Client Spotlight: Gia
Gia, dancer and mother.
Gia is a dancer with Ballet Philippines, a ballet teacher, and a sought-after choreographer. Juggling all those roles, she also raises a beautiful daughter and cares for her parents. Even before Fifth Line came to be, she was already taking GYROTONIC® sessions with Bea. Her dedication and hard work toward the practice were astounding to witness. Her progress in understanding her body and the practice became visible as she found her own flow in the movements.
We thought it would be nice to hear in her own words what she thinks of her private sessions at Fifth Line.
What got you into GYROTONIC® in the first place?
Simply said, what got me into Gyrotonic was my genuine interest in and connection to this unique practice. As far as I know, Fifth Line is the only studio in the area focused specifically on Gyrotonic. It is not a fitness or Pilates studio that happens to offer it as a secondary service.
To give you a better sense of where I'm coming from: I'm entering the middle chapter of my career as a professional ballet dancer. This period has come post-pandemic and post-partum which has been no easy feat. I realized my body needed more conditioning, so I turned to Pilates. The studio I frequented had another machine that did not look like any of the other Pilates machines. I was intrigued. A ballet dancer's career is short, and I'd already been thinking about an alternative path to support my daughter, so I did my research. Not long after, I discovered Fifth Line, led by an instructor who happens to be a ballet dancer I looked up to as a kid. I booked a class immediately.
Is there anything surprising or unexpected that you discovered or gained when you first started?
Since I started taking Gyrotonic, I've been surprised by what my body can do. I was at a point in my life where I was contemplating what my next career would be, and after taking sessions at Fifth Line, my body feels like it can sustain a longer professional ballet career than I'd originally planned for. That realization feels more aligned with what I'm meant to do. The awareness I've gained has also helped me navigate my body post-partum, even though it's been a few years since the birth of my child.
Describe in 5 words what a private session at Fifth Line is like.
Safe, Intentional, Restorative, Reflective, Stimulating
What is your favorite GYROTONIC® movement? How does it make your body feel?
Reverse Dolphin is my number one fave! The first time I did the movement, I was shocked I could do it. I love how it feels to recognize the intrinsic muscles working simultaneously with the big movement. Another favorite is Eagle. The feeling of expansion of the upper back in every arch and curl is meditative. And then there's the Hip Mobilization sequence, which is great to do before a ballet class since it loosens up the hip joints.
How does GYROTONIC® fit into your weekly schedule and lifestyle?
Currently, Gyrotonic® fits very well into my life. I've been consistent with a once-a-week session. Though depending on the demands of my work and other gigs, two sessions a week also fits perfectly into my schedule.
I used to prefer an early morning appointment before starting my day as a professional ballet dancer. My body felt good in ballet class, especially after a challenging session at Fifth Line. These days, though, I go for the last available appointment during the work week. I prefer the evening schedule now because I'm able to rest better while still feeling prepared for the ballet work the following day. I also really appreciate how refreshed my body feels when I do a session over the holidays.
How has GYROTONIC® impacted your daily life and well-being?
Gyrotonic has helped me in many ways as a dancer, choreographer, educator, and provider. I draw inspiration from the movements and translate that into my choreographic creations. As a ballet teacher, I'm able to help my students build strength and gain mobility using the knowledge I've gained from the practice. As an advocate for quality wellness, I've been able to create sustainable habits that support my lifestyle and help me be a better provider for my child and parents.
What advice would you give to someone who is on the fence about booking their first session at Fifth Line?
As I said earlier, quality wellness matters. It’s not just for professional athletes, but for everyone.
Anything else you would like to share about your journey?
Quality consistency is key, and with Bea, who's a very good teacher, I'm able to achieve that. She purposefully plans each session. Her prompts are helpful as she adapts them to get the intended result. I really appreciate that she listens and stays open to feedback.