Karen Best, BA, ACE certified instructor, Certified Sports Conditioning Specialist, Certified Behavioral Change Coach and Certified LifeStretch coach, was first exposed to Pilates and meditation in 1983, while in high school, and taking dance classes at The University of CT. Her first dance teacher, Jean Sabatine was a student of Jerome Robbins, who practiced Pilates with Joseph and Clara Pilates in NYC. Karen further developed her knowledge while a dance major at the Philadelphia University of the Arts, and has been teaching fitness and movement since 1986. Karen has been performing professionally under her dance name, Samira Shuruk, for over 2 decades. You can see more about that and about her wellness and culture retreats on her website SamiraShuruk.com. Karen's classes are rooted in tradition, and informed by modern sports medicine and mindfulness. Her classes are nurturing and fun as she encourages you to work at a level that is wonderful for you and your body. To contact Karen, email samira@samirashuruk.com