Christine is a New Jersey native who received the majority of her training in NYC at the prestigious School of American Ballet and at the School at Steps, where she also trained in Contemporary, Jazz, Horton, Tap, and Hip-Hop. She currently is a company member and teacher with the Brooklyn Ballet, and dances with several entertainment and theatrical companies. She is a NASM Certified Personal Trainer, The Floss Certified in Fassia Flossing, teaches group fitness classes, and leads meditation sessions. Christine has been dancing professionally since she was in high school, and has toured all over the US as well as overseas. She has performed in shows, parades, and attractions at Disneyland and Universal Studios Hollywood, and has danced for ballet companies such as State Street Ballet, Pasadena Dance Theatre, and Anaheim Ballet, performing principal roles such as the Sugar Plum Fairy and Snow Queen in the Nutcracker. In her spare time, you can usually find Christine taking fitness, dance, aerial, acro, and yoga classes or being active outdoors whether it be hiking, bouldering/ rock climbing, kayaking, paddle boarding, or attempting to surf.
Q&A
What form of exercise do you teach?
I teach Barre, Barre Mat, HIIT, Strength Training, Sculpt, Targeted Training, Dance Cardio including Ballet Cardio, Latin Cardio Dance, and Afro/ Caribbean Cardio Dance. I also teach many styles of dance including Ballet, Jazz, Lyrical, and Contemporary. As well as more in the wellness and recovery genre teaching Stretch & Flexibility, and Fascia Flossing, and leading Meditation and Mindfulness sessions.
What does your exercise do for you - outside and inside?
I am a very high energy type person who loves to keep active. Ever since I was a baby, I was always active; always moving. Movement makes me feel good and keeps me happy! That was one of the draws from an early age to work hard towards becoming a professional ballet dancer. With dance, not only is it exercise for my body, but also exercise for my creativity, artistry, mind, and soul. It is so important to take care of our bodies -we only have one- and taking care of our minds are a part of that. I love staying active and exercising in different ways, whether it be running, dancing (anywhere), hiking, backpacking, bouldering/rock climbing, kayaking, paddle boarding, swimming, freediving, attempting to surf, gardening, all the way to taking fitness, dance, aerial, acrobatics, yoga (really getting into SUP yoga!) classes. There are many benefits of exercise that I could list out but in short, it feels so good to take care of myself; release endorphins; relieve stress; to feel happy, energized, and motivated to take on the adventures of life! When exercising and stretching oftentimes, it gets my creative juices flowing, gets me feeling inspired, and I start having some of my finest ideas and thoughts. To me, there is nothing like the feeling of working hard, pushing myself, overcoming challenges, and seeing and feeling improvement!
What is your favorite inspirational or motivational quote?
One of my favorite inspirational quotes is “If you restore balance in your own self, you will be contributing immensely to the healing of the world.”— Deepak Chopra It resonates with me on a profound level and aligns with this guiding principle in my life. This quote captures the idea that personal transformation and inner harmony are not only essential for individual well-being but also have the power to create a ripple effect that extends to the healing of the world around us.
What does nature mean to you? How does it inspire you?
Even though I pretty much grew up as a “city kid”, ever since I was a young child, I have sensed a strong connection with nature. Nature is so incredible with how everything is so balanced, and works together to keep that balance. It is a constant source of inspiration. Its beauty, serenity, and harmony inspire me deeply. I draw many of my movements by observing the grace and fluidity of nature. I allow the soothing sounds and vibrations of nature to move my body naturally. The balance and strength in the environment, and the intricate patterns and rhythms of the natural world infuse my life with appreciation, inner peace, and a profound respect for our planet's wonders.
How can our natural world help bring people closer to their true natures?
Being in tune with nature brings us closer to our true selves through introspection, clarity, and connection. It offers peace, energy, and reduces stress. When riding the waves of the universe, we are balanced. However modern conveniences are causing us to get out of touch with ourselves, nature and out of sync with universal balance. Nature's diversity and interconnectedness inspire curiosity, creativity, and a deeper understanding of our place in the world, helping us align with our authentic selves.
How can exercise make us stronger human beings, better able to connect with others and embrace everyone's right to thrive?
In modern society, from child to adult, we sit at desks, hunched over our computers and are constantly looking down at our smartphones. We are not meant to be so sedentary or solitary. Holding unnatural postures for so long and everyday stressors cause our bodies to get tight, tense, and be in pain. Even though we literally have communication with the world in the palms of our hands, more people feel alone than ever. Exercise goes beyond physical fitness and contributes to our personal growth by strengthening us physically and emotionally, empowering us to connect with others and embrace everyone's right to thrive. Increased energy and productivity from exercise allow us to engage fully with others, promoting inclusivity. It enhances our resilience, confidence, and well-being, while reducing stress and fostering compassion. Through personal growth, exercise equips us to support and uplift others, promoting a culture of inclusivity and flourishing.
Why is it important for us to connect with other human beings?
Connecting with others is vital for our well-being and growth. Humans are social beings by nature, and we have an inherent desire for companionship and belonging. Meaningful connections with others fulfill our emotional and psychological well-being, providing a sense of support, belonging, understanding, and shared experiences. These connections reduce feelings of isolation, loneliness, and promote overall happiness and fulfillment. Connecting with others allows us to broaden our perspectives and gain a deeper understanding of the world around us. Through interactions with people from diverse backgrounds, cultures, and beliefs, we learn to appreciate different viewpoints, challenge our own biases, and grow as individuals. Building relationships with others helps us develop empathy, compassion, collaboration, happiness, and respect.
What does the phrase "One World, One Love" mean to you?
"One World, One Love" encapsulates the idea of global unity, emphasizing our interconnectedness and the importance of love and the power of love to transcend boundaries. It presents the belief that we are all part of a single global community, regardless of our differences in culture, nationality, or background. I believe that it encourages us to transcend borders, prejudices, and divisions, and work together for the betterment of humanity and the planet. It serves as a reminder that we are all interconnected and that through love, understanding, and cooperation, we can create a more inclusive, peaceful, and sustainable world for present and future generations.
In a universe of exercise platforms, what makes OneFirelight special?
OneFirelight is special because it is not just a fitness app. It is about embracing nature, honing in on your mind, body, spirit connection by finding your connection to nature, and being a part of a supportive community. It is not purely about results but about enjoying the journey. OneFirelight stays true to its intention “to promote the unity of “ONE,” bringing people together as one body, one mind, one spirit, and one love.”
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