Prince Practice: A Yoga Experience Set to the Music of a Legend
On a Saturday in June 2026, yoga enthusiasts gathered for a unique class where Prince’s music replaced traditional meditation tracks. This is Prince Practice, a yoga movement pioneered by Reggie Hubbard, blending the late musician’s catalog with physical and spiritual liberation. The experience, which began during the pandemic, has grown into a year-round celebration of self-expression and community.
How Prince Practice Began
Reggie Hubbard, a former political activist and yoga instructor, launched Prince Practice in 2020. The idea emerged when he hosted an online yoga class on April 21, Prince’s birthday, coinciding with the anniversary of the artist’s passing in 2016. “That first class had 120 people,” Hubbard recalls, noting the unexpected turnout included Prince’s nephew and President LenNard Nelson. “We were all just jamming, and people were throwing headstands in their living rooms.”
Hubbard’s classes, held annually from April 21 to June 7 (Prince’s birth date), emphasize “self-liberation” through yoga and dance. The practice incorporates Prince’s music to encourage participants to “move their hips in a sassy and lowercase nasty way,” as Hubbard puts it. “It’s about having fun in times of terror,” he says, framing the class as a radical act of joy.
The Philosophy Behind the Practice
Hubbard founded Active Peace Yoga, an organization focused on accessibility and “collective liberation.” The classes, he explains, are a form of “black joy” and a “disruptive to systems of oppression.” By merging yoga with dance, he challenges participants to move beyond everyday routines. “We don’t move like this in everyday life,” Hubbard says, “and that’s a problem.”
The practice draws on ancient yoga principles while embracing modern somatic release techniques. Poses are cued in a hatha style, allowing participants to adapt movements to their bodies. Hubbard’s guidance—“Build some heat. Have a bonfire with all the stuff that no longer serves us”—reflects a blend of spiritual and practical wisdom.
Why It Matters in 2026
Prince Practice has gained traction as a unique intersection of wellness and cultural celebration. In a world where yoga is often seen as a solitary or rigid practice, Hubbard’s approach redefines it as a communal, playful act. “Sometimes the most spiritual thing you can do is have fun in community,” he says. This philosophy aligns with recent studies highlighting the mental health benefits of movement and music, such as reduced stress and improved mood.
For Hubbard, the practice is also a tribute to Prince’s legacy. “He was an icon of active, peaceful protest,” he explains. By honoring the musician’s work through yoga, Hubbard aims to continue his advocacy for “collective liberation and consciousness.”
How to Join Prince Practice
Classes are held both online and in person, with a focus on inclusivity. Participants are encouraged to “find a posture that’s meaningful for your body” and embrace discomfort in a playful way. The practice culminates in a serene Savasana, often set to the final notes of “Purple Rain.”
To learn more, follow Reggie Hubbard and Active Peace Yoga on social media. As Hubbard says, “Be resplendent. Move your hips. And remember: freedom is a practice.”