RIO DE JANEIRO — Dozens of Brazilian yoga aficionados saluted the sun in unison in a Rio de Janeiro favela for the inaugural class of a free course allowing residents of the low-income community to qualify as yoga teachers.
Krishna Das, a renowned American vocalist born Jeffrey Kagel and known for his performances of Hindu devotional music known as kirtan, led a spiritual practice and attendees prayed, sang, clapped and even danced.
''I felt like I was in another world,'' Luciene Costa Gonzaga de Andrade said at the event Wednesday. ''The mantras transcend the souls and transform sadness into joy. It was magical.''
Hairdresser Costa Gonzaga de Andrade, 54, is one of 20 people from Rocinha, Brazil's most populous favela, or low-income neighborhood, who have signed up for the free training program offered by the Yoganaya International School and the company Mude.
She started practicing yoga to alleviate pain in her lower back. She used a cane for three years, but the ancient practice allowed her to regain mobility. Standing on her feet all day is a struggle and she was delighted to learn how to teach yoga.
''It's a course that would be very expensive for people who, like me, have a low income,'' she said. ''Who knows, maybe in the future I'll quit the salon and just teach classes.''
The 14-month project aims to train around 180 new teachers from favelas in Rio and Sao Paulo, who will then carry out paid internships in their communities. Participants receive uniforms, yoga mats, speakers and microphones, as well as stipends and support when entering the job market.
Yoganaya International School founder Renata Mozzini said she created the project specifically for favela residents to pierce the ''bubble of elitism.''