Kirk has found his outlet through horror films and making monstrous music, a fine example that there is something out there for everyone trying to quell the inner turmoil. And though it might come as a shock to some, peace can be found through loud genres of music; be it punk, alternative, metal, thrash, hardcore, screamo, rock and so on. In fact, a study in neuroscience from the University of Queensland found that different forms of “extreme” music can have positive effects on the listener, promoting “inspiring calmness” rather than blood-boiling anger.

Extreme music, the study notes, allowed participants to “explore the full gamut of emotion they felt” and left them feeling much more active, inspired and empowered. The study further reported that these participants, “used music to enhance their happiness, immerse themselves in feelings of love and enhance their wellbeing.” If all of that doesn’t sound like an ad for yoga, than I don’t know what does.

As Boston Magazine points out, “it’s going to get loud” at the museum on Saturday, September 23 during our exhibition celebration for It’s Alive!. Tina is bringing us a blood-tingling session of Black Widow Yoga, a new yoga experience that blends yoga with doom metal music, for dark and adventurous souls. And while the roar of an electric guitar and the pounding of drums in metal echoes that sense of power that yoga instills, the class is much more than the music.

In a Black Widow Yoga session there is screaming and swearing. It is raw and genuine. Tina explains, “That’s why I teach yoga, like anyone else, it’s to be mindful and honest.” Channeling Metallica’s lyrics from “Wherever I May Roam” with a “free to speak my mind anywhere, and I'll redefine anywhere” attitude, a Black Widow Yoga class brings the aura of yoga back down to earth.

Tina accepts that darkness is a part of her, and proudly wears it on her sleeve. “I am not afraid to admit that I have skeletons in my closet,” says Tina, “everyone has them.” And that is exactly why this is not meant to be a cookie-cutter yoga class. It indulges that clandestine side, breaks misconceptions and affords everyone the opportunity to admit that “it’s okay to be dark.”

Tina took notice of Saskia Thode and her concept of Metal Yoga Bones in Brooklyn, New York, and thought that it would be something special to bring to the North Shore (and beyond). People have embraced this awesome concept of non-traditional yoga in non-traditional spaces, with the likes of the Boston Globe and DigBoston taking notice of Black Widow Yoga in particular. For many, taking one of Tina’s classes is their first real experience with yoga. When you join Black Widow Yoga for a session, there is an air of acceptance. Tina notes, “This is a class for anyone that wants to try something new,” a judgment-free zone where, “all body types, genders, sexualities and experience levels are welcome and everyone will be encouraged not to judge themselves.”