Body Actualized Control, a new self-described "cosmic yoga party," is held every other Tuesday on the dusty roof of the Market Hotel. (This DIY venue isn't actually a hotel, but instead houses a creative group of young people who put on concerts, art shows, and the only yoga class where you'll find participants drinking tall boys.) On the night we attended the party, there was a group of about 50 ragtag twentysomethings - some with actual yoga mats, but most using towels, tablecloths and old sheets - all doing Downward Dog as a DJ played cosmic disco. While a few were dressed in proper yoga gear (spandex and T-shirts), just as many were wearing jean shorts, boxers, and even vintage dresses. If that wasn't enough to differentiate it from your typical yoga class, some participants were guzzling cold PBRs in between poses. So much for spiritual enlightenment, huh? After the yoga was done, and we had all concentrated on the elements (in this case, the rumbling of the nearby train and the start of a thunderstorm) while doing the Corpse Pose, a raw food potluck was shared. Eventually, the rain came, so the group moved downstairs to check out a "nu age" music performance.

"We wanted to throw a yoga party because we have tried yoga at studios before and it's fun, but it's also expensive, cultish and pretentious," says Aurora Halal, one of the organizers of Body Actualized Control. She added that the idea of throwing a health-oriented party was originally conceived because her group of friends felt there was a notable lack of events that combine health with fun, music, and the potential for a makeout sesh. Another reason for putting on the party, according to co-organizer Jan Midelfort, was to lure their hedonistic friends into loving yoga. "We are basically post-punk yoga to the people," says Midelfort. Despite being a DJ and musician, Midelfort feels that the party is very different from those he normally attends. "It's definitely a new vibe to be explored," he told us.

Besides the fact that the classes are free and offer good food and tunes, people seem to be attending for a multitude of reasons, including escaping the heat, having a place to hang other than an overpriced bar, having an opportunity to try yoga in a non-judgmental environment, and well, just because they heard it was a cool scene. But one thing that they all have in common is the need for a respite from the cutthroat NYC lifestyle and, instead, connect with a community for an evening.

It seems inevitable that, as word of mouth spreads, the following for this yoga party will continue to grow. And as more trendsetters look to balance their lives with various forms of healthy hedonism, we think the trend of mash-up parties is one that we'll be seeing much more of.