About

Shaina Leibson was introduced to the GYROTONIC® Method more than 20 years ago at the beginning of her career as a professional ballet dancer. She is certified as a Level 1 and Level 2 Gyrotonic trainer and as a GYROKINESIS® trainer, with additional certifications for specialized equipment Jumping Stretching Board and the GYROTONER®. She has a passion for helping people through movement and continues to expand her certifications so that she can extend the benefits of movement to everyone she works with.

Shaina first learned about the Gyrotonic Method after having foot surgery and credits the work in giving her longevity as a dancer. During her professional career she has danced internationally with several ballet companies including Alberta Ballet, Ballet Austin, and Ballet San Jose where she performed for eight years. Shaina was also a soloist dancer with Ballett im Revier in Germany and spent five seasons as a Principal Dancer with Bay Pointe Ballet, based in the San Francisco area.

In addition to the Gyrotonic Method, Shaina has studied a wide variety of additional movement methods including the Bernal Method for classical ballet, Ashtanga Yoga, and the Burdenko Method. She is also trained in Classical Pilates for both mat exercises and all apparatus.

Shaina currently has her own studio in Saratoga, California, where she has the privilege to work with all people interested in mindful movement. Since 2005, she has been on the faculty of many ballet schools in the San Francisco Bay Area and specializes in cross training young and professional dancers, as well as other athletes. In addition to being a studio owner and a Gyrotonic trainer, she is currently a ballet instructor and coach. She is passionate about movement in all forms and its ability to bring overall wellness and vitality to everyone, which is why she named her studio Vital Movement.