ABOUT
"International Barre Teacher Trainer, Studio manager and former Lululemon Ambassador"
"Katie has worked consistently as a professional for over 13 years in the Entertainment Industry Internationally"
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Katie is a fully qualified and REPS registered Instructor in Mat and Reformer Pilates (YMCA-UK level 3), Dance (ISTD, IDTA) Barre (Instructor and International Teacher Trainer) and Fasica Movement (Merrithew).
The proven benefits of these disciplines for the body, plus the additional aspects of confidence, mental space, posture, mindfulness and breathing, are Katie's passion.
Katie began her career as a professional Dancer, gaining a scholarship to Musical Theatre College aged 16. Alongside a successful career as a Dancer, Katie began teaching a mix of Pilates, Pilates Reformer and Barre at an exclusive boutique Studio (Heartcore) in London, 2011.
Relocating to New Zealand in 2013 with a unique skill set enabled Katie to jump straight into the work she loves here in Auckland. Since having her first baby in 2017, and second in 2019 Katie has found a passion in helping women reclaim confidence in their bodies safely and without time pressure.
Check out The Balanced Mama Project for more info.
Katies' work as a professional Dancer and Actor when not living life in the Studio enabled her to work in a career that has allowed her to see the world and develop in ways she never imagined.
Working with big named International artists, and having performed professionally in countries including Israel, China, UK, Australia, Oman, Spain and now New Zealand.
Working professionally in the entertainment industry for so many years has enabled Katie to build up experience in many different media formats, from TV (BBC, ITV, Channel4, E4, Sky) Film (Columba Tristar), Theatre (London's West End, UK and International Tours, ATC at Q Theatre Auckland), Arena tours (UK, Europe and International Tours and events) and festivals (Glastonbury, Download, Exit).
Instructing Barre and Pilates seemed a logical step, even if happened upon by chance, as Katie was used to standing in front of people and giving them direction (wanted or not!) whilst always striving to better her skill set.
Katie began her professional career whilst still studying and being selected as assistant Choreographer for two seasons at the ‘Oldham Coliseum’ the biggest REP Theatre outside London in the UK. She also toured around the UK with bands such as ‘Blue’ ‘Busted’ 'Big Brovaz' ‘McFly’ and more also appearing in variety productions with the likes of Ken Dodd and Stan Boardman, touring as a Dancer in a Swing live band show and Pantomimes in her home town of Liverpool. Katie then went on to Choreograph ‘The Singing Playwrights’ at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival for Willy Russell (‘Blood Brothers’ and ‘Educating Rita’) and Tim Firth (Calendar Girls and Our House).
Over the next few years whilst performing in UK tours, Arena tours (Scissor Sisters, Stereophonics), working abroad (China, Oman, Dubai, Israel, Australia, New Zealand), being featured in films (‘Across the Universe’ Columbia Tristar and ‘Beyond Friendship’), and being Dance Captain for many shows, dancing for names such as ‘Calvin Harris’ ‘David Guetta’ ‘Crookers’ 'Pink' and 'One Direction' headlining stages at the world famous ‘Glastonbury' Festival, 'Exit' Festival and 'Download' festivals, Katie expanded her talent set to include Aerial Silks and Aerial Hoop or Lyra, Stilt walking and Fire performance.
Katie also began to write music together with her brother Stephen and they performed in top venues in London and the UK, and even working with Sony BMG for a short time.
Upon returning to the UK in 2011, Katie became a qualified Mat Pilates Instructor and was part of the first ever UK group to train as an Xtend Barre superstar instructor, receiving rave reviews from clients, celebrities and press, featuring in UK ‘Vogue’ Magazine, 'Marie Claire' ‘BodyFit’ ‘Womens Health’ ‘Cosmopolitan’ and more.
Since living here in Auckland Katie, has been a core member of 'Momentum Productions'has appeared as a Dancer on 'X-Factor' (both seasons) in various shows in NZ, has been a cheerleader for the 'Warriors' NRL team and the 'Breakers' Basketball team through the SkyCity Cheer team and was also delighted to be ‘Hunyak’ alongside Lucy Lawless in the 'Auckland Theatre Company' production of 'Chicago' at Q Theatre.
Throughout all this, teaching regular classes and participating in regular classes has been a mainstay of every day life and Katie credits her return to fitness after baby to being so body aware beforehand.
Katie is now spending her time looking after her two little ones, running The Balanced Mama Project alongside Nutritionist Emily Parks, teaching classes and educating others about their bodies and the benefits of posture and alignment.
Katie is inspired each day by the opportunities to make a connection with those who enter her classes, never knowing exactly what it has taken that person to make the steps to join in on the workout that day.