Pop-up Yoga refers to a means of teaching the discipline of yoga distinguished by its setting in spaces, public or private, in which the principal use of the space is unrelated to yoga or other forms of dance or exercise. Commonly chosen outdoor spaces include parks, beaches, art-galleries, public-squares, outdoor events, and farms. Indoor spaces may include wine shops, grocery stores, or art studios. An integral part of the philosophy of pop-up yoga is its focus on cultivating a harmonious relationship with ones environment.
Because pop-up yoga is a means of teaching as opposed to a teaching in itself it is not affiliated with one style of yoga or approach to practice. This allows the teacher of pop-up yoga a more free teaching approach which results in yoga sessions being more accessible and inclusive. Moreover, in the same spirit of inclusiveness, sessions are offered freely, on a suggested donation basis.
Pop-up yoga embraces an atypical teacher-student dynamic. Every one is free to contribute to teaching and are frequently invited to introduce an approach to yoga or meditation. Since pop-up yoga sessions tend to use a location only once, it is useful practice for attendees to suggest future locations.
Pop-up yoga has maintained popularity around Europe, especially in large urban areas, the largest being in Amsterdam. In the United States, the first business to actively promote the "pop up yoga" concept in name and form is Pop Up Yoga in Charlottesville, VA, with the tagline "Sprouting Locally." Started by Jacqueline Wilde, an MBA student at the Darden School of Business, the company started as an incubator project during the summer of 2011, and the first class was held in early summer 2011 during a farmer's market in Charlottesville.