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Tanya Becker, Co-Founder, Director of Training and Head Instructor
Physique 57®, Tanya explains, is the ultimate transformative physical fitness experience. “It’s the only exercise program I’ve seen that changes bodies so efficiently,” she says. “It targets all the major muscle groups so clients see rapid, obvious results. Plus it’s fun, invigorating, and incredibly intense. It makes people feel good.” Tanya is ACE Certified. Shelly Knight, Associate Director of Training, Pilates Director and Master Instructor
Janelle Abbott performed with the Grand Rapids Ballet in her hometown of Grand Rapids, Michigan before earning a BFA from the University of Utah's Ballet Department. She has since performed throughout New York City and abroad, and is currently dancing with the contemporary company dre.dance, Bryon Carr dance and Mixed Media, and with choreographer Salim Gauwloos (Slam), whom she regularly assists. Janelle has been featured in music videos by director David LaChapelle for Norah Jones and for Elton John's concert The Red Piano. Other credits include Terra Firma Dance Theatre, NY Contemporary Dance Theatre, Ballet for Young Audiences, and regional productions of The Music Man, Utah!, and South Pacific. Janelle has taught for Fluid Dance Conventions, Steps on Broadway and Broadway Dance Center, and received her Power Pilates Mat certification. She is thrilled to be joining the Physique 57® team. 
Active in competitive sports since childhood and a distance runner who has completed the Boston, New York City and London marathons, Magen began working as a personal fitness instructor 15 years ago. Magen has specialized in weight loss , core fitness and Yin Yoga and has studied Pilates, various other styles of yoga and meditation for the last 20 years. Magen is renowned for her boundless energy and for her ability to motivate clients through her personal and compassionate approach. She utilizes her extensive experience to optimize clients' energy, maximize their flexibility and increase their strength. Magen teaches mind body fitness retreats and workshops nationally and abroad several times a year. Donna Bouthillier, Physique Yoga Instructor 
Donna brings to her yoga classes a multi-dimensional knowledge of the body, and a great enthusiasm for helping students tap into their inner power. She has completed intensive teacher training in Anusara Yoga and has been an avid practitioner of yoga since 1994. A life-long dancer, Donna is also a NYS Licensed Massage Therapist, certified Zero Balancer, and certified Pre- and Peri-natal Massage Therapist. She graduated magna cum laude from Connecticut College where she studied both dance and psychology. She takes great joy in helping students uncover their vast inner strength and vitality. Donna is also a dancer/performer with the Strike Anywhere Performance Ensemble. She is thrilled to be joining the Physique 57® team! 
Born and raised in Kansas City, KS, Cassie studied and performed throughout the midwest with the Miller-Marley Youth Ballet under the direction of former Kansas City Ballet Principle, Alecia Good. Cassie was a Dance Artist Apprentice for Studio 150, a program of the Arts Council of Kansas City. She has performed in musical theater, notably as Cha-Cha in Grease which earned her a Starlight Theater Blue Star Award nomination for "Best Cameo Role" and recently on stage at Avery Fisher Hall in The Little Orchestra Society's production of Babes in Toyland (Fairy). She has performed as a dancer for Neil Young on the Greendale tour (Russ Tamblyn, choreographer) and was selected for a repertory session with internationally acclaimed dance illusionist company MOMIX. Ms. Coulas has also modeled dance wear for Body Wrappers Costume Catalogue. Cassie graduated cum laude from SUNY Purchase with a BFA in Dance and a Certificate in Non-Profit Arts Management. She obtained her certification in Pilates Mat from Pilates Academy International and is proud to be a NY Cares volunteer spending valuable time with needy children. 
A native New Yorker and a graduate of Indiana University, James began his professional dance career performing with American Ballet Theater II, where he later assisted Twyla Tharp as she created a new work. He then danced with Les Grands Ballet Canadiens and toured throughout South America as a guest artist. James has performed in numerous plays and musicals, and was featured in the roles of Slavemaster and Solo Dancer in the Broadway production of The Phantom of the Opera. He has also appeared in the Metropolitan Opera's production of Aida, and in several independent films. While getting his degree, James taught college students, at ballet schools and at summer programs across the country. Aside from fitness, James has a continued passion for bringing out the potential in others. He is constantly inspired by the gift that is Physique 57®. 
Kim D'Agnese was raised in Orange County, New York where she began her training at Marya Kennett Ballet Theater studying tap, ballet, and modern dance. In addition, Kim studied as a summer enrichment student at Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater and graduated cum laude from Montclair State University with a BFA in dance. She has performed works from choreographers such as Robert Battle, Martha Graham, and Murray Louise. She has also performed with modern dance companies ESS/Danceworks in NYC, and Moetion Dance in Montclair, NJ. Her choreography has been seen at the Jennifer Mueller/HATCH Dance Series and Danceworks at Montclair State University. Kim received her Pilates certification through LindaFit Pilates under the instruction of Linda Farrell and is grateful to have found Physique 57® where she can continue to practice and grow. 
Desi Davar is originally from Orange County, California. She began dancing and singing at age 4 with her mother Kristi Davar, (founder of Center Stage Dance and Performing Arts). During high school she attended Broadway Theatre Project, and worked with such legends as Gwen Verdon, Ann Reinking, Gregory Hines, and Julie Andrews. In New York City Desi attended and subsequently taught at The American Musical and Dramatic Academy. She performed in the opening number of the Easter Bonnet Competition for Broadway Cares Equity Fights Aids with Liza Minnelli. Other credits include Half A Sixpence at Goodspeed Opera House, Kiss Me, Kate at Paper Mill Playhouse, and Evita at Maltz-Jupiter Theatre. Desi also appeared in Not Another Teen Movie, The Brave One, Enchanted, 30 Rock and CSI:NY. She is a proud member of Screen Actors Guild and Actor's Equity Association. Desi is delighted to join the Physique 57® team! 
Alexander was an original cast member of the Tony Award-winning revival of 42nd Street on Broadway. Alexander also appeared on Broadway in My Fair Lady with Richard Chamberlain. It was during this show that Alexander forged a long-term working relationship with renowned choreographer Donald Saddler, whom he subsequently assisted on several projects, including the revival of No, No, Nanette at the Paper Mill Playhouse. Alexander has danced with The American Dancemachine and taught for them at Steps and Broadway Dance Center. As a protégé of legendary jazz-dance teacher Luigi, Alexander taught the Luigi jazz-technique at Studio Maestro. Alexander had the honor of performing for President Clinton at The Milleneum Concert under the direction of Rob Marshall. Read The Benefits of Physique 57® for Men.
Kimberly grew up in Miami, Florida, where she studied dance at Danie Beck's Dance Unlimited Studios and competed nationally with their Ensemble Company. She graduated from Southern Methodist University with dual degrees in Dance and Business Marketing. She has toured nationally with the Broadway musical Crazy For You and performed Off-Broadway in The Awesome 80's Prom. She has been featured in fitness editorials for Shape Magazine, Yoga Life, and Cosmopolitan, as well as advertisements for Canon, Microsoft and Oral B. Kimberly can also be seen in the pilot episode of the Emmy award winning television series, Mad Men. She is looking forward to sharing her love of health and fitness at Physique 57® and hopes to motivate and inspire others. Debra Downs, Physique Yin Instructor
Debra has been studying and practicing yoga since 1998 and teaches Vinyasa Flow and Yin Yoga throughout NYC. She received her teacher certification from Alison West's Yoga Union in NYC and has been a student of Insight Yoga teacher Sarah Powers since 2005. Trained as a psychotherapist and life coach, Debra brings an energy to her classes that is both insightful and inspiring. She challenges her students to go beyond their comfort zones and deeper into their postures, unlocking the fitness potential of their own bodies. Off the yoga mat Debra is an avid tennis player, competitive runner and dancer. She found yoga to be the perfect complement that has brought her to the next level in all such pursuits. Her yoga teachings are influenced by the Iyengar, Ashtanga and Taoist traditions and she has been studying meditation since 1999. She is a registered Yoga Alliance teacher and actively participates in yoga and meditation trainings and workshops.
Stephanie grew up in Manasquan, NJ studying ballet with Diane Fay, the Joffrey Ballet School and NJ Governor's School of the Arts. She continued to study dance earning her BFA in Modern Dance Performance at the University of the Arts in Philadelphia. She has performed the works of Momix, Milton Myers and Bessie Award winner Mirian Soto. Stephanie has worked for National Dance Competitions, judging and teaching master classes. She continues to perform throughout New York City with various modern dance choreographers and currently dances with aemp:dance. Stephanie is extremely excited to join the fabulous team at Physique 57®.
Katherine Warner Johnson, Instructor
Chanelle was born and raised in Erie, Pennsylvania where she trained with Erie Dance Conservatory and Lake Erie Ballet. She studied extensively in ballet, modern, jazz, and tap, and furthered her training at SUNY Purchase Conservatory of Dance, graduating cum laude with a BFA in dance performance in 2008. She has performed Cloven Kingdom by Paul Taylor, Gloria by Mark Morris, and D Man in the Waters by Bill T. Jones. She is a guest teacher and choreographer at Erie Dance Conservatory, and currently is an apprentice with the Amy Marshall Dance Company, as well as a member of SYREN Modern Dance. In addition to being a dancer, fitness has always been in her daily practice. She is a fitness model and has been in fitness videos nationwide. She is honored and thrilled to be a part of the Physique 57® team. 
Born in Boston, MA and raised in southern NH, Sarah began dancing at the age of four, training at the Joffrey Ballet School, the Rock School of Pennsylvania Ballet, and Jose Mateo's Ballet Theatre of Boston. After graduating Cum Laude with a BFA in Dance Performance at Southern Methodist University, Sarah became a principal dancer with the Contemporary Dance Theatre of El Salvador, performing in Washington, DC and El Salvador. Sarah toured as “Minnie” in Joey McKneely's European Tour of West Side Story and as “Victoria, The White Cat” in the 25th Anniversary National and International Tours of Cats. She also was a dance assistant to Tony winning choreographer, Andy Blankenbuehler, on the Broadway revival of The Apple Tree. Most recently, Sarah performed as an Ensemble Dancer in the Radio City Christmas Spectacular. Sarah is excited and honored to become a part of the talented team of Physique 57®. 
Raised in Miami, Florida, Katie began her dance training at the Miami Conservatory of Ballet. She danced with the Thomas Armour Youth Ballet throughout the Miami area and was offered the opportunity to study as a scholarship student at the Dance Theater of Harlem. Katie continued her training at New World School of the Arts High School in the dance division and went on to graduate magna cum laude from Southern Methodist University with a BFA in dance performance, as well as degrees in both business and mathematics. After college Katie had the opportunity to study at the Martha Graham school. Throughout her career Katie has performed works by Martha Graham, George Balanchine, Marius Petipa, Danny Buraczeski, Peter London, Jose Limon, and William Forsythe, in addition to appearing in musicals in regional theaters throughout Texas. Katie has also enjoyed being a dance instructor and is a certified personal trainer. She is thrilled to be a part of the Physique 57® team! Lois Nesbitt, Physique Yoga Program Director and Instructor 
Lois Nesbitt began practicing yoga as a teenager and resumed her studies as a young adult—years before the yoga boom. She has been sharing yoga with students in New York City and the Hamptons for almost two decades and was named one of New York's top five Yoga Teachers by New York Magazine. Lois is known for her engaging and informative style, and delights in working with students of all levels and abilities. Her decade of Ashtanga Yoga practice imbues her teaching with a rhythmic flow while her advanced training in Anusara Yoga enables her to guide students toward their top form while keeping spirits light! Lois is intimately familiar with the Physique 57® method and finds Physique 57® classes a perfect counterpart to her own yoga practice. Having taught yoga to hundreds of urban women, and because she is one, she also identifies with the lifestyles and needs of Physique 57® clients. Learn more. 
Sherri Norige hails from Connecticut and holds a B.A. in Theatre and a Minor in Dance from Wagner College, where she graduated magna cum laude. She is a member of Actors' Equity and has toured as Zaneeta Shinn in The Music Man as well as with The Nutcracker. Some of her favorite roles include Louise in Gypsy, Emma in Jekyll and Hyde, Sandy in Grease, and Nellie in South Pacific, which garnered her an Irene Ryan nomination. She has taught theatre jazz at Dancewave in Brooklyn, as well as tap, ballet, and jazz privately. Sherri is A.F.A.A. and is thrilled and thankful to be a part of the lovely and talented Physique 57® team. 
Originally from Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, Erin studied dance at the Miami City Ballet, the Rock School at Pennsylvania Ballet and Jacob's Pillow. She earned a BFA in Dance Performance at Southern Methodist University in Dallas, TX. Erin has danced professionally throughout the country, including Mack and Mabel at the Goodspeed Opera House. She has studied Pilates under Polestar Education and has taught fitness classes in Manhattan. She also writes a food and health blog called The Way the Cookie Crumbles and sells her original line of wholesome, low fat cookies in New York City and Dallas. Erin is extremely excited to join the talented team at Physique 57®. 
Mandy is a graduate of Shenandoah University, where she received a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance Performance and a Master of Fine Arts in Dance. She is an avid choreographer with works shown publicly in New York, New Jersey, Washington D.C., and Russia. Mandy is a certified Pilates mat instructor, obtaining her certificate while at Shenandoah University under Kimberly Gibilisco, former owner of The Pilates Lab in New York City. Mandy is very happy to be an instructor at Physique 57®! Nicole Sweet, Mat 57 Instructor 
Nicole earned her undergraduate degree in Fine Arts from the University of CA, Santa Cruz. She then received her Pilates mat certification at Turning Point Studios, in Walnut Creek, CA in 2003. She has taught at studios in both California and New York. She strongly believes in the mind body connection and the importance of Pilates to link the body as whole. In addition to her Pilates passion, Nicole is a professional photographer. She has also taught rock climbing and swimming. Currently, Nicole is working towards receiving the Pilates Reformer certification. She joined Physique 57® in October 2008, and is excited to have found a new fitness family. Antonietta Vicario, Instructor 
Antonietta received a BFA in dance at The George Washington University in Washington, DC and attended The School for New Dance Development in Amsterdam, Netherlands performing with the international dance company, MAGPIE. She completed her MFA in Dance at Hollins University in partnership with The American Dance Festival (ADF) and taught composition and improvisation at ADF in 2007. Antonietta has been a guest artist and faculty member at several national universities including Hollins University, Towson State University, The George Washington University and The University of Montana. She founded her own contemporary dance company in 2004, and her work has been presented by Dance Theater Workshop, Danspace Project at St. Mark's Church, The Joyce SoHo, ADF, Dixon Place and various other theaters throughout the country. She became a certified Pilates mat instructor under Teri Lee Steele at Dance New Amsterdam where she regularly teaches as part of the modern dance guest artist series. Antonietta is thrilled to join the team of amazing teachers at Physique 57®! 
Ashley is a graduate of Columbia University, where she received her B.A. in Dance. A theatrical dancer at heart, she was honored to study with Ann Reinking at the Broadway Theatre Project. In NYC, she has performed the works of Aszure Barton, Martha Graham, Amanda Turner, Katiti King, and others. She currently dances with both Kinetic Dance Theater and the Tze Chun Dance Company. Her choreography has been featured in productions of Kiss Me, Kate, The Resistible Rise of Arturo Ui, and West Side Story. Outside the studio, Ashley spends her time on the ice coaching figure skaters of all ages and levels and is the head coach of Central Park Ice, Wollman Rink's youth synchronized skating program. Ashley is delighted to join the fantastic team at Physique 57®. 
Alicia received her early dance training from Central PA Youth Ballet, VA School of the Arts, Ballet Met, and the American Academy of Ballet. She graduated Summa Cum Laude with a BFA from Marymount Manhattan College in Dance Performance and Choreography, and a minor in Arts Management. After dancing with the Metropolitan Opera Ballet, the NY Grand Opera, and several ballet and modern companies, Alicia moved to Paris and was the dance captain and a solo vocalist in the French musical, Le Sel et le Miel. She has recently returned to New York City after spending three years in London, where she was featured in a variety of stage, film, television, and fashion shows. Alicia has taught ballet and modern dance and has assisted and demonstrated for the director of the American Academy of Ballet. She is delighted to be part of the Physique 57® team. Ola Widera, Physique Yoga Instructor 
Ola has been an active athlete since her early childhood. Spending her
winters immersed in skiing and vast ranges of sports during the warmer
months of the year she discovered yoga in 1997 to cure her injuries. She
developed a deep understanding of an alignment and found the therapeutics as
the art of hatha yoga. She has been trained in Anusara Yoga and it became
her foundation and passion. She continues to combine the knowledge of yoga
science and human anatomy to improve her athletic performance and experience
fewer injuries.
Vienna Wilson, Physique Yoga Instructor 
Vienna teaches yoga, anatomy and Pilates classes throughout New York City and the East End.
She sees each class and one-on-one session as an opportunity to expand strength and freedom in the body and to reinforce the heart's connection with its highest ideals.
Vienna left Wall Street 8 years ago to pursue a career in the Health Sciences, studying anatomy and bodywork at the Swedish Institute, Pilates with Kelly Kane at the Kane School of Core Integration,
and yoga in the Ashtanga and Anusara traditions. Her knowledge-rich teaching style enhances the mind-body connection on and off the mat.
Ashley Yeater was born and raised in Moundsville, West Virginia. She began her dance training at the age of seven after she realized little
league t-ball was not her calling, then trained at the Larraine Susa Dance Unlimited in Uniontown, PA. Ashley moved to New York after high
school and landed the role of Ariel in the West Coast Premiere/National Tour of "Footloose". Other theater credits include Broadway: The Producers;
National Tours: Chicago, The Producers, Cats; Regional: Dancing in the Dark at the Old Globe Theater in San Diego and NYC reading of
The Bandwagon. Ashley was last seen in the City Center Encores! production of On The Town. She is thrilled to be joining the Physique 57® team.
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Tanya has been dancing professionally since she was 15. She is a trained student of the Luigi Jazz Technique, a graduate of the Princeton Ballet School, and a musical choreographer. Tanya has performed in New York, Canada, and Japan and has been featured in industrials, films, and commercials. For almost ten years, she trained and taught at The Lotte Berk Method in New York City, where she helped update, refine, and perfect the legendary fitness technique.
Shelly joins Physique 57
Lauren grew up in Canton, Ohio where she trained with the Canton Ballet. She graduated with a BFA in Dance magna cum laude from
Ohio State University and subsequently studied on scholarship with the Merce Cunningham Dance Company and Jennifer Muller/TheWorks.
Since moving to New York, Lauren has worked with several contemporary dance companies, and is currently a member of Christopher Caines
Dance Company, and Murray Spalding/Mandalas. In 2006, Lauren made her debut with the Metropolitan Opera Ballet in The First Emperor.
She has since danced with the Washington National Opera and the Baltimore Opera Company in productions of Aida, The Pearl Fishers and Tourandot.
Lauren earned her Pilates certification under Linda Farrell at LindaFit Pilates, her reformer certification with Lisa Yourke at One on
One Pliates and has taught at Broadway Dance Center and Steps on Broadway. Lauren is honored to have been a part of the Physique 57
Erika Gee was raised in Toledo, Ohio and began her dance training at Daryl Jervis Dance Studios where she competed
in many dance competitions, earned scholarships to prestigious studios, and performed internationally. She continued
her dance education at Point Park University studying modern, ballet and jazz in the Conservatory of Performing Arts
and finished her dual degree at the Ohio State University earning both a BFA in Dance and a BA in Journalism. Since
college she has signed with Clear Talent Group and has had numerous music industry, TV, and print features. Erika
has performed at the Artists Showcase at Alvin Ailey; as a back up dancer for Soulja Boy, Q-Tip and Ka De Luna; as a
featured dancer in Chris Cornell's "Part of Me" music video featuring Method Man and Timbaland; and was a finalist on
"So You Think You Can Dance." Her commercial credits include Edge Shave Gel, Lucille Roberts, HYDRIVE Energy and American
Airlines featuring Kevin Spacey; additionally she has had industry and modeling experience with NIKE, NIKETOWN, Capezio,
Teen Vogue, Seventeen magazine, and CosmoGirl magazine. Erika has also enjoyed TV cameos on the Today show, Live with Regis
and Kelly, and QVC for Hip Hop Abs. Currently, she is a Knicks City Dancer. She is very proud and
excited to teach this amazing technique and attributes many of her dance and fitness modeling jobs to this tough workout!
Jennifer Ierardi has been a performer, teacher, and choreographer for the past fifteen years.
She has worked extensively in theater, film and television throughout the United States and beyond.
Some of her favorite credits include: The Broadway Revival National Tour of 42nd Street the musical
(Original Company), The Broadway National Tour and Las Vegas Company of Footloose the musical,
Anything Goes (with Sandy Duncan), Sesame Street, La Jaz Danz Company member,
dancing aboard Royal Caribbean's Cruise line, and dancing with artist's such as L.L.Cool J, Mary J Blige, and 98 degrees. Jennifer has judged and taught Master Classes locally and nationwide at dance conventions, competitions, dance studios and fitness centers. She is currently on faculty at the American Musical & Dramatic Academy in Lincoln Center. Jennifer attended Point Park University and continued her fitness training with the American Council on Exercise.
Katherine is originally from Washington D.C. where she trained with the Maryland Youth Ballet.
Katherine also trained and danced with the Miami City Ballet and Anne Reinking's Broadway Theatre
Project as well as dancing under Placido Domingo with the Washington Opera Ballet Company.
She graduated Cum Laude with a BA in History of Art and Architecture from Harvard University.
Katherine is a Maryland Distinguished Scholar in the Arts, a NFAA semi-finalist, was awarded
the Washington Post Music and Dance scholarship for classical ballet and well as the Maryland
Governor's Award. She has performed at the Kennedy Center, the Warner Theater, and Constitution
Hall. Katherine was most recently Cassandra in the National and International Tours of Cats.
Raised in Dallas, Texas Alex began her dance training at Dallas Dance Academy, the official school of Texas Ballet Theater.
She continued her dance training at Southern Methodist University graduating Summa Cum Laude with a BFA in Dance Performance.
While attending SMU, she showcased her original choreography in multiple concerts as well as danced works by Martha Graham,
George Balanchine, William Forsythe, Marius Petipa, Anna Sokolow, and Alison Chase. Alex is currently a company member of Amy
Marshall Dance Company (AMDC). With AMDC, she has the privilege to tour around the world and teach dance to students of all ages.
Committed to a healthy lifestyle, Alex is passionate about all fitness, and is thrilled to be a part of the
Physique 57
Karen began her dance training in her hometown of Scranton, PA. Furthering her dance studies, Ms. Keeler trained at the School of American Ballet, the Bolshoi Ballet Academy, the Boston Ballet, the Pennsylvania Ballet, the Washington Ballet, and the Hartford Ballet. Karen holds a B.S. from the University of Scranton. She received a scholarship to New York University's Tisch School of the Arts where she earned a Master of Fine Arts Degree in Dance. Karen was a member of the Koresh Dance Company in Philadelphia and taught ballet and modern jazz throughout Pennsylvania. Ms. Keeler has performed as a Radio City Rockette for the past 8 years where she also holds the honor of Assistant Choreographer, and Rockette Dance Captain.