Currently: New York, NY
Pursuit: Personal Trainer, Dancer + Actress
Where did you grow up/hometown? I grew up in Canton, Ohio.
How did life lead you to this career path? What motivated you to start The Rope and The Dance Class? I worked as a Broadway dancer for the last 15 years of my life performing all over the world. Fitness has always been a part of my life because being a dancer, you must be fit! However three years ago I found myself going through an unexpected divorce and the Broadway show I was in decided to close. I was in my early 30s, on my own financially, and just lost my job. I knew that if I wanted certain things in my life I had to make them happen. I started my own business by privately training clients and then after awhile had a meeting at Bandier to work at Studio B! Bandier was incredibly supportive and helped me launch a class I had wanted to create for a couple years based around the jumprope. A month later I debuted my class, The Rope and then a couple months after that started The Dance. It has just been over a year now and I am so grateful to be teaching to sold out classes!
Although we realize that no two days are alike, what is a typical day like for you?
Yes, no two days are alike! Most days though I wake up and start private sessions. I travel all over the city working out with clients in their homes. I also see clients at a studio on the East side if they don't have a home gym. If I teach class that day or evening I mix that in throughout the day. A typical day starts at 8am and I finish at the latest 8:30pm and I am pretty much training that whole time with an exception of an hour here or there!
Working on any projects currently?
Yes I am! I am working on getting my workout videos edited and up on my website, for download! I am also working on manufacturing my own jump rope! Stay tuned!
From a collaborative perspective what really stands out in your mind, and has really aligned with your brand identity?
My creative director, Linda Honan, pointed out when we were creating my brand how much I love stars. I have a star tattoo, star jewelry, star clothing, and star workout clothes...it's an obsession. So we used my obsession and now I'm known as the star girl at Bandier! I love it! Clients come in to class wearing their favorite star outfits! It makes me so happy! We are all stars!
What do you find most challenging about your career?
Staying healthy! The wear and tear on my body is no joke! I can't remember a day where I don't have any aches and pains! Luckily I get the best medical massages that keep my body going!
How do you stay inspired?
I am inspired by my clients. I love challenging them. I love seeing them smile when they like something or when a song comes on. I love when they want to work hard because it inspires me to create!
Translated into “she sees”, Elle Sees [NYC]’s digital platform is a curated guide to culture and lifestyle —what are your must haves for productivity? What gets your juices flowing?
I am a bit type A personality and work well under pressure! I love a busy day but then also can't wait for my day off. I think balance is important for productivity and support of family and friends. My juices get flowing when I have new things to conquer!
What advice do you have for anyone aspiring to live a healthier lifestyle, (food-wise and fitness-wise) who just finds themselves ‘stuck’?
You have to dedicate yourself to a healthy lifestyle. No one can do it for you! No one can work out for you and no one can eat healthy for you. So if you are stuck, YOU need to make that change! One day at a time, one workout at a time, one meal at a time.
Any tips for kickstarting weight loss and keeping your energy up?
Yes! I think that if you want to kickstart weight loss focus on one thing and COMMIT to it! Don't weigh yourself down by depriving yourself of everything in your life so that you end up home alone eating egg whites. You might last a week before you binge. Choose one thing, do it well and then slowly add in more to help you reach your goals.
Top 3 things to do in the morning to hit the ground running?
I have an Emergency-C, coffee, and my vitamins!
What are you most proud of/your most satisfying accolade thus far?
My class - The Rope! I really believe that the jump rope can change your body, it changed mine!! It is an incredible piece of equipment. I really believed in my class and to see it get recognition and have sold out classes at Studio B makes me so happy. I love seeing my clients grow too! Even in one class every person in class gets better in 55 min! It's incredible!
What do you love most about Studio B? How would you reassure those apprehensive about working out/dancing in a group/class setting? Studio B is the BEST workout studio in NYC! I love everyone who works there! They are beyond helpful and supportive! I could not do it without each and every one of them! The studio itself is also amazing. It is a huge space with no columns or pillars to obstruct views or get in the way. If you are apprehensive let me assure you that you are in good hands with me. I promise no one is looking at you but me and I will make sure you have a great time and feel comfortable. Don't be scared to try something new!
What can we expect from you in the future?
I am excited for the future! I am teaching retreat weekends this summer at the One & Only Ocean Club Resort in the Bahamas and possibly a few more retreats in 2018 already! I will also be spending some more time traveling and teaching all over the country.
Words to live by?
Jump, Skip, Smile! and Think Positive
Go-to pick me up (food or drink)?
I love eating Sakara Life throughout the week! It keeps me fueled for all my workouts and it is easy to eat while on the go! Guilty Pleasure?
16 Handles, pizza, and wine!
