When I try to describe what I do, it can be difficult and I find that other students talking about their experiences means more to someone who has never had a class with me. I asked a few people to write about what it's like for them at Girl on Fire Movement Studio, and here is some of what they had to say:
The
classes mean a lot to me. I depend on them for my functioning in the
way that we depend on food to live. They constantly challenge me even
when I think that I have hurdled all the hurdles that there are. But
the challenges are not so large that I give up; they are just the right
amount to keep me moving forward on my journey and not discourage me at
the same time. The classes are reworking who I am at a very fundamental
level. They allow me to explore the real me that has been deeply
buried underneath loads of crap from years of life. I am finding my
true radiance and the part of my being that just is, without identifying with being a mother or an employee or any other descriptor that I could
attach. They are igniting my passion for life and for other people.
They are allowing me to soar to places I never thought possible in my
personal and professional life. When we are done with class and we
stand in a circle and imagine our higher, radiant selves, it is amazing the
things that I have seen there. Things I would have never dreamed of
imagining. Thank you, Christine, for giving me the opportunity to do this work, for
believing that I could even when I did not. --Amy S.
The first time I ever had the honor of having Christine as a teacher was
during one of her Yoga Dance classes. Within moments of being a part of that
class, I began to smile. At that point in my life, I never thought I
would smile again...not only did I smile but for the first time ever I
was able to feel MY smile. That is a moment in my life I will never
forget. Christine, her class, and her energy made me smile and I continue
to smile thanks to her help. -- Elizabeth H.
2011 was the worse year I have ever experienced, mentally,
emotionally and physically. I had been trying to work through all
that was being thrown at me and at times I didn't know how I was
going to get through it. Let alone get through it with a smile on
my face, which was always important to me. As I was going through
that process, I was reading Christine's blog and the things she writes
about and the questions she asks us to think about helped put things
into perspective and it helped me work through all the self doubt
and ongoing noise I had in my head. When she announced she was
going to open up her own studio, I knew I had to take her classes
and experience what I was reading from her first hand. From the
moment I walked into her studio I felt a calmness that I haven't
had in awhile. Such peace radiates from her and from her studio.
It's a place that I come to give my life a sense of stillness and it
gives me the strength to face another week. No matter what happens
I know I can recharge by being with Christine in her studio. She makes me
feel safe. She does not ask more from any of us than what we are capable
of giving at that time, but by her words she gives us the strength to
be able to dig deeper and work through what we need to in order to
become stronger and happier. Because of the goodness that is in Christine's heart, it has given me the joy of rediscovering ME. -- Patty N.
The kundalini yoga has opened my eyes, given me a much stronger centered
self. I felt it after the first class! I do not know why, and do not
dig into the spiritual side of the practice, but welcome its arrival! And dance is liberating. I truly feel as if I have had a massage after Christine's dance classes! Her classes have brought
out my true essence, and in that safe studio space, I am willing to
just let it go. --Joy C.
Christine’s work at Girl on Fire is not just about movement and
physical exercise. It is that and much more. It is emotional and spiritual
exercise as well. Since joining Christine’s intuitive dance class in October 2011, I have embarked on a journey of self discovery
and emotional release. This class, and her teaching in general, awaken
one’s spirit and have helped me tune into the very core of my being. On
top of that I have discovered a passion for dancing and am surrounded by an
amazing community of women at her studio. -- Julie G.
I started taking yoga dance to try and change up my
workout and gain some more balance and flexibility. Little did I know
that it would become the workout routine I enjoy the most each week. I joked
at our first class that I would feel more comfortable with dim lights
and a beer (which is particularly funny because I don't drink), but now I
really don't even pay attention to the mirror or worry about anyone
else paying attention to me in class. Being less inhibited, alone, is
quite a gift. On the surface, it quickly became time for me to laugh
at myself, enjoy a workout with music that inspires me, sweat a ton, and
meet some wonderful new friends. But below the surface, I think it
has given me more acceptance of my unique body and spirit. I certainly
do not have a traditional dancer's body, but it is ok with me.
Christine has created a safe place for me to move to music, be
creative and find my own rhythm. I think all of these lessons have
contributed to having more joy in my life (balance and flexibility) and
not comparing myself to others. Amazing that dancing can have such an
impact! --Beth N.
Coming to class has become a necessity for my mental health! I have
done various forms of yoga for years, but kundalini-style yoga and
dance/movement fused together is exactly right for me at this point in
my life. I have been able to tap into a creative outlet and energy
source that not only has been healing, but has helped me feel anchored
throughout the stormy weather of life. I am so grateful for Christine's
intuitive ability to hold a safe space for us and guide us to where we
can feel completely free to be ourselves. --Sarah I.
After years of hearing how great this studio is, I finally decided to attend. Boy, was I happy I did! My guest & I took childhood dance classes and we hated it. As adults, we were the only people standing completely still on the dance floor. On our 1st day at Girl on Fire Movement Studio, we were invited to put on the extra bright pink tutus in the studio and how can you not start jumping around? With Christine's guidance we started moving our toes, legs, hips, arms...until before we knew it we were 'dancing.' I don't know how she does it - but somehow in the beautiful, funky and comfortable all-women studio with the guidance of Christine the room becomes filled with giggly (me) or "completely saturated in movements" (others), sweaty and healthy dancing women! I LOVE this place and so does my body, mind & soul. --Missy M.
