Andi

I have been a police detective in Miami and deputy sheriff here in Leon County- I am a mom, I have two great kids- Tori, who is 17, and Clay, who's 13. My husband, Pete and I have been married since 1992 and I was a surrogate mother in 2006 (yes, I had a baby for another couple) and I now work full-time for 4 radio stations here in town... but my fun "job" is being a Zumba instructor. I began teaching in 2007 and hold Zumba certifications for Basic 1 and Basic 2. Since the moment I tried a Zumba class, I was hooked. Back in the day I used to take lots of step and aerobic classes, and loved group exercise- but Zumba is FUN! I didn't have to do the moves perfectly; I didn’t have to look perfect and I could shake my booty! For me, Zumba was more than an exercise class, it changed my life. I embraced exercise in a new way. I saw results. I lost weight. I gained friends and I gained back my self-esteem and confidence. I want everyone else to feel the love and fun that Zumba can bring. It’s a big ol cardio party- bring it on.  So let's throw on some tunes and shake it good... and remember... all you have to do is wiggle and smile!

Bryan

Bryan has been working in the fitness industry for almost 8 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. In 2009 Brian was awarded the Best High Impact Instructor

Bryan Hooper Jr. (Art of the Catwalk - Booty Blast)

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 are 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!"

DJ NATE

I’m a Florida native from the Tampa Bay area but have called Tallahassee home for over four years now. I have been working in the fitness industry for over ten years,  and I'm hooked!! I got into personal training by teaching at Recreation Centers and summer camps as a camp supervisor.  I ran large exercise programs using fun oldschool drills, relay races, Martial arts combo’s, and practiced stretching and breathing techniques. My Clients absolutely “Loved it.” As time went on I started teaching classes in more of an adult environment but with the same fun vibe that I had learned in camp. My style of training is high energy , circuit, cross training, low and hi impact, conditioning, get in hit it hard and get out feeling good!!! My specialty is boot camp, cardio box, and dance. I pride myself on pushing people to the max to the sound of some nasty beats!! That’s right, not only am I a trainer but I’m also a Mobile DJ and more importantly I’m also a proud recent Father of a beautiful baby boy!! My hobbies are mixing music, Kickboxing, shaving my head, sun&rum, dancing, shooting hoops, and mountain biking. There is many motto's’ that I live by but this one just sounds the coolest. “Dream as if you’ll live forever, live as if you’ll die today.” James Dean

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

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!

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! 
Jillian was a finalist in Miss Pole Florida and also competed in Miss Pole Georgia 

Please Subscribe to Jillian's Youtube

Jost

Pilates instructor, Jost van Dyke is SCW certified, as well as being trained and certified by master Pilates teacher, June Kahn of LIFETIME FITNESS, JUNE KAHN'S BODYWORKS and BEAMFIT.  In addition to ART OF THE CATWALK, Jost has extensive experience as one of Tallahassee's leading Pilates instructors, teaching at IMPACT HEALTH AND FITNESS, PREMIER HEALTH AND FITNESS, JOURNEYS IN YOGA, PILATES BY MAGGIE, ABUNDANCE WELLNESS CENTER and YOGA DOG in Quincy.  Holding degrees from Florida State University in piano performance, Jost continued his studies in Manhattan where he maintained a concert career, an Artist in Residency at Marymount Manhattan College concurrently serving as Associate Editor for Bourne-International Music Company.  He returned to Tallahassee in 1995, dividing his time between teaching Pilates, making music, experimenting with and writing about fusion cuisine, photojournalism and exhibiting his fine-art photography.

JULIE

Julie is a Tallahassee native who fell in love with pole fitness three years ago and has been doing it ever since. Her background includes ballet and other sports. Pole fitness is the one type of exercise that she has found to be rewarding, daring, and fun everyday. It is both mentally and physically challenging keeping your interest on a long term basis. Your age, physical fitness, or body type doesn't matter. Everyone can benefit from it because you are working against gravity with your own body weight, completing a full body strength training regimen.  

JUSTIN

Justin has a passion for fitness and dance. Justin came to the Catwalk with a dance troupe to teach choreography, and that's how he and the owner Marion Shaffer met. Instantly they knew that they must work together.  Art of the Catwalk and Justin both shared interest in helping women reach their fitness goals.  Justin is a certified personal trainer and a seasoned group exercise instructor.  He  is a senior at Florida State University and is  currently pursuing his bachelors degree in Exercise Science. Justin was a Division I finalist and a member of the Spirit Drum and Bugle Corps, he cheered for Florida State as a member of the FSU Co-Ed cheerleading squad, and has recently taken an interest in marathons and Tough Mudder races. Justin takes traditional fitness concepts and adds a bit of flavor for a workout you won't soon forget.

KAT

Philosophy "Do what you love, and love what you do". Kat started as a USGF gymnastics coach and discovered pole 10yrs ago. In 2007 she founded Nashville's 1st Certified Pole studio&won Nashville's Pole Queen. In 2008 she joined Art of the Catwalk where brings her knowledge and expertise to the Pole Fitness Program. She loves being a mommy to her 3 children, choreographing&performing pole and trapeze (She's a full-scale Aerial-Performer) and educating and empowering women to improve their self- image. 

See more of her awesome pole work on her YouTube

Katie

A Tallahassee native and a student at Florida State University majoring in Art History. She got her start with yoga at Journey’s in Yoga and was soon a regular. On a search for a deeper understanding of yoga, she proceeded to get a 200-hour yoga teacher certification. She loves teaching beginners and advanced practitioners alike. The beauty of yoga is that it can be for every body out there. As a teacher it is the most rewarding thing when people come to their yoga mats to breathe and share their practice with you and the group.
Outside of yoga, Katie enjoys rock climbing, running, and stand up paddle boarding. Vegan cooking is a specialty and she can never say no to a great vegan cupcake.
She is thrilled to be joining the Art of the Catwalk team and cannot wait to teach Core Fusion!

Laura

Laura Chan teaches American Tribal Style Bellydance, Tribal Fusion Bellydance and Zumba® in the Tallahassee area. She holds American Tribal Style General Skills and Instructor certifications from Carolena Nericcio, creator of American Tribal Style bellydance. Laura is also a Licensed Zumba Instructor and an active member of the Zumba Instructor Network. She is the Director/Instructor of Tallahassee Tribal Bellydance, the Big Bend’s leading tribal bellydance performance company that can be found performing across the North Florida and South Georgia region in bellydance shows and charity events.  To book her visit http://www.tallybellydance.com/

Lindsey

I am a Georgia girl who moved to Tallahassee to pursue a Ph.D. in literature at Florida State University, so I spend most of my time researching transatlantic foodways in eighteenth-century texts. When I’m not in the library, I enjoy cooking and exercising. From tennis to kickboxing, I enjoy all types of fitness. I joined the Catwalk in search of a fun workout, and I found more than I anticipated. The Catwalk gave me not only strength but also a new sense of confidence in my physical and mental self. I am certified through AFAA in primary group exercise, and I have experience with kickboxing. I look forward to bringing my love of exercise to the Art of the Catwalk by mixing strength training, toning, and dance in my classes. People often become frustrated when they do not see results soon enough, or they assume that they need to already be at some imagined skill level, which prevents them from even attempting something new. I have moments when I become impatient, but my dog and garden constantly remind me that some things take time and I should live in the moment rather than focusing on the past or obsessing about the future. To quote Mestre Bimba, a master practitioner of Capoeira: “fruit only comes with time.”

Marion

I created the Art of the Catwalk to give women a fun place to try new and different classes, and find alternatives to the GYM. My philosophy is and always has been "Make it so fun, they have to come" I believe that theres nothing better than having a safe judgement free place for women to play. I fell in love with pole dancing when I was first introduced to it in 1997, and have been completely mesmerized ever since. My passion in life is undoubtedly my students. Life without them and my iPod, would be meaningless. I enjoy sharing my life experience and my love of Music, Art, and Dance, and helping women find inner confidence. My most enjoyable moments have been watching the successes of my clients and seeing them succeed. I have extensive knowledge in all aspects of fitness, dance, and pole. I choose the best instructors in the business, we collaborate and I guide them with my vision and let them make it their own. Having instructors that have freedom to express themselves creates an optimum working environment. I take pride in knowing that my instructors are experts in their field, and I know that my students are left in very capable hands. If you ever need any guidance or want to ask questions please feel free to contact me directly, I am very happy to help.

Dance+Music+Self expression=My Happy

Please subscribe to my YouTube

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!
Join Nadira on her other networks to learn more about her and her passion for bellydance here.

Rashida

Health and fitness have always been my main interest, and I not only find time to enjoy them, but I also love to spread my knowledge in these areas to others. Before coming up to Tallahassee, I practiced ballet and jazz for four years, and I continue to remain active in ballet by teaching it at a local after-school care program. I have training in yoga and pilates, and I am a certified Aerobic Kickboxing Instructor through AFAA.
Dancing, exercising, and volunteering are definitely my passions, and if I'm not studying, I'm probably doing one of those three things. I also love singing, reading, writing, and spending time outside while enjoying the lovely Florida weather. I've come to realize that the only way to live life, and be truly satisfied is to do what makes YOU happy and go all out when doing it. “The big secret in life is that there is no secret. Whatever your goal, you can get there if you’re willing to work.” –Oprah.
I’m so excited to be a part of Art of the Catwalk, and I can’t wait to live it up!

TIFFANY

I’m a native of Tallahassee and a proud mommy. Exercise is my passion. I’ve trained in kickboxing since 2000, and I began teaching kickboxing in 2007. I’m also a certified Kettlebell instructor and have experience in group fitness and personal training. In 2008, I took a two month sabbatical to Thailand to study the martial art of Muay Thai (Thai Boxing).In addition to teaching, I keep myself in shape with kickboxing, Muay Thai training, running, weight lifting, yoga, and Crossfit. The motto I live and work out by is “I may not be the strongest, I may not be the fastest, but I'll be damned if I'm not trying my hardest.” That’s exactly what I ask from each of my students – to try their hardest for the full hour in each and every class. As Jillian Michaels so eloquently stated, “Unless you puke, faint or die,
keep going!”

TRISTAN