Owner/founder of Movement Center LA | Specialized Master Trainer of the GYROTONIC® EXPANSION SYSTEM® | GYROKINESIS® Pre-Trainer | co creator GYROTONIC® Pre and Post Natal Application | STOTT PILATES® Trainer | Professionally Trained Ballet Dancer | Dance Coach | Health Coach | Reiki Practitioner | Trained Doula | Birth Educator of The Bradly Method® of Natural Childbirth | Co Directing LA Ballet’s Health & Wellness Program

A native of Los Angeles, Christina began her love of movement at an early age in Venice Beach. Christina professionally trained under the Balanchine style of ballet and Jazz at Westside School of Ballet under Yvonne Mounsey & Rosemary Valaire in Santa Monica. In addition she was trained by Ballet Russe de Monte Carlo dancers Irina Kosmovska & Tania Lichine at the Lichine Academy in BH in the 1990’s. She embraced Pilates, GYROTONIC® methodology and yoga principles to improve her body’s capabilities during her time at Pennsylvania Ballet School and with the company.

Thanks to the inspiration and mentoring of Kathy VanPatten, Christina found her passion to teach at the very young age of nineteen. She has undergone years of extensive training, dedication and hard work to become the best movement educator in her field. She continues to further her professionalism through workshops, seminars, and continuing education.

Christina’s experience as a professional dancer and 24 years teaching clients give her a practical and scientific understanding of energetic, muscle and skeletal relationships to movement. This experience fortifies her intuitive grasp of the body that allows her to guide clients to a deeper understanding of their mind body connection. In addition Christina will connect you with elite professionally trained dance instructors who turn your weakness in to strength improve your skills and awareness through movement.

Inspired by her 3 children, she is a dedicated and passionate doula and natural childbirth educator with the Bradley Method®. She has experienced giving birth in both hospital and home environments. Christina helps mothers prepare mentally, physically, and spiritually for childbirth and their recovery after birth. BradleyBirth.

A Integrative Health Coach Christina is a supportive mentor who helps clients feel their best through food and lifestyle changes and personalized, one-on-one encouragement. Support for overall health and wellbeing.

Studio clients benefit from her expertise as well as from her compassionate and supportive approach. “I believe we cannot achieve our potential, nor live a life of fulfillment, without wonderful, inspiring friends around us,” she says. “It brings me great joy to share my talents in movement with family, friends, clients and colleagues.” Her goal is to educate and inspire through a loving and positive environment.

“It gives me great pleasure to express my admiration and support of Christina Stroh. Christina embodies all of the qualities necessary of a leader and a teacher in the physical disciplines of dance, Gyrotonic exercise and Pilates. She possesses an innate ability to see the body in front of her and also the ability to communicate the appropriate information to the student, teacher or client. She inspires through her spirit and her love of movement. If you get the opportunity to learn from Christina, take full advantage of it.”

—Kathy Van Patten, Specialized Gyrotonic Master Trainer and teacher trainer in Pilates

"Working with Christina opened up my body awareness on a whole new level. As a professional ballerina, I was constantly trying to become stronger, move bigger, gain more flexibility, and dance more free. Christina, being a professional dancer herself, instinctively knows the movement potential the human body can achieve and she sets the perfect example. Watching her move, you understand visually where ones energy force should come from. Her body moves as a dancer's but also that of an organic life force as well. She changed my whole way of thinking, moving, and therefore dancing, in such a profound way that I will always be grateful."

~ Melissa Barak, Choreographer and Ballet Instructor

“I began seeing Christina Stroh on a regular basis following a debilitating back injury. Eager to regain my strength and figure following the birth of my first child, I jumped into intensive ballet bar type workouts which had proved effective in my pre baby days. However, post C section, was woefully ignorant about how my body had changed, specifically my weakened core and loose ligaments. During an intensive workout, I tore a disc and triggered excruciating pain in my lower back and sciatic nerve that continued for many months. It was only when I was introduced to Christina that I began to stabilize and establish a Gryrotonic workout that is effective while also being kind to my body, even after baby number two! Christina's knowledge of the changes that occur to the new mothers' bodies during pregnancy, nursing and beyond is honed by decades of experience and three children of her own. I am so lucky to have been able to learn from Christina and regain my strength, stability and well being.”

~ Justina Baskauskas, Mother

“There are people in your life, who stick with you. You meet them and they stick with you forever, mostly its not such a pleasant thing, but with Christina its always a joy. Christina is like a everlasting present in your life!!! I met Christina 21 years ago in a teacher training of mine in Boston. Ive witnessed her develop learn and improve over the years as a consistent and responsible Gyrotonic teacher, mother , wife, friend and so much more with her everlasting friendliness smile…”

~ Sebastiann Plenttenber, Specialized Master Trainer of the GYROTOINC® Expansion System

“Her performing experience and extremely educated body awareness made her a natural for this type of work. My mother* hired her to teach in her studio in Boston, where she became an immediate success.”

—Sarah Van Patten, Principal Dancer, San Francisco Ballet

“Movement center la was first introduced to me by our family pediatrician. After 2 csections and caring for a growing family i was struggling to build up my strength. My health and body were constantly failing me. Christina made it easy to see that my body needed to align and function in order for me to be my best self. Within a month i could not believe the transformation taking root deep inside me. I had been to doctors and chiropractors and masseuses for help with a deep muscle pain over my shoulder blade. i had even been prescribed an electrode stimulator to ease the pain. Christina looked at me as a whole person. She is an artist who can make your body a masterpiece. I was back in alignment and within a month the pain was gone and has never returned. I am writing this after 3 happy years of support and guidance from a place that cares about not only your body moving well, but that your whole self is growing towards beauty, strength and light.”

Michele Klos, Mother of 3

“I have had the priviledge to work and train in breath and movement wth Christina Stroh for the past 16 years. As a dancer, I am extremely particular about who I engage with on a physical level. Chrstina is the only one I trust to guide me with her expertise, well-trained eye, and touch that has conditioned my body not only for artistic performance but also before, during, and after pregnancy. Christina's work has helped me get back into better shape than before I had my children! Highly intuitive and energetically sensitive, she is simply a master of the moving body and my life as a dancer and artist has grown exponentially because of her!"

~ Lily Bright Cole, Mother Movement Artist

Rate: $150 (55min) | New client into special $345 (3 sessions) | Contact: Christina

ERIN BAKKEN

Erin joins Movement Center LA with a 20 year+ professional ballet experience behind her. She was introduced to the GYROTONIC® system while dancing professionally by a colleague. As a professional dancer, Erin performed with Texas Ballet Theater for eight seasons as well as Bruce Wood Dance Company and Ohio Ballet. She was an inaugural member of the Los Angeles Ballet and currently continues to be a guest artist performing through out the US including dancing the motion capture for the Barbie film, “Barbie in the Pink Shoes”.

Erin started her GYROTONIC® career with Master Trainer, Lisa Marie Goodwin-Rice in 2007. Since being certified, Erin has continued to be certified in all the Specialized Equipment in the GYROTONIC® family – the Archway, the Leg Extension Unit, the Jump/Stretch Board and the GYROTONER®, as well as being a Level 2 Certified Trainer. Erin has completed courses in the Therapeutic Application for The Shoulder Girdle & Therapeutic Application for Scoliosis with Uwe Herbstreit, P.T., Application for Dancers with Master Trainer Adrianna Thompson, the Hip & Knee Rehabilitation Program with Master Trainer Lisa Marie Goodwin-Rice, and GYROTONIC Psoas Principles with Master Trainer Juergen Bamberger. Throughout her training, Erin has had the opportunities to study with other Master Trainers including Sebastian Plettenberg, Erica Hassan, Jackson Kellogg, Emily Smith and is continuing her studies with Master Trainer, Christina Stroh. In 2018, Erin became a certified GYROKINESIS Trainer as well as a Certified GYROTONIC® Pre-Trainer. In addition, she has and the opportunity at Movement Center LA to work very closely with Specialize Master Trainer, Christina Stroh during her own pregnancies, with other women during their pregnancies, child birth and recoveries. This has given Erin the insight and opportunity to connect first had with the birth community.

Being a professional dancer, Erin is specialized in helping dancers recover from injury and/or fine tune their technique while under the principles of the GYROTONIC® system. She’s able to give specific awareness to each dancer so that the healing/rehabilitation, re-education process of movement patterns can take place.

Erin is known for being the “trainer for trainers" in the gyrotonic and dance community. Her unique and talented skills provide the most seasoned Gyrotonic trainers with much support and inspiration. Currently Erin is on faculty for the La Ballet Trainee Program. “I love the opportunity to fine tune and work on the subtleties of this amazing work with others in the field.” ~ Erin

Words From Colleagues, Friends, and Clients:

“As a professional Gyrotonic and Gyrokinesis instructor I only trust the best instructors for my prenatal and postnatal training. During pregnancy my body was so tight and I had so much hip pain, etc., I needed help. Erin helped me though it. Erin literally trained me the day I went intolabor because I wanted the baby out. She is amazing!

~Danielle Litman, Certified Gyrotonic Trainer

“Working with Erin has changed my life. I’ve learned how to connect with my physical body on a deeper level and release old patterns in my body. She was also instrumental in my pre/post natal care during my third pregnancy. Helping me maintain my body and then recover.”

~Amanda Daniels Lebowitz, Flight of the Heart

“Erin has an incredible talent for and intuition about the body and its kinesthetic and energetic integration. She applies a lifetime of experience as a professional ballet dancer to her gyrotonic expertise which gives her instruction great depth and breadth. She is sensitive and caring, yet she motivates you to achieve more than you likely think is possible through her intelligent encouragement - the result is an amazing, customized, one of a kind workout and healing experience. She has helped me “connect the dots” many times, and my career has benefitted significantly because of our working together.”

~ Julia Erickson, Professional Ballerina (formerly with Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre)

Rate: $150 (55min session) | Contact: Erin for sessions or more information about her go to:  www.fluidmotionmovement.com

Lavinia Findikoglu has been teaching Gyrotonic and Pilates in Los Angeles since 2006.  A classically trained dancer, she received her BA from the Boston Conservatory in ballet and modern dance.  While still performing professionally, Lavinia has found a true passion for sharing the joy of movement with others.  She strives to guide her clients to achieve a higher level of understanding their bodies, and in doing so not only heightening their physical awareness, but uplifting themselves on an emotional and spiritual level as well.

With a natural affinity for motion and a keen eye for the kinetic needs of others she works with clients to help them achieve their individualized goals.  Lavinia  has experience working with people in all walks of life, whether they are healthy adults, teenagers, pre and professional dancers, those seeking rehabilitation from injury or surgery, back pain, coping with affected motor skills (ie: Parkinson’s, Multiple Sclerosis, Scoliosis), athletes, people with little to no movement or fitness experience, and pre and post pregnancy.

Lavinia is certified in the following: Gyrotonic Level 1 and 2, Gyrokinesis, Jump Stretch Board, Leg Extension Unit, Gyrotoner, and is an official Gyrotonic Pre-Trainer. Pilates mat and equipment certification through Long Beach Dance Conditioning.

Rate: $130 (55min session) | New Client Intro Special: $300 (3 sessions) Contact: Lavinia

After a theatrical career that included 6 1/2 years on Broadway, Barbara began her career in fitness as an American College of Sports Medicine certified trainer. Discovering Gyrotonic® in 1995, Barbara once again felt the passion and commitment that had served her so well in the theatre. She has single-mindedly dedicated herself to teaching the Gyrotonic Expansion System® and Gyrokinesis® to people from all walks of life and at all different levels of fitness.

Rate: $150 (55min session) | Contact: Barbara or for more information www.gyrotonicla.com

Elaine is a certified Pilates instructor through Long Beach Dance Conditioning and has been teaching since 2006.  She found Pilates after experiencing chronic back pain from a demanding sales career in the garment industry.  Pilates helped relieve the pain and became a foundation for all other workouts. Encouraging people to look and feel their best through health and wellness is what makes her career so rewarding. 

Rate: $100 (55min session) | Contact: Elaine

Elizabeth is a dancer, choreographer, certified trainer in The GYROTONIC® Method, and STOTT Pilates instructor. Her dance career includes performing with the Joffrey Ballet and Ballet Memphis. She has choreographed work for Ballet Memphis and the Joffrey Ballet School, as well as music videos for artists including Chance the Rapper and Wyclef Jean of The Fugees.

Elizabeth has over 15 years of teaching experience in ballet, STOTT Pilates and Gyrotonic exercise. After experiencing and rehabilitating from many injuries during her dance career, she became passionate about sharing the benefits of movement with people from all backgrounds.

Just as each person’s body and goals are unique, so is Elizabeth’s approach. Her deep knowledge of human body mechanics and healthy movement patterns provides her with the expertise necessary to design a personalized, detail-oriented, and highly effective experience for every client.

Elizabeth holds certifications in STOTT Pilates Mat, Reformer, and all Specialized Equipment, The GYROTONIC® Method Level 1 and Jumping Stretching Board, and the Royal Academy of Dance.

www.lizmensah.com

Michael Bullard is an LA-based professional dancer and GYROTONIC® trainer. Having found GYROTONIC® through his own experience with injury and dance, Michael rediscovered and built a new, healthier relationship with his physical self. He is passionate about connecting all individuals with a personalized movement experience that meets and celebrates where their bodies are in the present moment.

Michael holds a B.A. in Theatre Performance and Minor in Dance from Wagner College. In addition to extensive stage performance, Michael has been teaching dance and movement all over the world for the past thirteen years. Michael's teaching credits consist of an adjunct professorship in Modern Dance and Jazz Dance techniques at his alma mater, as well as being former faculty with Dance Molinari NYC, Mountains in Motions Dance Project, and the Los Angeles Ballet Academy. Most recently performance credits include the Broadway company of Disney’s Aladdin as well as Assistant Dance Captain on the 1st National Tour of Disney’s Aladdin as part of the original company. From 2012-2014, Michael traveled to eleven different countries working on the International Tour of West Side Story as Baby John and the company's ballet master. Instagram: @themichaelbullard

Alif Sankey is a Choreographer, Dancer, Movement Teacher, Director, Creative Producer, Writer, and Motivational Speaker. Born and raised in Los Angeles California, Alif started her dance training in Ballet, Tap, Modern Dance, and Jazz, at the age of eight. Alif received a Ballet Scholarship with The London’s Royal Ballet the late Stanley Holden at the age of sixteen in Los Angeles, and went on at the age of eighteen to working professionally as a dancer, in music videos, movies, television, and concert stage. Most notably Alif was one of the original dancers for Michael Jackson’s Smooth Criminal Music Video. Alif was The Live Associate Producer for Michael Jackson’s This Is It concerts at the London O2 arena. Alif’s professional career spans 40 plus years and in between that time Alif kept up her physical strength for dance movement by incorporating Pilates and GYROTONIC method classes; both methods along with Spinning classes for Cardio have maintain Alif’s ability to continue dancing well into her 60’s. Alif credits the GYROTONIC method classes in guiding her through the “change of life” aka Menopause. Alif’s creative passion over the years has never faulted if anything it has expanded. In March 2019 Alif received her MFA degree in Filmmaking from Leeds Beckett University the Northern Film School Leeds Yorkshire UK Majoring in Cinematography and Directing. Alif’s MFA Graduation Short Film ‘Woman of Life’ was feature in several Short Film festivals including New York’s Harlem Film Festival and in the UK Women Over 50 Film Festival. Alif’s directorial and choreographic works have been featured in Los Angeles, London, Japan, and Taiwan. Alif is now adding to her list of multiple achievements becoming a Certified GYROTONIC Level 1 teacher, she has recently received her Apprenticeship and is very excited to continue her journey of joy for dance movement and of body in motion from a spiritual inner connection of physical awareness….

Natalie Imrisek, MSPT, CSCS, is a physical therapist specializing in manual therapy, dance medicine, and pilates-based rehabilitation.  She received her Master’s in Physical Therapy from Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons in 2003.  She has a number of years experience working with many leading dance companies in New York City, Broadway and Off-Broadway performers.  She has lectured for companies on injury prevention and rake seminars.  She provided on-site physical therapy services for the following Broadway shows; Wicked, In The Heights, Promises Promises, How to Suceed in Business Without Really Trying, The Wiz, Fuerzabruta, and White Christmas.
Natalie relocated to Los Angeles in 2012 where she served as the physical therapist for the touring show of FELA!  Also, she provided on-site services to touring dance companies at Dorthy Chandler Pavilion; Lucinda Child's and Royal Ballet New Zeland.  On-site services at Wallis Annenberg for Kibbituz Dance Company.  She is the physical therapist for Barak Ballet, Westside Ballet Academy and consulting physical therapist for American Contemporary Ballet.  
She passionate about movement and working to assist a variety of people in their journey to heal their bodies.  

website: www.frameworkpt.com

Rate: $175 | Contact: Natalie

Kathy Van Patten, is a guest movement artist and educator at Movement Center Los Angeles.

She is a GYROTONIC®, GYROKINESIS® and Specialized Equipment Master Trainer. She is certified by Juliu Horvath to teach every educational course in the GYROTONIC EXPANSION SYSTEM®. Kathy's teaching is informed by years of study of movement, in addition to her personal experiences as a dancer and athlete. Her teaching style engages students using anecdotes from her experiences and years of personal study with Juliu Horvath.

Rate: $150 (55min session) | Contact: Kathy www.kathyvanpatten.org

Erika Hassan is a guest movement artist and educator at Movement Center Los Angeles.

Erika Hassan met Juliu Horvath (founder of the Gyrotonic Expansion System) in 1993 when she moved to New York to study dance.  

She had only been dancing for a couple of years and as her technique consisted mainly of force and desire, she was extremely grateful to find a teacher who could guide her into the inner-workings of her own dance.  She trained intensively with Juliu for the next 5 years in the Gyrotonic Expansion System.  

She went on to perform with Maureen Fleming, Jennifer Muller/ The Works, Zen Companhia de Danca, and Min Tanaka, and Meftas Dance Theater.  She is currently Associate Artistic Director of Soulskin Dance (director Adrianna Thompson).   

A deepening interest in yoga and mysticism led her to the teachings of Dr. Joseph Michael Levry and Naam Yoga.  Erika is a part of the Naam Yoga Level 1 Teacher Training Team and a Harmonyum practitioner. 

Erika is also a Specialized Gyrotonic and Gyrokinesis Master Trainer.  She travels the world teaching workshops and trainings.

Rate: $150 (55min session) Contact: Erika