Where I’ve Been.

Karen has been dancing for the past 30 years, teaching for the past 17 years and performing. With a BFA in Dance Performance from East Carolina University, she has performed for various artists such as Mia Michaels, Jay Norman, Marjon Van Grunsven, Tomi Galaska, Mary Carbonaro, Peter Grey Terhune Presents on the Regal Princess and Crown Princess Cruise ships, Madora, and other local artists. She is a STOTT certified Pilates instructor. Karen has also studied with Lynn Simonson, Mary Carbonaro, Katiti King, Diane McCarthy, and Andrea Downie, all Simonson certified instructors.  She is a Simonson certified Dance instructor as well as CI Training certified instructor.

After discovering her love for movement and fitness, Karen discovered Pilates.  With a focus on  enhancing core strength and bringing increased reach, flexibility, sure-footedness and agility, it made perfect sense for her to pair her love for dance with her next love, Pilates. She has been teaching Pilates for 11 years, and continues to challenge her students with her various teaching techniques.

Combining Simonson Dance Tecnique with Pilates and CI training, Karen has created a unique class format that not only allows the body to flow from movement to movement but allows the Mind to connect to the present moment and leaves her clients feeling rejuvenated, renewed, and restored. Connecting to their inner “wonder” allows for clients to feel more balanced and grounded.

After returning from Kenya and Uganda in November 2013 I realize the importance of tuning into one’s life purpose.  After teaching women with HIV Pilates/Dance/Strength Training and listening to their life stories  I now realize my life purpose to inspire others, especially women to find their own voice just as I have after the past few years of focusing on finding me mine.  I inspire and share my experiences with others in hopes to help them believe that anything is possible, and everything is possible!