We love Dave “Yeah Dave” Romanelli’s passion for spreading positivity. In his new show on uLive, he shares quick and easy ways to make your day better by simply having a piece of chocolate or giving someone a hug. On the mat, Yeah Dave is known for his sensory yoga experiences where he’ll follow up a juicy practice with great wine or a delicious meal. Dave teaches Tuesdays at 6:30PM at Exhale Central Park South and we thought it was time you got to know him better, local yogis.
What makes your style of teaching unique?
I combine yoga with exotic chocolate, fine wine, great food, live jazz…it's all about making the yoga real for people. I think we're seeing a trend where you have people who have the most amazing practices, they have taken 800 hours of teacher training, they have the fanciest yoga clothes…and then you see them in the parking lot after class and they are freaking out! What good is the yoga if you can't apply it to the craziness of everyday life?! So the chocolate, wine, and music are gateways, simple memories of that yoga feeling. When you are stressed and having a bad day and it's not possible to break out your mat and do a warrior 2…at least you can put on some jazz, eat some chocolate and get back to that feeling you have in yoga class.
What's the most frequently asked question you get being a yoga teacher?
"Why you are stressed right now? Yoga teachers aren't supposed to be stressed." Actually yoga teachers are all crazy, that's what makes us relatable (and fun).
What's the strangest thing a student of yours did, said or wore in your class?
One time a student in a crowded class stripped down to his tighty whities. I blocked out the rest of that memory.
What's the most yogically incorrect, or stereotypical thing you do as a yoga teacher?
My most yogically incorrect habit is eating a cheeseburger. My favorite of all-time is the Father's Office burger in Santa Monica. Vegetarian yogis hold your breath…dry-aged sirloin topped with applewood smoked bacon compote, Maytag blue and gruyère cheeses, caramelized onions, and arugula on a freshly baked French roll
Which profession would your alter ego choose and why?
I would like to be professional baseball player. There's no skill more rare and more difficult than being able to hit a 100mph fastball.
Who or what inspires your practice and your teaching?
My practice and teaching is inspired by Seane Corn. I used to take her class way back in the day, and to see her become so famous, and dedicate so much of her life to people in need…is a reminder that yoga (and life) are intended to be sacred.
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