About the Project:

I have been thinking about a lot of the reasons I practice and share clown and yoga, and the answer most frequently comes back to healing. Whether that's healing from my learned patterns, negative perceptions, fear of the unknown, or helping others heal from what ails and plagues their world, what keeps them disconnected from those around them. I wanted to get to the core of my Fool's Yoga practice, and my strong belief in the sustaining power of joy and play.

So, here is the manifestation of that: an exploration of collective healing and joy through embodied practice!

"Clowning for Collective Healing" is a new series in West Philly that integrates clown principles, yoga, and community dialogue to explore the role of play, vulnerability, and shared laughter in processing collective community experiences. This project aims to create a unique space for personal growth, community building, and social change through the power of embodied practice.

The series consists of two main components, Fool’s Yoga classes and Community Dialogues:

Fool's Yoga Classes:

Experience a unique blend of clowning and yoga in these 1.5-hour classes. The Fool's Yoga is a physical embodiment practice that combines sacred and mindful practices of clown and physical theater with various yoga disciplines. These classes provide a space for participants to release tension, embrace spontaneity, and cultivate joy and presence.

Dates & Times:

• Thursday, September 12 @ 7-8:30 pm

• Thursday, October 10 @ 7-8:30 pm

• Thursday, November 14 @ 7-8:30 pm

• Thursday, December 19 @ 7-8:30 pm

Location: Studio 34 Yoga Healing Arts, 4522 Baltimore Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19143

Registration: Register through Studio 34’s class schedule registration here: studio34yoga.com/schedule

Cost: $18

Community Dialogues:

Join us for thought-provoking discussions exploring the intersections of clowning, healing, and social justice. These dialogues bring together local artists, activists, and community members to discuss how embodied practice can serve as a tool for individual and collective transformation.

Dates & Times

• Wednesday, September 18 @ 7-8:30 pm with featured guest Grace Lazarz

• Wednesday, October 9 @ 7-8:30 pm with featured guest Brooke Shilling

• Wednesday, November 13 @ 7-8:30 pm with featured guest Donna Oblongata

• Wednesday, December 18 @ 7-8:30 pm - featured guest TBD

Location: Studio 34 Yoga Healing Arts, 4522 Baltimore Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19143

Registration: Register through Studio 34’s arts events page here: studio34yoga.com/arts-events

Cost: Free (Donations welcome!)

Benefits of Participation:

• Learn techniques for stress relief, emotional expression, and creative problem-solving

• Improve your mind-body connection through a holistic approach to well-being

• Connect with other folks in West Philly in a supportive, playful environment

• Join in and contribute to meaningful conversations about community healing and social change

• Discover new aspects of yourself through clowning and yoga

Who Can Participate:

Everyone is welcome! No prior experience in clowning or yoga is necessary. We encourage participants from all backgrounds, ages, and ability levels to join us in this journey of collective healing and joy.

About the Facilitator: Danielle Levsky is a certified clown teacher and yoga instructor, with extensive training in various clowning and yoga traditions. Her unique approach combines the playfulness of clowning with the mindfulness of yoga to create transformative experiences for individuals and communities.

How to Join:

Register at the Studio 34 website!