David Duerkop has been with Tula since before day one. He was one of my first yoga teachers and he helped me decide whether opening a studio was right for me. The consummate professional yoga teacher, he manages to always stay well above the fray (in a sometimes dramatic industry) and always shows how deeply he cares about the practice & his students. His Sunday class has been Tula's "Rock". Always happening, always a good time and never wavering in it's ability to make your weekend completely complete.
His teaching style is that rare combination of challenging and easy-going. Fueled by his eclectic and energetic taste in music and dropping yoga knowledge like refreshing drops of rain through out, one always leaves his class feeling strong and little more light-hearted than when coming in.
What more can I say? We are so grateful for David. Tula just wouldn't be Tula without him.
Here's a little bit more about the "Double D"
(sounds like it could be the name of a yoga pose, what do you think ?:)
Nick Name: Double D
Hometown: Bensenville, IL
Favorite Color: Blue
Favorite Yoga Pose: Triangle. Love the length in all directions!
Least Favorite: (Why) Titibasana. My body doesn’t go there..... yet.
Sign: Virgo
Favorite Place: My family’s house in northern Michigan
Why do you teach Yoga?
Sure, I teach yoga to learn more about yoga and challenge myself. Mostly though, I teach yoga to serve those who seek the immeasurable effects that a yoga practice offers. I simply try to create a comfortable space where people can relax, have fun, let their guards down a bit and learn what they choose to learn.
How do you define Yoga?
Do something and keep doing it with sincerity and devotion. Yoga is path of action. Simply follow a path with purpose and dedication and there will be yoga..
What would your last meal be? Don’t know but I hope it’d be really, really long and there’d be lots and lots of people there!
The band you can't live without?
None. Thankfully, we have recordings so I’ll never have to live without any of my favs.
If you could travel anywhere in the world right now where would it be and what would you do?
I’d drive to our house in Michigan and hang-out with my family. No question.
When you aren't teaching yoga, what can you be found doing?
I’d be working on our house or walking our dog Daisy with my yogi-partner and wife, Rachel.
Three fun facts we don't know about you?
I can ride a unicycle all day long.
I can recite the names of the US states alphabetically in about 15 seconds.
I have 5 fabulous big sisters.
You can find David at Tula on Wednesdays at noon and Sundays at 10:30am. He also co-leads a monthly Yin and Nidra Session with his wife, Rachel, at Tula during the Fall/Winter/Spring. You can also find him at various gyms and studios all around the city and holds annual yoga retreats. You can keep up with his complete schedule at Resonate Yoga Chicago.