"I want music in my body and poetry in my body, and I want to be skillful without struggle; it has to come without struggle"
Juliu Horvath-founder gyrotonic method
Stephanie Cusick: Originally from Connecticut, Stephanie received her Bachelor of Arts from Northern Arizona University in 1986. In 1996 while living in San Diego California, she received her certification in the Pilates Mat work exercises through Physical Mind Institute. In 1997 she received her certification in the complete Pilates curriculum at Long Beach Dance Conditioning in Los Angeles, CA. under the expertise of highly acclaimed Marie Jose Lawrence for her in depth anatomical knowledge and contemporary approach. While in training for Pilates she was exposed to the Gyrotonic expansion system of body conditioning and instantly fell in love! Therefore, after a few years of in-depth study with various Master trainers in California and Seattle, in 2001-2002 she was certified in the Gyrotonic Expansion System in Seattle Washington under the expertise of master trainer Magali Messac, owner of Gyrotonic Seattle. (The Gyrotonic is a system conceived regarding key principles of gymnastics, swimming, dance, and Kundalini yoga to work muscle groups in an integrated manner.) Upon moving to Santa Barbara for a year with her studies advanced to other Gyrotonic equipment and in 2003 she was certified in the Gyrotonic Ladder apparatus at In-Spiraling Movement Arts . Currently, for 2012-14 her certifications include; the level two Gyrotonic Expansion System, Jumping Stretch Board, Leg Extension Unit, Gyrokinesis, Core Align and other advanced apparatus in various regions of US from Santa Fe to Santa Barbara. Gyrokinesis yoga, which is a part of the technique done without the machines that has a very strong influence from Kundalini yoga (another passion). Stephanie feels as an instructor the more we can teach people about proper body mechanics and stress reduction techniques, the greater freedom of movement people will have. After over 10 years of practicing in her own private studios in Seattle and Sedona Stephanie chose to take a new path in life and relocate to North Phoenix/Scottsdale area.