By Alicia Woodside, Modern Mix Vancouver Fitness Writer

The old Storyeum building took on a new life on Thursday, when hundreds of yogis, armed with mats and an appetite for something novel and interesting dropped in on the iconic Gastown space. At 7:30, the historic venue became a world of dark lighting, glow sticks, and yoga mats, ready for Vancouver’s first Yoga Rave.

We knew we were headed in the right direction the minute we stepped into Gastown. Ahead of us, people marched with yoga mats, paving the way to our first-ever yoga rave. The moment we arrived, a considerable line had formed outside the vacant building, and passers-by were curious about the huge influx of people. It felt like we were waiting to enter a club, minus the ID’s and of course, and the attitude. Once inside, we were pleasantly surprised to be directed toward glowsticks, a free coat check, a “bar” with free coconut water, and an inventory of yoga mats. A party atmosphere, revised for health and fitness? I was in heaven!

After the venue filled with hundreds of eager yoga ravers, the event got underway with Rave instructor Gloria Latham, who led the class through an energizing Kundalini Yoga sequence. The class was well-suited for the high-energy atmosphere, with explosive physical and verbal expressions, and quick transitions that inspired constant movement. I even shared standing squats hand-in-hand with a new friend, as Gloria encouraged participants to partner up with other yoga ravers we did not know in the class.

The highlight of the event came when all order broke loose, and the event transformed into full-on yoga rave. Within minutes, hundreds of people were jumping, bounding, and dancing, with a level of energy that rivaled a bouncy castle. It was fresh, fun, and incredibly good cardio. As the windows fogged with the heat in the room, participants became extremely comfortable, letting their inner dancer loose. The experience brought us back an irresistible element of childhood– dancing like we just did not care. After an hour of rave-like fun, Gloria returned to a few strength building Kundalini poses, which brought the experience full circle.

After this first-ever lululemon yoga rave, Modern Mix Vancouver is convinced that our city is on to a great new way to exercise: (Energy & atmosphere of a dance club) + (cardio and strength movements) + (awesome instructor) = (fitness you look forward to)!

See amazing video footage below from the Lululemon Yoga Rave:

By Alicia Woodside, Modern Mix Vancouver Fitness Writer

Ever heard of a yoga rave? No, neither had we! That is, until we got wind of Lululemon Athletica’s upcoming Yoga Rave event, which sparked our imagination. To help you satisfy your curiosity, MMV fitness writer Alicia had the chance to get the scoop on this event with instructor Gloria Latham and with Lululemon Regional Community Manager Lindsay Claydon.

Event: Lululemon Yoga Rave
Date: Thursday, December 8, 2011
Time: 7:30pm
Location: 142 Water Street
Facebook Event: Yoga Rave

MMV: Who thought of this idea, and how was the event inspired?

Lindsay: Every Monday and Friday night, Gloria teaches an amazing Kundalini class at Semperviva that resembles a rave. We love the energy and overall experience of this class and wanted to share it with the community of Vancouver.

MMV: What is Lululemon’s goal with this event?

Lindsay: Our goal with this event is to share this amazing practice with the Vancouver community and bring everyone together to practice yoga in a unique environment.

MMV: So, what is a yoga rave?

Lindsay: Expect an invigorating Kundalini class, packed with your closest friends, your favourite dance music, and glow sticks.

MMV: How do you expect the yoga rave to differ from a regular yoga class, in terms of music, atmosphere, lighting, people? Do you think the yoga rave will appeal to different audiences that might not normally consider a yoga class?

Gloria: Kundalini yoga is a style not known to most. The class I teach draws from this tradition. It will feel a little different even to regular devotees of the yoga practice. This is going to be a great place to be if you want to release some built up tension, make some new friends, and have a lot of fun. In terms of music, I like to incorporate everything from mantras to Enrique Inglesias and PitBull.

MMV: Who should come?

Lindsay: Anyone who wants to move their body, free their mind and have fun!

MMV: What type of yoga experience should yoga ravers have?

Lindsay: No yoga experience is required. The event is open to all levels.

MMV: Gloria, have you taught a Yoga Rave before?

Gloria: I’ve never taught a “yoga rave” before but I’m often told that my evening classes, particularly Monday and Friday nights resemble a rave. I think it is because Kundalini yoga is such a freeing practice that people feel they can really let loose. Some good music always helps things along. The class will incorporate everything from traditional poses like down dog, to lots of dancing, sweating and singing. Come with an open mind and an open heart.

MMV: Judging by the number of Facebook confirmations, it looks like it’s going to be super busy! What is the event’s capacity, and what time should participants arrive to ensure they can take part?

Lindsay: We are anticipating a large group of people. Guests should arrive at 7:30pm to ensure a spot!

MMV: Is there any cost associated with the event?

Lindsay: The event is complimentary.

So, there you have it… An unconventional chance to combine two typically disparate, but totally fun activities, in a way you never would have expected! See you there Vancouver!

*Full Disclosure: Since this article, the author is now doing yoga raves daily working at lululemon.

**Photo credit to LittleFashionisto**

By Carolyn Fung, Modern Mix Vancouver writer

On Thursday last week I had the opportunity to attended the (212) 2011/2012 Winter preview. The event was clearly well received with a packed room of local designers, fashion bloggers and supporters at the beautiful Montauk showroom in Gastown.

The inspiration behind (212) comes from owners Scott Walhovd and Anthony Castro. With a degree from Parsons School of deign and a love for the West Coast Anthony and Scott brought together their expertise in 1995 to create (212). With a focus on affordable pricing, this Manhattan inspired store offers Vancouverites a taste of the big city style without the big city prices.

The debut of their 2011/2012 winter collection included classic winter grays, rich navy blues, hints of beige and bright cobalt blue. This year, the focus was on staying true to clean cuts, solid colors and form fitting styles. Small details like asymmetrical cuts and exposed zippers were also included to add a contemporary feel to the classic designs. It was all about layering pieces and staying true the lifestyle of women in Vancouver. Dress shirts layered underneath fitted knit sweaters, turtlenecks and, button ups and skirts. What I loved most about this particular show was the easygoing nature of the clothes for that perfect laid back, sophisticated look.

In order to offer their customers accessible style in a timely manner, (212) chose to debut their winter collection in season rather than months before hand. For customers, this means the instant gratification of knowing their designs are literally hot off the runway.  You can expect prices for this collection to range from $85-$200+. For those of you interested to see more, don’t let the area code fool you. (212) is located right in the heart of Gastown and for those rainy days, you can shop their online store 24/7.

In support of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, QUEENS boutique (12 E. Cordova) in Gastown is set to launch their “Queens Get The Money” charity drive starting October 17th and running until October 31st.  With proceeds from boutique sales, nails services as well as welcoming any and all donations, Queens aims to raise $3,500 for breast cancer research within the two-week event.

“When I first heard my Mom was diagnosed with Breast Cancer, I didn’t believe it.  I couldn’t believe it could happen to someone so close to me.  It was the hardest thing I’ve ever had to go through in my life” says Queens founder Rose Raflores.   “Up until the moment I lost my Mom, I knew very little about Breast Cancer.  This charity drive is more than just about raising money, awareness and finding a cure, it’s about helping mend the broken hearts affected by this disease.  I truly hope that the spirit of hope, resilience and faith in a future without Breast Cancer is something we can help perpetuate.”

Website: Crown the Queens
Facebook Event:  Queens Get the Money For Breast Cancer Charity Drive

Replacing the former Lotus Sound Club, Vancouver’s newest club, the Vinyl Retro Dance Lounge, is now open in Gastown at 455 Abbott Street.  See below for a list of their weekly features:

BASIC Thursdays

• House | Electronic | Dance
• With Nestor Delano, Skla, Jay Klos and special guest DJ’s
• $4 Highballs and Domestic Beers
• Cover $10 or $5 with Valid Student ID

Studio 54 Fridays

• Retro | Old School | Anthems
• With Johnny Omega
• Cover only $10

Saturday Night Fever

• 80′s | 90′s | Disco
• With Dj Raaj
• Cover only $10

Industry Sundays

• with Johnny Omega and weekly guests
• Old School | Mash up | Electronic
• $3 highballs and domestics, $4 back bar and Imports $5 Ultra Premiums.
• NO COVER CHARGE

By Joanna Lee, Modern Mix Vancouver writer

Revolver Coffee (325 Cambie Street) is a family-owned and operated coffee shop that opened in Gastown on September 1st.  However, it is not just another cafe venue in the neighbourhood.  Revolver is entirely coffee-centred and uses a rotating selection of coffee roasters to allow for more flexibility, giving customers a variety to choose from.

The coffees are all made to order and when I went on opening day, the dark roast brew ($3.50) was prepared in two and a half minutes.  I was told that the coffees are all specifically prepared depending on the type of beans and roast the customer chooses.  The water temperature and the ratio of coffee to water are some aspects that brings out the different flavours and tastes of the coffees.  There are three to six beans that customers can choose from as well as several brewing methods.

Their location on Cambie Street is across from Meat & Bread and its interior design was also done by the same man responsible for Meat & Bread and L’Abbattoir.  Raw and refurbished materials were used and the design itself is a mix between an apothecary and science lab.  Revolver’s shelves are stacked with coffee from San Francisco’s Ritual, Portland’s Kova Coffee, and Calgary’s Phil + Sebastian, all very aesthetically-pleasing.

Revolver is run by the Gianniakos family who owns Crema in West Vancouver.  It is run by the four brothers of the family, who are all highly coffee-oriented.  Revolver is open daily from 7:30am.

*photos from @Revolver_Coffee

Calabash Bistro (428 Carrall Street) is a small and local authentic Caribbean joint located on the edge of Gastown and another great culinary addition to the area. The restaurant serves traditional Caribbean food and drinks, offers live music on most nights and is adorned with local art. The restaurant consists of two floors – the top floor as the restaurant with booth seatings, a small bar, and an open kitchen concept, and the basement is an intimate lounge area that comes alive with upbeat live Reggae music providing a super funky vibe to the joint.

The food menu includes dishes such as fried coconut dumplings, patties, a variety of curries, ackee and saltfish, and plantains, all moderately priced. We shared the spinach salad ($9), beef patty ($3) and the stewed oxtail ($15). The salad was unique and interesting for a salad of spinach, consisting of corn and roasted pineapple, while the oxtail came in three separate tiffin tins with a fried dumpling, rice and vegetables. The sauces, Jamaican ketchup and the house hot sauce, were intensely flavourful and extremely spicy, which forms the basis for Caribbean food.

Calabash boasts the largest selection of rum in the city (over 70 kinds) and there are plans to host rum classes in the very near future! Try the Dark and Stormy, Calabash’s version of Bermuda’s national drink, or the Ti Punch served the same way as in the Caribbean, if you are seeking authentic tastes of the Caribbean.

As the owners state, “Calabash is a vessel that supports food, drink, art, and music.” It is the perfect venue for tapas food, drinks and live music, and a cool place to lounge and hang out in Gastown, if you are up for Caribbean cuisine and a “Reggaecentric” environment.

Calabash is open for lunch Monday to Friday from 11:30 am – 3:00 pm, open for dinner service from 5pm – late 7 days a week.