Art of the Catwalk

Brigette

Brigette Davidovici, orginally from Miami, Florida, is a senior at FSU, pursuing a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in acting. She has been involved in theatre for much of her life and has participated in over 20 films at the FSU film school. She has performed in Edinburgh, Scotland, in London, and in various cities around the U.S. She started yoga eight years ago after having spinal surgery and found her way to being an instructor to spread its benefits. She found herself intrigued by yoga's ability to heal while strengthening and loves mixing high, physical energy and music with classic forms of yoga movement. 

Brittany "Candigirl"

Brittany is a Tallahassee native and is currently pursuing her degree in Early Childhood Education. Brittany's friends describe her as fun, very kind, cute, and loves to laugh and she loves her high heels and her Nike Dunks. Her passion in life is getting her beauty rest and spending time with her new husband T.J. and inspiring women thru pole fitness. Brittany joined Art of the Catwalk for her own personal fitness goals and to feel sexier and more confident but since she made such an positive impression on everyone she encountered we asked her to join our team!

Bryan

Bryan Houston is a Florida born native who grew up with a passion for sports and performance. His skill and work ethic as a standout high school football player motivated many of his peers to giant training advice from him. As Bryan's passion for fitness and sports performance grew, so did his passion to want to help individuals achieve their health and fitness goals. In college Bryan continued his training and experience working in the student fitness center training students and faculty and also furthering his sports performance knowledge under the direction of two different Strength and Conditioning Coaches, one of which is now coaching with the Tennessee Titans of the NFL. Bryan has coached on the collegiate level coaching various sports, and professional athletes. Bryan continues to grow in his passion of fitness and health by constantly researching new training methods, and techniques, and sharing his professional and personal experience to assist individuals he works with in achieving there goals.

Chris

I first developed my passion for fitness and martial arts in Miami, FL where I was born. After graduating from high school, I joined the U.S. Air Force which afforded me the opportunity to travel the world and ultimately live in Japan for five years. I believe the key to maintain a fun and interesting exercise program is diversity. To stay in shape, I enjoy martial arts training, triathlons, running, weight lifting, Kettlebell workouts, and interval training. I obtained my personal training certification through the National Council on Strength and Fitness (NCSF) and began teaching boot camp style group fitness classes. In 2008, I became a Commando Krav Maga (Israeli defensive tactics) instructor and began leading self defense classes. In 2009, I furthered my martial arts training and fulfilled a lifelong dream by traveling to Thailand to train and compete in my first professional Muay Thai fight. My knowledge of martial arts, background in education, and experience training hundreds of people here in Tallahassee will allow me to help you in improving your fitness and overall health all while having fun at the same time. "Accept everything about yourself - I mean everything. You are you and that is the beginning and the end--no apologies, no regrets. " Henry Kissinger Mai Sia Jai ~ Thai for "No Regrets"

Cornbread

Bryan is a post graduate student at FSU majoring in Physical Therapy. He is still very attached to his roots at Florida A&M. He is a native of Miami, FL. Bryan has been working in the fitness industry for almost 6 years. He holds several personal fitness training certifications, including group fitness instructor. Bryan has taught classes such as, Boxing, Cardio Kickboxing, Sports Conditioning, and Caribbean Dance. He derives inspiration for his choreography from his Bahamian ancestry and attributes his dance skill to his years performing with the FAMU Strikers. This highly inspired young man enjoys helping others achieve their goals whether they be in fitness or in life in general. His Life motto is; "whatever I do in life, do it well enough to be remembered positively when I'm gone. " Bryan's training philosophy is; "I make you better, and I won't stop until we reach your goal... LETS DO IT!" In 2009 Brian was awarded Best High Impact Instructor for Art of the Catwalk's Booty Blast.

Desiree

Desiree Dunn is a Tallahassee native.  She is in love with her family.  Her son and daughter are awesome, and she gets loving motivation from her husband.  She graduated with honors from FSU with a degree in Elementary Education.  Instead of becoming a full-time teacher, she decided to become a substitute teacher so she could raise her children.  Desiree loves fashion, modeling, cooking, traveling, and fitness.  Her love for fitness came about when she realized that it improved her mood, confidence, and it got rid of that baby weight!  Running was her passion and triathlons were her goal, and she won many plaque awards with triathlons.  She even won a season trophy for placing first in her age group.  She has run many 10k and 15k races around town, and has run a half-marathon in New Orleans.  Desiree realized that she could lose weight through cardio, but after joining Art of the Catwalk she soon found out that strength and conditioning classes were perfect for toning.  She is excited to be teaching Ultimate Bikini a total-body workout that mixes cardio and strength.  Desiree has joined the Catwalk team to inspire women through fitness.  “Life is short.  Never let down.

DJ Splack

Parnell "Splack" Williams is an accomplished dancer, choreographer, musician, and DJ. Being from Miami, FL Splack has been exposed to a plethora of cultures which shaped his overall technique and style. A true performer at heart, Splack is a member of the world renown FAMU Marching 100, where he served as Section Leader and Rank Sergeant, and the FAMU Strikers who was a contestant on season 3 of America's Best Dance Crew. At Rickards High School, Splack is a guest choreographer for the school's dance classes and is also the assistant to the Marching Band Director where he works closely with the Drum Majors. Splack specializes in Hip Hop and Urban Soul, but also dabbles in Caribbean dance. Working with the Marching 100, the Strikers, and children has truly taught him patience and the importance of enjoying the moment. He believes that, "we can get the job done while having fun. "

Doreen

Hi, my name is Doreen. I'm 37 and I have a son in high school! I have a regular 9 to 5 job in the very exciting and sexy field of computer technology. In 1996, I graduated from Florida State University with a degree in Applied Mathematics and a minor in Russian. For the past 13 years I have been working as a Sr. Database Analyst (aka computer programmer). In my spare time I do math tutoring (geeky, eh?). I was your average Geek Goddess (Marion made that part up) until I found Zumba. Now I'm a self proclaimed addict - a Zumba-aholic! I have been teaching Zumba for over a year at the Art of the Catwalk as well as the YMCA. Zumba is so much fun! It is sexy, dance-inspired fitness to International Latin music and it will get you moving and boost your cardio endurance and energy. You don't have to be a dancer to do Zumba -- the steps are easy and fun, and it burns tons of calories!! Anyone and everyone can do Zumba, so come in and join the party! "Sing like no one is listening, dance like no one is watching, love like you've never been hurt and live like it's heaven on earth." -Mark Twain

Emily

I am a native of Tallahassee, pursuing a degree in education at Flagler College. I was always an extreme sports kinda gal...i love sk8 boarding, wakeboarding, snowboarding, and surfing, but this all took a great toll on my body... and soon enought injuries were on there way. I soon found yoga and I was immediatly addicted to its healing energy and the positive effects yoga had on my mind and body. I am currently certified under the yoga alliances 200 hour yoga teacher trainer program, and I am now working on my 500 hour yoga teacher training program studying Ashtanga yoga. I want to share yoga and its healing energy with everybody I encounter. Yoga is a way of life; and since I have become a full blown yogi, I have never looked back. Besides yoga, I am an outdoors junkie. I love biking, kayaking, rock climbing, and all animals!!! I also love local music...I play the guitar, piano, and drums. I love open mic night at the warehouse. I will always have some music to jam to with yoga. oh and FOOD!!!!

Hsiang

Hsiang Jones is originally from Taiwan, but moved to California at a very early age. She now lives in Florida and attends Florida State University. Away from the pole and outside of school work, she enjoys having fun with friends, going to the beach, and whatever involves free food. She also loves cats and making crazy faces in pictures. Hsiang started as an addicted member of the Catwalk and could be seen at almost every cardio dance class that was offered here. Her natural talent and amazing skills set her apart immediately. She has always loved dancing and soon found that Pole Fitness is an excellent way to express herself. It combines strength, flexibility, and grace, while challenging every part of the body. She is happy to share this challenge with anyone ready to get fit while having fun and feeling good about themselves!

Jessica

Jessica Lackey is a professional dancer, model, and back-up singer best known for her role in the band The Cruxshadows. She has performed on stages throughout North America, Europe, and Asia, and spends a large portion of her time on tour. She is credited for backing vocals on three top ten Billboard singles. She has appeared in advertisements, magazines, and CD covers all over the world. She is classically trained in ballet and modern dance, but also enjoys pushing the envelope. Additionally, Jessica has worked as a choreographer, stage director, creative arts teacher, and entertainment manager. In 2006 she started her own performance troupe, Capital Sin. Actively dancing for most of her life, she views her craft as an evolving art form that enables her to express emotion, spirituality, and sensuality without inhibition. Whether on stage or in the classroom, she wishes to inspire others to find that same enjoyment. She believes there is nothing more fulfilling to oneself, or attractive to others, than positivity, creativity, and confidence. Jessica holds a Bachelors degree in Studio Art from Florida State University.

Jillian

When I'm not perfecting my pole dance performance skill, or finding new ways to challenge my students, I like to experiment in the kitchen, play with my dogs (Red, Queen, Cali and 2Pinkies), and chill on the couch or go out clubbing. Some of my favorite things are tattoos, the Colt's football team, chips and dip, watching movies and Converse All Stars.  I joined the Art of the Catwalk team because I wanted to share my love for pole dance and I wanted to get fit and work on my own personal training goals.  I am totally obsessed with Pole and I love and respect my craft. I had my first pole class when I lived in Atlanta and I've been pole-addicted ever since! Please check out Jillian's YouTube page

Korey

Our resident B Boy is a West Palm native, graduated from Florida State University with a degree in music and business. While attending FSU Korey became involved with the FSU Hip-hop Club organization through a friend, even though he had different interests at the time. "Before, I had never planned on even dancing" said Barnett. "I was into my music and playing basketball non-stop. My close friend who is a breaker would always invite me to the hip-hop club sessions. " 
In addition to being involved in the club for four years, Barnett is engaged in other extracurricular activities, such as gymnastics, tricking (extreme martial arts), and is also a member of a band called the BASIX, which plays all styles of original music. Barnett spends his additional time teaching hip-hop and breaking when he is not playing the piano. Still, he finds time to rehearse. Korey's loves in life are music, dance, basketball, track, soccer (futbol), football (Americano - lol), people with skillz, o'yeah and I like long walks by green grass - avoiding turds-movies, hanging out, good conversation, and games (virtual and life stupid) "My favorite thing about being involved is seeing how people respect the dance, And when you can make someone feel a little better that day or make them remember you, you feel like you have done your part somehow. " Article from The Gainesville Sun

Laquita "Viper"

Laquita is a graduate student persuing her Masters degree in Applied Social Sciences with a concentration on Criminal Justice at Florida A&M University. She is a Fort Lauderdale native so shes a Florida girl for sure. Her passions in life are spending time with family, cooking, drawing, dancing, travel and of course she loves to go out with the Girls. Laquita joined Art of the Catwalk to learn the Art of Pole and now is a certified Pole Addict. Her words of wisdom she lives her life by: Always do what you are afraid to do! (Ralph Emerson)

Laura

A self proclaimed POLE ADDICT Laura leads the Art of the Catwalk Pole Instructor Team as a strong contender for the best pole body on Earth. Her chiseled abs and amazing strength is proof that ?Pole Does the body good?. Laura is a Tallahassee native and grew up in the Chaires community. She is the proud mother of two beautiful daughters and shares her life with her hilarious husband Blake. Blake and Laura both are big music lovers and they travel to live concerts and drink in the harmony. They both are dedicated parents and really enjoy family time especially when it?s at the Beach. Even though being a Mommy is of up most importance, she is also a wonderful leader to her students. Laura has trained in Ballet, Tap, and Jazz, and although she was always active, she has never devoted her life to anything like she has Pole Dance. Laura?s favorite saying when addressing her students is ?No Burn No Learn? and she loves to see her girls succeed with their goals. Her biggest Pole Idol is Pantera and she hopes to someday be able to host a workshop here at the Catwalk with her.

Leslie

I'm a certified Zumba instructor and certifiably a Zumba Addict. The Art of the Catwalk is Bringing Sexy Back and I'm honored to be a part of it! Dance, Music, (time) Travel and Sci-Fi (yep, I'm a Trekkie) are among my passions. Living on the 3rd Rock from the Sun, I've learned that life is a precious, wonderful gift. We live on such a beautiful planet with such beautiful people. The Vulcan adage of IDIC-Infinite Diversity in Infinite Combinations, is so true. Look around, Variety is the spice of life - it's in our faces, our music, our cultures! Although I grew up in Texas and Oklahoma I've visited/lived in Europe, Africa and Mexico. I love to travel and learn languages, and although I don't speak Klingon (yet), I do have a degree in French from FSU with minors in Dance&Humanities. I am the Super Proud mother of two sons who are my heart's joy! When I'm not at the Catwalk, you can find me watching movies with my sons, making jewelry, reading a book or planning where on earth Carmen Sandiego (aka me) wants to go next! La Negra Tiene Tumbao!

Liza

Hi! My name is Liza Muravyeva and I am originally from Moscow, Russia! I am currently a graduate student at Florida State University studying nutrition. I have my Bachelors from FSU in dietetics and exited to learn more in grad school. I have been teaching aerobics for the past 4 years and absolutely love it! I am certified through AFAA in primary group exercise as well as Johnny G Spinning. I have also had training in kickboxing, step, pilates, yoga, R.A.B, GTS and love it all. I love to workout and dance whenever I can. In Russia, I started doing ballet and Russian Folk Dancing, and continued with that in San Francisco. Later I moved to Florida, began playing sports such as soccer and flag football, and fell in love with aerobics! I enjoy teaching high energy classes and getting everyone exited about working out! Having fun, getting in shape, and releasing stress all can be done with a simple workout! There is nothing better than an awesome workout!

Nadira

Shannon Gooden (a.k.a. Nadira) was born and raised in Miami, FL. She has always had a passion for dance and has studied ballet, jazz, and modern styles throughout her childhood and teens. In 2004, while attending the University of Florida, she had her first encounter with Middle Eastern dance at a community show and immediately fell in love. She studied under Zarifa Sa'id in Gainesville for two years as a member of the Sultan's Stars before moving to Atlanta. Once in Atlanta, she studied belly dance at Nazeem Allayl Atlanta Belly Dance studios and became a member of the professional troupe, Nazeem Almassah. Shannon has taken classes and workshops with some of the biggest names in belly dance including Morocco, Hadia, Virginia of Miami and Ansuya of the Belly Dance Superstars. She has also studied the more avant-garde styles of Tribal Fusion, Gothic Fusion & Belly-Burlesque through workshops with Zoe Jakes & Moria Chapelle of the Belly Dance Superstars, Ariella, and The Indigo (Zoe Jakes, Mardi Love & Rachel Brice). Now living in Tallahassee since 2009, Shannon has danced and taught locally at the Women's Belly Dance Center and is an active member of the Dendera Dancer company. She is overjoyed to be a part of the Art of the Catwalk team and is excited to share her enthusiasm and love of belly dance with all!

Rachel

Rachel is a recent graduate from Florida State University with a double degree in Theater and Art History. Her passion has been the performing arts since she began dancing at age three, and has since acquired fifteen years of dance training in the genres of ballet, jazz, lyrical, hip-hop, along with a few years in gymnastics.  She's performed in numerous plays, musicals, and films locally, between FSU, community theatre, and independent productions. Within the last year, Rachel has co-founded a Cabaresque troupe, Trés Rouge, with two other lovely ladies. They dance, sing, and perform comedy at venues across town.

 At Art of the Catwalk, Rachel teaches Dirty Martini Burlesque, a class that focuses on the sensuality that resides inside every woman.  Each dance is choreographed to incorporate a variety of props: chairs, fans, scarves.  These classes are created to show off all those sexy curves, to strengthen and tighten those legs, abs and upper arms, as well as teach women the old school slow steady strip tease technique of Burlesque. 

Romain

Born in Jamaica, became a us citizen in 2009 and graduated the police academy this past June 2010, Romain has been teaching Aerobic Dance since 2005 at Florida A&M University. But his love for dance goes back to 1998 when he joined the Boyz of Poison at Florida A&M University. His dancing career has taken him too many places, such as California, Las Vegas, Atlanta, Chicago and back to his home state New York. As will as performing on Fox 30sec of Fame, BET Spring Bling and BET 106&Park. 

Romain also works with The Imani Youth Dancer, a non-profit after school program directed by Kwame King. This program allows Romain to use his dance talent to influence the youth of the community in a positive manor. 

“You only get out of a workout what you put in!” Give a 100% and you’re sure to get out 100%. 

Scott

After a horrible family tragedy in Chicago where his daughter and his ex-girlfriend were murdered, Scott took action. Part of his therapy was learning TaeKwon-Do and teaching self defense to help women protect themselves. That was 1995 and since then Scott has become a Self Defense guru and shares his knowledge with all he can. Scott has earned a Fourth Degree Black Belt in TaeKwon-Do and has competed Nationally and Internationally. He is a Second time World Champion and a Fifth time State Champion as well as a Fifth Time top 10 World Competitor. He has been teaching TaeKwon-Do and Self Defense for over 10 years now and we are happy to have him on board with the Art of the Catwalk Instructors.

Tiffany

I graduated from FSU with a degree in Biological Sciences, and I am furthering my education by pursuing a degree in Exercise Science. I am a certified Kettlebell instructor, have taught kickboxing and yoga for nearly three years, and I do some personal and group training. As a female I think it is important to arm yourself with self defense skills that will increase your chances of survival in the event you are attacked. So, I have taken multiple self defense and Commando Krav Maga classes to better prepare myself, and want to pass that knowledge onto other females so they can protect themselves, as well. I will admit that I have exercise A.D.D. ! I am always looking for new exercises and classes to keep my body guessing and keep my mind engaged, and that's the way I teach my classes!! I recently took a two month trip to Thailand to train in the martial art of Muay Thai (Thai Boxing). My vacation culminated with my first professional Muay Thai fight at Bangala Boxing Stadium. My trip to Thailand taught me many things about myself and life. First, life is determined by the paths that we choose, so when a once in a lifetime opportunity presents itself, take it! Second, I would much rather have regrets about not doing what people said, than regret not doing what my heart led me to do and wondering what life had been like if I had just been myself. And last, there comes a point in your life when you realize who matters, who never did, who won't anymore, and who always will. So love the people who treat you right, forget the ones who don't and believe that everything happens for a reason. If you get the chance, take it; if it changes your life, let it. Nobody said it would be easy, they just said it would be worth it. And remember, haters are only haters because they can't be players! ;)

Trina

I am a wife, mother of 4 (3 teenagers and a 'tweener') and a professional in the information technology field. I love to exercise and I am always looking for something fun to challenge my mind and body. Having become bored with the redundancy of the routine gym workouts, I joined AOTC in 2008 looking for something fresh. I found it to be a motivating, liberating and empowering experience. A Tallahassee native (almost), I had my beginnings in the fitness industry with Body Electric back when it was just a little class hosted in a local dance studio. I later joined the staff working in sales and substitute instruction. I was a founding member of the local ATAC (Area of Tallahassee Aquatics Club) where I trained for many years as a competitive swimmer. I also have training in classical ballet and Tae Kwon Do. I live by two rules, never settle for mediocrity and experience everything that life throws your way ? you just never know what joys it will bring you.