Open Up Pittsburgh
A friend of mine recently clued me into Open Up Pittsburgh. Don’t you like the sound of that name? To me it sounds like a call to step up and be inclusive. That’s right this has nothing to do with business closures, this has to do with opening up to wellness, community, equity, and accessibility.
Their mission is briefly expressed on Facebook as “Open Up Pittsburgh is dedicated to helping you open up to the world around you through the joyful practices of yoga and through improv/social theater games.”
Browsing their website openuppittsburgh.com you will see their sleek lotus flower logo highlights key categories of services. These include:
- Open Movement is all about yoga, breathwork, strength training, and dance.
- Open Schools is currently paused due to the pandemic but normally they offer in-person, recorded, and live stream classes.
- Open Spaces is an educational movement for healing from trauma, particularly that experienced by Black Indigenous People of Color (BIPOC) and those living with disabilities.
- Open Stages focuses on improv and theater games.
- Open Training certifies yoga instructors and provides approved Act 48 credits for those continuing education.
Open Up Pittsburgh’s passion lies in a deep desire for people of all ages and abilities to feel welcome and to have access to wellness. As seen in YouTube videos, improv and acting games are a way to not only have fun, but also gain important skills for life. Instructors highlight the activities as a free place to be silly, use imagination, and just be yourself. Amongst the joy and laughter, participants are increasing social skills and their ability to communicate, both in expressing themselves and listening to others. Improv exercises critical thinking and working well with others. Jessica Cogis, a member recently in their blog spotlight, demonstrates how the “Yes And…” game can be used to build a story with more than one person in this video.
You will see a linked form under all of their services titled “Design a Program With Us.” This first point of contact will help start the process for tailoring to anyone’s specific needs. All movement programs stress inclusivity and strive to make everything accessible through adaptations. Everyone’s body is different and I like this reminder to just meet everyone where they are. Try following along with a recorded session on their YouTube channel of free yoga classes: youtube.com/channel/UC_JsciBlKKATtwaIJHxO52w
Or check out the schedule of upcoming virtual/in-person sessions and sign-up here: openuppittsburgh.com/events
Donations help Open Up Pittsburgh to provide virtual programs at no cost to participants.
