INSTRUCTORS @ Studio In Essence
Christy (Wade) Sanford - Master Trainer, Studio Owner.
After becoming injured in a car accident in 1999, Christy Sanford learned first hand that there was more to Pilates than just the latest celebrity fitness craze. Using the methods laid out by J Joseph Pilates, Christy soon discovered that Pilates could heal, strengthen and r revitalize her body.
Witnessing the transformative power of Pilates on her own body as well as others inspired Christy to become a certified Stott Pilates and Reformer instructor, a certified Gyrokinesis instructor, a BCRPA fitness leader and a Can Fit Pro trainer. With this expertise, Christy ran the Pilates program at the Halifax Nubody's locations until she opened her own business, Studio in Essence, in 2005.
A master trainer, Christy loves to share her enthusiasm for fitness and developed the Pilates in Essence certification program as well as the Masters of Essence Pole instruction. Recently Christy brought the first Gyrotonic system to the Maritimes and became certified as a Gyrotonic instructor.
An important part of Studio in Essence is creative dance and Christy is known across North America for her contributions to the hip hop dance community through competitive break-dancing, DJing and video production as well as judging and hosting events.
Christy has built a committed following of students of all body types and fitness levels who appreciate her positive and fun approach to mind-body awareness and her encouraging philosophy of the "power from within".
Monique Ryan’s passion for movement started at an early age, taking gymnastics classes, skipping rope, and holding her very own cheerleading practice in her basement. She began studying bellydance in 1998, and was soon performing with several local troupes. Her love of dance led her to pursue a BSc degree in Kinesiology, yoga teacher training and study circus arts with Atlantic Cirque. After being introduced to Tribal Fusion bellydance, Monique sought out training from the art forms greatest stars including Rachel Brice, Sharon Kihara, Mardi Love, Ariellah and Amy Sigil of Unmata.
A popular local instructor, Monique is at the forefront of tribal fusion bellydance and hula hooping in Halifax. With her latest project, Serpentine Circus, Monique produces large scale, theatrical shows that include tribal fusion and traditional bellydancers, hula hooping, fire acts, hand balancing acrobatics, contortion, burlesque, gogo-dancers and more.
Ardath Whynacht Ardath has been teaching pole dancing for 5 years. As an independent artist, she has performed across Canada and in Latin America and the Caribbean with contortionists, poets and musicians. She believes that the key to 'moving sexy' lies in having fun and being comfortable in your own skin. Using creativity & personality, any student can learn to express themselves using their bodies and become stronger, both physically and emotionally. Fitness is about more than improving our bodies... It's about celebrating ourselves as we are and enjoying the process. Developing killer abs, thighs and biceps at the same time is just a bonus.
candice j prior started dancing professionaly in new york city in 1974
as a member of the raymond johnson dance company, the elizabeth keen
dance company and jamie cunningham and the acme dance company. after
spending a summer in santa fe dancing with the opera company, she performed
with the american dance machine on broadway and aslo did a performance
with them at the white house for president jimmy carter and guests. a national
tour with the show "evita" followed. after many years not dancing, she is happy
to be back at it. these days she teaches pole and exercise at studio in essence.
she also makes jewellery.
Heather Denis Heather has been a life long mover. As a young woman she was a member of the Canadian Equestrian Team in three-day event, which left her with chronic injuries that have been the impetus to study the body, and how it moves. She studied and taught yoga for fifteen years before studying Pilates in the Stott system and then being certified by Marie Jose Blom of Long Beach Dance Conditioning. She is a certified massage therapist and has studied Laban Bartinieff Movement Analysis. Currently Heather has added the study and practice of Gyrotonics to her repertoire and is impressed by the positive changes she has felt in her own body and seen in her clients. Her specialty is convincing the body to let go of chronic tension and find ease and pleasure in movement.
Debra Tanner
