Danielle (she/her) - Dance & Gyrokinesis® Instructor

Describe your dance style  

My style! Well, I suppose a good way to describe it is kinetic, somatic modern. When I got to college, I discovered this really cool thing about listening to my body and using the natural forces of that blended with the world to guide what I'm doing. The body has a story to tell, and I love to explore the different ways it can do just that. Intention is everything.

Dance or fitness history  

So, I started off in one of those ballet/tap combo classes when I was 2. I went through phases of "I LOVE THIS STYLE THE MOST!" up until today years old. Often times, I found that jazz/theatrical styles were my favorite. And, I really do still enjoy that, but as I got older, I started to focus more on the mechanics of it all. For one semester of school, I pretended I wasn't going to get a BA in dance, and then I decided that was silly, and I could just get multiple degrees instead. So, I got my BA in dance back in 2013. And then I fell upon my journey in GYROKINESIS® somewhere back in 2015. Though there were some obstacles in getting certified, I eventually got my official certification in December of 2019.

What are your dance or fitness goals 

My goals are to apply my body awareness studies to all forms of movement. Whether it be while teaching a modern dance class or giving feedback to someone doing a workout program, I believe that understanding where the body is extremely important. Anyone can attempt to do a squat, but not many people can do it properly. My goal has been to find ways to heal as much of the body as possible simply through movement. Whether it be stretching or light exercise, I feel that a lot of our pains can be alleviated by realigning the body through movement. However, if you do suffer from intense pains or immobility, please see a doctor or physical therapist. While I am knowledgable, I am neither of those.

What do you love about being an instructor  

Ah. One of my favorite things is the pride someone shows when they understand a movement in their body. There is so much that happens internally that we tend to miss by dancing in front of a mirror and judging the way we look. When someone can feel the movement, it has a much greater permanence. Our brains often times get in the way of what our bodies know to be true. That being said, dance also likes to go against what the body's natural tendencies and push those limits. But, if those limits are pushed in a way that the body is trusted to guide you, then there is less chance of injury. 

What is the best tip you can give to your students 

Trust what you feel, not what you see. I don't know how many times I've been told, "I don't look like you" when showing movement. Great. Don't look like me. Maybe the way you do it is better than the way I'm doing it. This isn't a competition set on making you into a perfect replica of me. Our bodies are not the same, and that is perfect. Unless I feel that you will injure yourself doing something, I will avoid making you look a certain way. Find the feeling, and then you can perfect the look. Intention behind what your body does is key. 

Performances, Competitions & Accomplishments 

This is always hard for me. I am not the greatest at recognizing what I have accomplished. I have traveled across the country working with all different types of bodies in different situations. My performances range from school shows to dancing at the Crocker Museum. I grew up doing competitions with my studio, but most of my accomplishments come from setting work on other dancers and working with semi-professional companies. I guess to list a few of the more professional settings, it would be UNite, Art Mix, and Hatch.