This Wednesday, yogis of all levels are invited to take their practices out of the studio and onto the dance floor for an evening of reggae, yoga, and good vibes.

At Sound Salutations, 10-year instructor Danielle Hoogenboom will lead practitioners through vinyasa and yin while local DJ and event co-creator Tank Gyal takes full advantage of Fortune Sound Club's Funktion One sound system. (Some might be familiar with Thursday Ting, Tank Gyal's weekly reggae night at the Waldorf.)

By combining community, positivity, and messages of empowerment with the city's best sound system, Hoogenboom says, they'll create a yoga experience that can only be described as part class, part dance party.

She assures the Straight that even though the event takes place in a bar, yogis need not worry about their mats sticking to the floor—instead of alcohol, they'll serve tea and offer guests steam chalices packed with rosemary and sage.

When practicing outside of the studio, she says, the movement and meditations of yoga become more accessible and exciting, "especially to yoga virgins". 

"I think the musical element makes it appeal to a very eclectic variety of people," she adds.

"There's something about the harmonies and melodies and conscious messages in the lyrics, plus the slower tempo of the songs that really uplift you, which could be extra beneficial for anyone feeling droopy from the cold weather and minimal daylight that comes with the seasonal shift."

She and Tank Gyal have been hosting Sound Salutations for the last three years, and hope with Wednesday’s event to collect goods and funds that will be destined for communities on the island of Dominica affected by Hurricane Maria.

Since the Category 5 storm hit back on September 18, catastrophic damage has left the small Caribbean island without power or running water. Food supply has also been interrupted, and it is expected that the island will be in a state of emergency for months. 

Hoogenboom hopes to collect a wide range of items, including batteries, flashlights, mosquito nets, footwear, clothing, water sterilization tablets, non-perishable food items, and other items, as well as donations, with 100 percent of the proceeds going to on-the-ground efforts in Dominica.

Entry to the event will be offered on a sliding scale and no one will be turned away, but guests are encouraged to be generous.

Sound Salutations goes down on Wednesday, November 8 at Fortune Sound Club (147 E Pender Street). Doors at 6:30 p.m., with class from 7 to 9 and music until 9:30 p.m. Find tickets here.