How to Apply to Teach at a Yoga Festival

Teaching at a yoga festival is more than just an opportunity to lead a class; it’s a chance to amplify your influence and connect with a broader yoga community.

Why It Matters

Yoga festivals are gathering places for yogis from all walks of life, creating a dynamic environment filled with energy, learning, and connection. By teaching at one of these events, you position yourself amongst a connected and attentive community.

The demand for diverse and enriching yoga experiences has led to the rapid expansion of yoga festivals across the globe. These events attract dedicated, engaged audiences eager to explore new practices, deepen their understanding, and connect with like-minded individuals.

The Benefits

Besides getting to share your own practice and experience the yoga festival, which you could get by volunteering at a yoga festival, there are several key benefits for your career as a yoga teacher or as a means to give back to the yoga community.

Exposure: Teaching at a festival places you in front of a wide audience, potentially hundreds or even thousands of yoga practitioners. It’s an opportunity to introduce your offering to new students and expand your reach beyond your regular classes or audience.

Networking: Festivals are a hub for connections—not just with students, but also with other instructors, studio owners, and industry professionals. The relationships you build here can lead to future teaching opportunities, collaborations, and professional or personal growth.

Sharing Knowledge: Festivals offer a platform to share your unique insights, philosophies, and techniques with a diverse audience. It’s a chance to contribute to the collective knowledge of the yoga community and to inspire others on their personal journeys.

The opportunity to teach at a yoga festival is not just a career milestone—it’s a unique experience that can profoundly impact your growth as a teacher and as a member of the yoga community. If you’re ready to take your teaching to the next level, applying to teach at a yoga festival is a significant step forward.

Understanding the Yoga Festival Landscape

Navigating the yoga festival landscape requires a clear understanding of the types of festivals available and the expectations that come with each. This knowledge will help you tailor your approach when applying to teach.

Read: What is a Yoga Festival

Types of Yoga Festivals

Understanding the different types of yoga festivals is crucial for tailoring your application and maximizing your chances of success. Each type of festival offers unique opportunities and comes with its own set of expectations.

Local Yoga Festivals

Local yoga festivals are events held within a specific state or country, typically drawing a more regional crowd. These festivals often have a more intimate atmosphere and focus on community-building within the local yoga scene.

Participants at local festivals are usually familiar with the region’s yoga landscape. The audience may consist of regular practitioners from local studios, teachers, and newcomers looking to explore yoga. The cultural and stylistic preferences may be more homogenous, reflecting the local community’s needs and interests.

When teaching at a local festival, it’s important to connect deeply with the community. Your class or workshop should reflect an understanding of local practices, preferences, and cultural nuances. As an insider this will come naturally to you. As an outsider, make sure to offer your unique teaching style and knowledge that may differ from the locals while also connecting with their standards.

Niche Yoga Festivals

Niche yoga festivals focus on specific themes, styles, or traditions within the yoga world. These can range from festivals centered on kirtan and Bhakti yoga (devotional practices) to those focusing on more physical aspects like hatha or vinyasa. Other examples include festivals dedicated to kundalini yoga, yoga therapy, or mindfulness and meditation practices.

The audience at niche festivals is usually more focused but demographics may vary as festivals serve as an entry point to immerse and experience different types of yoga and teachers. These attendees are often looking for in-depth exploration of their practice, whether it’s through advanced workshops, immersive experiences, or connecting with like-minded individuals.

Teaching at a niche yoga festival requires a deep expertise in the festival’s focus area. Your sessions should offer advanced insights, specialized techniques, or unique perspectives that cater to the specific needs and interests of the audience.

This is your opportunity to showcase your mastery of the subject and contribute meaningfully to the festival’s thematic focus.

International Yoga Festivals

International yoga festivals are typically large-scale events advertised around the world to attract participants and teachers from all over. These festivals often feature a diverse range of styles, practices, and philosophies.

The attendees at international festivals are typically varied in terms of yoga experience, cultural backgrounds, and interests. You’ll encounter practitioners with a broad spectrum of knowledge, from beginners to seasoned yogis and yoga-adjacent practitioners, all seeking to deepen their practice and understanding.

Teaching at an international festival requires you to adapt your content to appeal to a global audience. This might mean offering a session that is accessible across potential language and cultural barriers.

By understanding the different types of yoga festivals—international, local, and niche—you can better tailor your application and teaching approach to meet the expectations of each event. Whether you’re aiming to reach a global audience, connect with your local community, or dive deep into a specialized practice, aligning your offerings with the festival’s scope and audience is key to success.

Festival Organizers’ Perspectives

To increase your chances of being selected as a teacher, it’s crucial to understand what festival organizers are looking for. Here’s what matters most:

Diversity: Organizers aim to offer a varied lineup that caters to different practices, philosophies, and cultures. Your unique background or approach to yoga can be a significant asset.

Expertise: Demonstrating a deep understanding of your yoga style, along with experience in teaching it, is essential. Organizers prefer instructors who bring depth to their classes, workshops, and lectures. Previous festival experience and online presence play a role here.

Fit with the Current Schedule: Your proposed classes or workshops should align with the overall schedule of the festival. This includes timing, duration, and the balance of different styles and activities offered throughout the event. Follow the organizer’s instructions.

Ease of Working With: Organizers value instructors who are professional, communicative, and flexible. Being easy to work with—reliable in communication, open to feedback, and adaptable to changes—can make a significant difference in your application process as well as in being invited back.

Alignment with Festival Themes: Each festival has its own unique theme or focus. Whether it’s wellness, spirituality, or a specific yoga practice, your teaching should resonate with these themes. This alignment not only enhances your application but also ensures a cohesive experience for festival attendees.

By understanding the different types of yoga festivals and the priorities of organizers, you can better position yourself to apply successfully. Yoga festival organizers have a lot of materials to prepare so remember to be easy to work with. Tailoring your application to fit the specific festival’s needs and showcasing your unique strengths will make you a more attractive candidate.

Preparing Your Application Materials

When applying to teach at a yoga festival, your application materials are your first impression. Each component—from your resume to your proposal—should reflect your professionalism, experience, and unique teaching style.

Creating an Engaging Bio

Your bio is a snapshot of who you are as a yoga teacher. It should be both personal and professional, offering a glimpse into your journey and your approach to teaching.

Personal and Professional Background

Share the key moments that shaped your yoga journey—how you discovered yoga, the milestones in your practice, and the teachers who influenced you. Organizers and participants are interested in your story, especially how it connects to your teaching philosophy. Keep it authentic and relevant.

Example: "My journey with yoga began over a decade ago as a personal quest for healing and self-discovery. After experiencing the transformative power of yoga in overcoming anxiety, I dedicated myself to sharing these benefits with others. My teaching is rooted in the belief that yoga is a path to holistic well-being, blending the physical, mental, and spiritual aspects of practice. I have had the privilege of learning under esteemed teachers like [Teacher’s Name], who have shaped my understanding and approach to this ancient practice."

Philosophy and Teaching Style

Describe your unique approach to yoga. Are you focused on alignment, spiritual growth, or integrating modern wellness practices? Highlight how your teaching style aligns with the festival’s values or themes.

Example: "My teaching philosophy centers on the integration of mindfulness and movement. I encourage students to listen to their bodies, explore their edges, and cultivate self-compassion on and off the mat. My classes are designed to be inclusive, offering modifications to support all levels while challenging more advanced practitioners. Whether leading a dynamic vinyasa flow or a restorative yoga class, my aim is to create a space where students can connect deeply with themselves and their practice."

A properly written bio is an important part of introducing yourself to the festival organizers but also to potential attendees who may not know you yet. Some festivals will want only a short form bio and others will want a long form bio as well. Further yet, some festivals will want or request a video introduction for marketing purposes.

Developing a Compelling Proposal

Your proposal is where you outline what you intend to teach. It should be clear, concise, and compelling, capturing the essence of your offering.

Workshop/Class Descriptions

Craft descriptions that are direct and enticing. Use language that clearly conveys what your session is about, without being overly technical or vague. Your goal is to attract attendees who will benefit most from your teaching. For example, if you’re offering a vinyasa class, highlight the key themes and what participants can expect to experience.

Example: "Awakening Your Inner Fire: A Vinyasa Flow for Strength and Empowerment"

This dynamic 90-minute Vinyasa flow class is designed to build physical strength and inner fire. Participants will explore a sequence of energizing poses that activate the core and cultivate balance, ending with a powerful meditation to ignite their inner fire. Suitable for all levels, with modifications provided for beginners.

Target Audience

Define the specific demographic your session is designed for. Are you targeting beginners, advanced practitioners, or perhaps those interested in a particular aspect of yoga, like meditation or breathwork? Understanding your audience helps festival organizers see where your session fits into the overall schedule and ensures that it meets the needs of attendees.

Example: "This workshop is ideal for practitioners who seek to deepen their physical practice while exploring the connection between strength and mental clarity.”

Example: “Perfect for those with a foundational understanding of vinyasa but open to all levels with a willingness to challenge themselves."

Learning Outcomes

Clearly state what participants will gain from attending your session. Will they leave with a deeper understanding of a specific pose, a new meditation technique, or an overall sense of relaxation and renewal? Articulating these outcomes not only sets expectations but also demonstrates your ability to deliver a focused and meaningful experience.

• “A stronger understanding of how to engage the core muscles effectively in vinyasa flow.
• “Techniques for balancing strength and flexibility in practice.
• “A guided meditation to evoke resilience, which they can incorporate into their daily meditation practice.

Regardless of what you propose, make sure it has your name and brand written all over it. Present what comes from the heart and tie it to what the target audience is looking for and you’ll have a successful offering.

Crafting a Strong Resume/CV

While uncommon for yoga festivals to request a resume or CV, having one will make it easy to copy paste your information into your application. Your resume or CV should succinctly showcase your experience and qualifications. Here’s how to make it stand out:

Highlight Relevant Experience

Emphasize your previous teaching experience, especially those in large or diverse settings. Include workshops, retreats, and any prior festival teaching experience. The more varied your teaching background, the better you’ll demonstrate your ability to connect with different audiences.

Example: "Led weekly Vinyasa and Hatha yoga classes at [Yoga Studio Name] for over five years, attracting a diverse group of practitioners ranging from beginners to advanced. Facilitated weekend retreats focused on mindfulness and meditation, accommodating groups of up to 50 participants. Previous experience teaching at [Yoga Festival Name], where I conducted workshops on Pranayama (breath control) and Yoga Nidra (yogic sleep)."

Certifications and Specializations

List your yoga certifications prominently, whether it's RYT-200, RYT-500, or specialized training in areas like prenatal yoga, trauma-informed yoga, or meditation practices. Include any additional training that sets you apart, such as advanced anatomy courses, Ayurveda studies, or specialized workshops you’ve attended. These certifications not only validate your expertise but also signal to organizers that you bring a well-rounded skill set to the table.

Example: "RYT-500 certified by Yoga Alliance, specializing in trauma-informed yoga. Completed advanced teacher training in Ayurveda at [Institute Name]. Certified in prenatal yoga and yin yoga. Additional qualifications include workshops on advanced anatomy, focusing on injury prevention and recovery."

Your application materials should reflect your experience, authenticity, and the value you bring as a yoga teacher. Take the time to craft each component with care, ensuring it aligns with the festival’s goals and resonates with those reviewing your application. A strong resume, an engaging bio, and a compelling proposal are your tools for standing out in a competitive field.

Navigating the Application Process

Successfully navigating the application process for a yoga festival requires strategic preparation, careful attention to detail, and proactive relationship-building. Here’s how to approach each step with intention.

Researching the Festival

Explore various yoga festivals using the complete list of yoga festivals on our website. You can then use the festival’s website to research, discover their social media presence, and see what others are saying about the festival.

Understanding the Festival’s Theme and Audience

Before you submit your application, take the time to thoroughly understand the festival’s theme and target audience. Each festival has its unique focus as determined by the organizers. Align your application with these themes to demonstrate that your teaching will resonate with attendees.

For example, if the festival emphasizes mindfulness, highlight how your class or workshop integrates meditation and mindful movement. If it’s a vinyasa-focused event, emphasize the dynamic and fluid aspects of your practice. Show organizers that your offering is not only relevant but also enhances the overall festival experience.

Consider the demographics and experience levels of the festival’s typical attendees. Are they experienced practitioners looking for advanced techniques, does the festival appeal to intermediate level practitioners, or is the event designed for beginners? Adjust the language and content of your proposal to meet their expectations and needs.

Deadlines and Submission Guidelines

Adhering to deadlines and submission guidelines is critical. Missing a deadline or ignoring submission instructions can disqualify your application, regardless of its quality. If you know in advance when applications open or if you cannot apply right away. Know when the deadline is for applications.

Pay close attention to submission guidelines, such as file formats, word limits, and required documents. If the festival asks for a specific format or additional materials like a video demo, provide exactly what’s requested. This attention to detail shows that you’re professional and reliable.

Most yoga festivals have a dedicated application form that specifically asks for each detail they need submitted including length of content and file types.

Yoga festivals are searching for applicants typically 6-12 months prior to the yoga festival’s date. This gives them plenty of time to schedule classes and market the festival. First year festivals may have more variance in this timeline especially trying to fill specific niche class types. On-going yoga festivals typically secure next year’s teachers, classes, and workshops a full year in advance.

Building Relationships

Perhaps the most important aspect of applying to teach at a yoga festival is establishing and building relationships. Frankly this may be the most important part of being alive. Nonetheless, here’s where relationship building will help your application succeed.

Networking with Festival Organizers

Establishing a connection with festival organizers before you apply can significantly improve your chances of being selected. It’s about building rapport and demonstrating your genuine interest in contributing to their festival.

Introduce yourself to the organizers well before the application deadline. Express your interest in the festival and ask thoughtful questions about what they’re looking for in their instructors. This can provide valuable insights into how to tailor your application.

Keep your communication respectful and concise. Whether through email or in-person at a related event, your professionalism will leave a lasting impression. Remember, organizers are not only looking for skilled teachers but also for people who are easy to work with.

Engaging with Previous Instructors

Learning from those who have successfully taught at a yoga festival before can give you an edge. They can offer practical advice and insider tips on what the organizers value most.

Reach out to previous instructors through social media or mutual connections. Ask about their experience and what they believe made their application stand out. This can provide you with valuable perspective and potentially introduce you to key contacts.

Attend workshops or classes led by past instructors, especially if they’re part of the same festival circuit. Observing their teaching style and approach can inspire your own application and help you understand the festival’s standards.

Maximizing Your Chances of Success

Securing a teaching spot at a yoga festival requires more than just submitting a solid application—it’s about distinguishing yourself in a competitive field and maintaining professionalism throughout the process.

Standing Out to Yoga Festival Organizers

In a competitive field, standing out requires a strategic and targeted approach. Here’s how you can make your application compelling.

Offer Unique and Relevant Content

This needs to come from your heart and passion for what you do. You are the most unique aspect you’re bringing to the festival, align with the festival’s theme and you’ll capture their hearts.

Innovative Classes: Propose workshops that blend traditional practices with modern insights, such as “Mindful Movement for Office Professionals,” addressing current lifestyle challenges.

Cultural and Historical Context: Incorporate yoga philosophy or cultural traditions, offering depth and authenticity that organizers value.

Thematic Alignment: Ensure your sessions align with the festival’s theme, such as holistic wellness or sustainability.

Highlight Specialty Workshops

These are sessions that are not easy to access or common to be offered. Your traditional hatha class can be had at most yoga studios, so what makes your hatha yoga special?

Advanced Techniques: Showcase expertise in areas like yoga for athletes, therapeutic yoga, or sound healing. Niche offerings cater to specific interests.

Workshops for Instructors: Offer advanced sessions for other yoga teachers, such as alignment techniques or teaching methodologies.

Integration of Other Disciplines: Combine yoga with complementary practices like Ayurveda or mindfulness for a holistic approach.

Emphasize Interactivity

Whether it’s inviting participants to play their part, having them ask questions, or inviting them to try a new practice during a talk. This is where participants garner value.

Hands-On Learning: Design workshops with partner work, group discussions, or hands-on adjustments to actively engage participants.

Personalized Attention: Include segments for individualized feedback or Q&A to make your session memorable. Remember people’s names and invoke them during your class.

Collaborative Sessions: Team up with another instructor to offer a unique, co-taught session that synergizes with your offering. Such as having live music for your asana class.

Demonstrate Alignment with Festival Values

Hopefully you naturally align with the festival’s values however it’s still important to express that alignment in every word.

Community Engagement: Highlight your active participation in the yoga community, such as volunteer work or teaching community classes.

Sustainability Practices: Mention any eco-friendly practices in your teaching, aligning with festivals focused on sustainability.

Inclusivity and Accessibility: Ensure your sessions accommodate different levels, body types, and backgrounds, demonstrating a commitment to inclusivity.

Provide High-Quality Visuals and Media

Start with what you have. You may need to schedule a photoshoot with a friend or even a professional. Get photos of you teaching yoga, a bio headshot with you looking at the camera, and a clear action shot that clearly shows your face.

Engaging Video Content: Include a professional video that clearly shows your teaching style, energy, and ability to engage students. You may have this posted on your website, social media, or attached to your application.

Professional Photography: Use high-quality images of you teaching in a workshop or festival setting, capturing the atmosphere of your sessions. If you don’t have these yet, get some when you’re accepted to present at a yoga festival.

Stand out by offering unique, relevant content that aligns with the yoga festival’s mission. These strategies will make your application more compelling to festival organizers.

Professionalism in Communication

Your communication with festival organizers should reflect your professionalism and commitment from start to finish.

Clarity: Be clear and concise in all your communications. Whether you’re submitting your application, asking a question, or following up, ensure your message is easy to understand and to the point.

Respect: Approach every interaction with respect and courtesy. Acknowledge the organizers’ time constraints and respond promptly to any requests or inquiries. This builds a positive rapport and shows that you are easy to work with.

Consistency: Maintain a consistent tone in all communications. Whether you’re communicating via email, phone, or in person, your professionalism should be evident. Consistency fosters trust and reliability, which are crucial in a competitive selection process.

Within this framework, you help the festival organizer communicate with you regardless of their own communication capacities.

Follow-Up

After submitting your application, it’s important to stay on the radar without being overly persistent. If you haven’t heard back within the specified time frame, a polite follow-up email is appropriate. Mention your application, express your continued interest, and inquire if there’s any additional information you can provide.

Keep your tone positive and professional. Avoid sounding impatient or demanding. A simple, “I wanted to follow up on my application and express my enthusiasm for the opportunity to teach at your festival,” goes a long way.

Expressing Continued Interest

Even if you’re not selected, maintaining a relationship with festival organizers can open doors for future opportunities. If you receive a rejection, respond with gratitude. Thank the organizers for considering your application and express your hope to be considered for future events. This leaves a positive impression and keeps you in their thoughts for the next opportunity.

Keep in touch with the festival’s developments. Follow them on social media, attend the event as a participant if possible (you’ll often get a discounted ticket for applying), and stay engaged with the community. This demonstrates your ongoing interest and commitment to being a part of their future events.

Maximizing your chances of success involves not just a strong application but also strategic follow-up and professional communication. By offering something unique, maintaining clear and respectful communication, and politely following up, you position yourself as a strong candidate both now and in the future.

After Your Application Is Approved: Prepare

Being selected to teach at a yoga festival is a significant achievement, but your work doesn’t end there. How you prepare, engage, and follow up can make all the difference in maximizing this opportunity.

Revisiting Your Proposal

Now that you’ve been selected, it’s essential to revisit your initial proposal to ensure that your offering aligns perfectly with what you promised. Go through your original proposal and compare it to your planned class or workshop. Are you delivering on the key points you highlighted? This is your chance to refine your session plan to ensure it meets the expectations you set.

Consider whether any updates or adjustments are necessary based on new insights or developments since you submitted your proposal. However, avoid making drastic changes unless absolutely necessary. Organizers selected you based on the content you initially offered.

If you absolutely need to make any changes it is best to seek approval from the organizers beforehand otherwise follow through on your initial offering.

Marketing Your Session

Promoting your session is crucial for attracting attendees and ensuring your class is well-attended.

Leverage Your Network: Use your social media platforms, email list, and personal network to spread the word about your approval and upcoming class. Highlight what makes your offering unique and why it’s a must-attend for festival-goers.

Collaborate with Organizers: Work with the festival’s marketing team to amplify your reach. Share their promotional content, and consider creating a short video or blog post that gives potential attendees a sneak peek of what to expect.

Engage Early: Start engaging with potential attendees even before the festival begins. Respond to comments, answer questions, and create a buzz around your workshop. This not only helps fill your class but also builds anticipation.

The more active you are part of the build-up to the festival, the more engaged and full your session will be. It goes back to the saying: you get out of it what you put in.

Participating Beyond Your Offering

Your involvement in the festival should extend beyond your own teaching slot. Fully engaging with the event adds value to your experience and strengthens your presence in the community.

Attend Other Classes: Make it a point to attend other workshops, classes, and keynotes. This demonstrates your support for fellow instructors and allows you to gain insights and inspiration from their teachings. For you, this may be why you wanted to teach at this particular festival in the first place.

Actively Connect With Others: Take advantage of social events, meal times, and informal gatherings to connect with other instructors, participants, and organizers. Building these relationships can lead to future opportunities and collaborations. Or just the enjoyment of making new friends.

Be Present: Stay involved in the festival community throughout the event. Your active participation will be noticed by organizers and attendees alike, enhancing your reputation as a dedicated and engaged member of this yoga community.

Regardless of your initial motivation to apply to teach at a yoga festival, it’s important to be connected with the event beyond your own offering. Showing up for just your class or workshop is a sure indicator to the organizer that you’re not interested in the longevity of the yoga festival.

Gathering Feedback

After your session, gathering feedback is essential for continuous improvement and for informing future applications. This may be a normal part of your teaching already or perhaps it’s a new practice for you. Let’s explore some methods to gather feedback.

Ask participants for their thoughts immediately after your class or via a follow-up email (implying that you’re capturing participant’s emails). Keep your questions simple and focused on key aspects such as the clarity of your instruction, the relevance of the content, and overall satisfaction.

Reflect on your own performance. What went well? What could be improved? This is something to write in your yoga journal. Use this introspection along with participant feedback to refine your teaching approach for future events.

Maintaining Connections

Keeping the connections you made during the festival is vital for future opportunities. Send personalized thank-you notes to the organizers and key individuals you connected with. Express your appreciation for the opportunity and your hope to collaborate again in the future.

Keep in touch with the festival community through social media, email, or occasional check-ins. Share updates on your teaching journey and stay informed about future festival opportunities.

Consider applying for the next festival cycle early, using the relationships you’ve built and the feedback you’ve gathered to strengthen your next application.

Besides all that, you’ll need to be prepared for attending a yoga festival just as any other participant would. Make sure you have your essentials prepared for practicing at a yoga festival.

I Want You to Apply to Teach at a Yoga Festival

Applying to teach at a yoga festival is a bold step in your journey as an instructor. It’s an opportunity to share your passion, expand your reach, and grow both personally and professionally.

Take the Leap

If you’ve been considering applying to teach at a yoga festival, now is the time to act. The process may seem daunting, but the rewards—both tangible and intangible—are well worth the effort. By putting yourself out there, you open the door to new experiences, connections, and opportunities that can elevate your teaching practice to new heights.

Remember, every yoga teacher started with no experience and a first application. Don’t let hesitation hold you back. Whether you’re an experienced teacher or relatively new to the field, there’s a place for your unique voice in the yoga festival community.

Final Tips for Success

If nothing else, remember these 5 key points.

Understand the Landscape: Research the festival thoroughly to ensure your proposal aligns with its theme and audience.

Prepare Thoughtfully: Craft a strong offering, an engaging bio, and a compelling proposal that highlights your unique gifts.

Communicate Professionally: Maintain clear, respectful communication throughout the process, from the initial application to post-festival follow-up.

Engage Fully: Once selected, immerse yourself in the festival experience—both in teaching and participating in the broader community.

Follow Up: After the festival, gather feedback and maintain the connections you’ve made to position yourself for future opportunities.

I encourage you to take the next step in your teaching journey by applying to teach at a yoga festival. Share your experiences, ask questions, or reach out for personalized advice on the application process. Your journey as a festival instructor begins with one bold decision—make it today.

Feel free to comment below offering your personal experience or for more insights and support as you prepare your application. I believe in you.