Last weekend was the yoga championship in L.A. Sandy, my 14 year old was one of the first youth competitors.
It was held at the LAX Westin. Friday night was Bikram’s birthday celebration. After much deliberation, Sandy and I decided to go up and talk to Bikram. I told him Sandy was a youth competitor and he thanked her and kissed her on both cheeks. He was very gracious. I hear he can be abrasive, but I didn’t see that side of him.
Sandy ended up competing with the International youth. She was awesome! She had to do four compulsory poses and two advanced poses. She chose full camel and bound lotus for her advanced poses. (Links are not her, obviously) When it was her turn, she stood on stage, did all the quarter turns they ask you to do…and then Bikram said, “Stop!” Oh No, I thought. But the photographer wanted her to take off her glasses, which she did and then she did her routine. Everything was flawless and she wasn’t nervous at all.
The winner was a little girl from India. This was Sandy’s first competition and she is eager to continue.
Our two favorite teachers, Tanya and Barry plus my brother and niece came to watch the competition. There were also a few friends from the Sparks studio. Sandy really had a cheering section.
Except for the cold, rainy weather in L.A., it was and excellent weekend. I even had the time to see the Griffin Park Observatory and the Getty Museum.
I didn’t even know they had competitions for yoga.