Dancers Shape Welcomes New Instructor Katie Martin

December 12, 2013 Dancers Shape

The Dancers Shape family is so excited to announce a new instructor to the team at the studio. Each instructor at Dancers Shape has a unique story, and we’re thrilled to introduce Katie to you! Don’t be shy welcoming her in your next class. A few quick fun facts:

She has been a judge for Dance Competitions around the country.
She is currently licensed in the state of Texas as a Marriage and Family Therapist.
She has taught fitness classes for a Kinesiology Department.

Katie holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Dance from Webster University in St. Louis. While in school, she danced with Webster Dance Ensemble and the local professional company, Webster Dance Theatre. Following graduation, Katie choreographed, danced, and taught in the Midwest, Los Angeles, and Central Texas and judged for Jamfest Dance Competition in Long Beach, California and National Dance Alliance nationals in Orlando.

Katie’s interest in the body mechanics led her pursuit to further training and education in anatomy, kinesiology, and fitness instruction. Certified as a personal trainer by the American Council on Exercise (ACE) and by American Fitness Professionals and Associates (AFPA), Katie worked with a study at the Keck School of Medicine at the University of Southern California seeking to reduce pre-disposition to diabetes in overweight adolescents. She has taught fitness classes for the Kinesiology Department at California State University at Los Angeles and has instructed in national and local gyms over the last 10 years.

The more she learned about fitness, and the challenges keeping her clients from their goals, she realized it would take more than motivation to change their lifestyles for success. Katie began formal study of Clinical Psychology at Pepperdine University in Encino, California while continuing her work in dance and fitness instruction. She is currently licensed in the state of Texas as a Marriage and Family Therapist and works with individuals, couples and families in private practice.

Continuing her own work on connection of the body, mind, and spirit, Katie completed her first Rolfing series with Norma Bandy, and continues wellness maintenance through Applied Kinesiology with Dr. John Bandy in west Austin. Katie loves the classes at Dancers Shape because they combine her enjoyment of dance with a focus on alignment, breathing, and reshaping the body.