At the front of the Room : Dayle Pivetta

Students are drawn to her firecracker spirit, which matches her fiery red hair. Her classes are filled with energy, giggles and, of course, dance-tastic playlists. Dayle, is another one of our star-power teachers at New York Yoga who always reminds students that yoga is all about celebrating our limitless spirits. We are ever-grateful for her passion, grace, creativity and fire! Oh, and did you know she just got ENGAGED? Many congratulations to Dayle!

Why did you decide to become a yoga teacher?

-It's funny how the universe works things out- I was really disenchanted and unfulfilled in the career I had set out to do- I came to NYC from Michigan to be an actor, but after 4 years I realized my heart wasn't in it.  I'm a very spiritual person and I believe that I was given certain talents and skills for a reason- I wanted to DO something with them- I wanted to help people- to heal people- to make them laugh, smile, FEEL, get in touch with themselves... My soul searching journey led me to yoga and I quickly realized that I wanted to know as much as I could about this transformative practice- and that I wanted to share it with anyone who wanted to learn! 

Did you ever imagine yourself doing something else?

-DID I?! So many things! I always wanted to be a teacher, but I didn't know what I'd like to teach- I thought about becoming a lawyer or an anchor woman too.  I love to sing and with the guidance of my high school choir director I studied Music and Theatre in undergrad and had every intention of moving to NYC and being on Broadway... I knew it wasn't a good fit when I found myself getting bored yet craving stability-and miserably depressed.  I'm still so grateful for that experience though,  because I would probably not have found yoga if I was a happy anchor woman in Michigan!

What is the most challenging aspect of teaching?

-That's a tough one... and it changes, but  I'm gonna say keeping my own tank full so that I can practice what I preach! Being a full time teacher is tough and like most New Yorkers I get trapped in doing too much sometimes- I'm constantly working on the art of saying NO and being honorably selfish... it's a practice!

What is your favorite pose? Why? 

I love inversions. Being up side down reminds me of my childhood. I used to hang out on the side of the bed with my head on the floor and just stare at the ceiling and imagine the world was upside down.  Inversions are magical!  Now as an adult they bring up fear and ego and when I let go of those things I feel so strong and capable of anything... like I said before, MAGICAL!

-What is the most important thing you have learned from your practice? 

A few things- go with the flow, let go of control and be present. be mindful. just be. and breathe... always breathe.

What/Who inspires you most? 

-I am a ring one Circus Yogi and one of the Circus Yoga mantras is Practice IS Perfect. I think the process of just practicing something for the sake of practicing- without the need to achieve anything, but just showing up and doing, keeps me showing up. On the mat, but also in every area of my life... practice, practice, practice. Also my students. The dedication and perseverance I see around me daily is beyond inspiring- it's why I teach.

You can catch class with Dayle at the Hot Studio on Wednesdays (9:30-11am) and Sundays (6:30-7:45pm). And at the York Studio on Saturdays (5:45-7pm) and Sundays (4:20-5:35pm).