Fusion style Yoga - is it still Yoga?

Spin Yoga, Punk Yoga, Aqua Yoga, Hip Hop Yoga, Skate Yoga to name a few. Years ago in Australia (and I assume overseas) you would have never heard the question, "what style of Yoga do you do?". You just did Yoga. 

I have a friend who practices a very classical style of Yoga. It's an 'ashram' style, very traditional and guru focused. They have centres in many large cities, and in some cities they have ashrams close by. She lives in a big city working as a lawyer, she goes to the Yoga centre on weeknights, and on the weekend she travels to the ashram and volunteers. This has been her life for the past 20 years. 

One evening, she decided to go to a local gym Yoga class because the centre in the city was closed due to water damage. She only knew the time of the class. Of course she expected it would be different, but just wanted to get her practice in, and felt a little curious and excited about trying something new. 

She arrived early and lay down on her mat. Slowly more and more people entered the room. She did a quick rough head count and was surprised to count around 50 students.  The lycra-clad instructor entered the room and walked up to the stage, popped on her head mike (like Madonna) and asked everyone if anyone had injuries etc. So far, so good. 

Suddenly the lights dimmed, the mirror ball turned on, cue disco music. 

Oh no.

Yep, it's time for 'Disco Yoga'. 

Shocked, she wanted to run to the nearest exit. Instead, she respected the instructor and stayed for the hour. She cried with laughter as she told us, but then seriously asked "I don't get it, how was that Yoga?".

So this got me thinking. I wonder, has this 'trend' gone too far to the point where the actual 'Yoga' has been shoved to the side and what's left is a fun/fitness/stretch class? 

Everything has changed since .... years ago. On and off the mat. We've evolved. Yoga has evolved. Are these fusion classes 'Yoga moving with the times'?

Something to think about. 

I wonder if someone is doing TwerkYoga yet?

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