosted by Let It Go Yoga and the Salt Cave, the event will feature yoga classes led by Let It Go Yoga’s Sue Anne and Jim Parsons and their daughter, Jessica Parsons, accompanied by live instrumental music by Zach Gill (of ALO) in the profoundly soothing and balancing setting of this Himalayan-salt-encapsulated underground bunker.

Attendees will support the more than 2,200 families who are served by the Alpha Resource Center, which empowers children and adults with developmental disabilities. The funds will go straight to the center’s wonderful new theater program. Gill, who is himself a student at Let It Go Yoga, will play songs from his Cocktail Yoga album, and his meditative music will meet with mixed drinks such as the Salty Downward Dog and the King Dancer’s Delight, plus tasty foods and healing sessions with Sudama Mark Kennedy.

Thanks in part to funds raised at previous fundraisers, Alpha’s theater program was founded in January of this year in order to give participants the chance to create and communicate in an inclusive environment, said Alpha’s theater teacher Alex Coleman. The weekend theater programs “enable people to express themselves on their own terms,” he said, “and the theater troupe creates an environment free from the pressure of being wrong or being corrected, which can be constant in the lives of the troupe members.” The troupe meets on weekends to play theater games, practice performance skills, and have a great time with new members joining every week. The fundraiser will expand their performance opportunities in the community.

Yoga teacher Jessica Parsons, who teaches an inclusive, accessible class to yogis of all abilities, has benefited from the Alpha school programs throughout her life and is a certified teacher with Down syndrome. “I love it because I like to teach yoga and help people be strong,” she said. Let It Go Yoga cofounder Sue Anne Parsons says Jessica’s classes will leave you feeling “better, happier, and smiling.” Who doesn’t want to feel that way?

Cocktail Yoga takes place Thursday, November 10, 6 p.m., at the Salt Cave (740 State St.). Call (805) 685-8079.