Traditional East Coast Pilates &

Born and raised in Sydney, Australia, Thalia began teaching Dance at the age of 12 and Pilates at the age of 16. After graduating from Sydney's high school of performing arts, Mc Donald College in 1990, she moved to the States to attend California State University, Long Beach. Thalia danced with choreographers of the Merce Cunnigham Company, Alvin Ailey Dance Theatre, Limon Dance Company and many more. She has performed throughout The States, Australia, Europe and Canada. Her performing and choreography credits range from the stage to television.

In 1991, she acquired her Pilates Certification, and in her senior year in college, she was asked to set up Pilates programs in three major chiropractic office in Orange County. She taught Pilates at Orange Coast College, Long Beach City College and Golden West College. She also taught Pilates to members of the US Olympic team, members of the “NFL," “NBA” and members of the “Laker Girl” squad.

Upon graduating in 1996, she moved to Los Angeles and acquired yet another Pilates certification from Romana Kryanowska (one of Joseph Pilates students) and her Massage Therapy Certification. For the next seven years, she directed numerous Pilates programs in Los Angeles and became an examiner for the New York Pilates certification course.

Over the past 18 years of teaching Pilates, Thalia has had the fortune of working with numerous expecting mothers. This experience, coupled with endless hours of research and continuing education courses in pregnancy fitness, has given her both the knowledge and confidence required to teach pregnant woman Pilates through their entire 10 month term.

Her greatest accomplishment is her daughter Makala Thomas who teaches Thalia how to be patient and strong!

Thalia is also the Director and Examiner of official Pilates East Coast Certification Course at SOMA

Traditional East Coast Style Pilates

with Eric Hopkins - Senior Certified Pilates Instructor

Born and raised in Los Angeles, California, Eric was first introduced to Pilates in high school as a rehabilitation method for treating his knee injury. Eric was so impressed with the Pilates Method that he decided to become an instructor and received his certification in 1998 from the official East Coast Certification program lead by Romana Kryanowska. Eric’s 10 years experience as a Pilates Instructor and dancer was called upon by the Pilates Studio of Los Angeles where he was the head of Pilates education and teacher training.

Eric specializes in pre- and post- surgery rehabilitation and is committed to helping clients on their journey back to health. To book a private or semi-private Pilates session with Eric, call Soma for an appointment. To book a private Pilates session with Eric, call (310) 289-9043.

East Coast Traditional Pilates

with Angie Lieuw - Certified Pilates Instructor

Angie Lieuw began Pilates back in 1997 along with several disciplines of Martial Arts including Shaolin Kungfu, Wushu and Krav maga. After practicing both Pilates and Martial Arts for almost a decade, she now is a certified teacher through the East Coast Pilates Method and Martial Arts coach. Angie is recognized by her students, clients and peers as a fitness enthusiast and she always tries to incorporate the disciplinary aspects of her Martial Arts training into her teaching methods. Angie is Soma's secret weapon her aggressive teaching style is not for the weak and weary! She guarantees results fast!

Angie teaches Pilates mat classes on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 7:00am to 8:00am. To book a private Pilates session or Martial arts session, call (310) 289-9043.

East Coast Traditional Pilates

with Jessica Schatz

Certified Pilates Instructor and Certified Massage Therapist

Jessica first began studying Pilates 20 years ago as part of her rigorous dance curriculum. After a successful dance career in San Francisco, she came to Los Angeles and began the pursuit of Pilates instruction as part of furthering her knowledge of injury rehabilitation.

Jessica’s expertise lies in her immeasurable knowledge and awareness of each unique human body, how it moves, and what it needs to be more efficient, stronger, and healthier. She takes pride in her ability to empower her clients to reach for those goals and ultimately see and feel a major difference in bodies and minds. She is fortunate to have studied intensively with Thalia Thomas and was certified in the Traditional East Coast style under the tutelage of Dana Santi; a protégé of Romana Kryanowska. To book a private Pilates session with Jessica call (310) 289-9043.

Jessica teaches the fundamentals of Pilates Mat work on Saturdays at 10am at Studio Soma.

Traditional East Coast Style Pilates

with Denise White - Senior Certified Pilates Instructor

Dancer and fitness professional Denise White, has been teaching as a Certified Pilates for over 8 years. Denise makes sure the client grasps a strong foundation Pilates so they succeed in reaching their overall fitness goals. Her classical training and commitment to the pure Pilates method has given her the experience needed to develop rehab programs for people with injuries and also challenging the most healthy and elite dancer and athlete.

“Every body that passes through my hands is different therefore every session I teach is different. I am dedicated to providing my clients with what they need whether it is strength, pain relief or just a great workout! No matter what, the client is guaranteed satisfaction.”

with Terri Fernandez

Certified Pilates Instructor

In 2000, Terri discovered Pilates as a way to achieve her health and fitness goals, as well as ease the daily stresses of the corporate world. Five years later, Terri became certified and decided to spin a new career out of her love for the method.

She left the Human Resources industry completely and has never looked back. This career change has enabled her to achieve a healthy life/work balance and she enjoys sharing her passion and respect for the method with others. Terri was also certified in the Traditional East Coast style under the tutelage of Dana Santi; a protégé of Romana Kryanowska.

The Pilates Method

with Rodrick Covington

Certified Pilates Instructor

Rodrick Covington comes with an infused Fire with great energy from NYC. After graduating from SUNY PURCHASE ACTING CONSERVATORY where he discovered Pilates 8 years ago , he is a professional working actor/singer/dancer who has performed on Broadway in such shows as The Lion King, Fosse, Drumstruck, and other off Broadway shows. Rodrick's film and television talents awarded him roles in shows such as Law and Order CI, The Dave Chappelle Show, and films- Mask Of the Ninja and Three Verses.

After realizing the importance of taking care of his own body, he dedicated the next chapter of his life to strengthening others through physical fitness.

He is a hardcore instructor that will maximize your full body potential creating long lean muscles fusing the mind, body, and soul into a session. After each session he specializes in a back stretch that will have your body craving for more! To make an appointment with Rodrick, call Soma.

Rachel is originally from Chicago and just recently relocated to Los Angeles after completing her Bachelors of Fine Arts at Columbia College of Chicago. Rachel's passion and talent for singing and theatre has wowed audiences on the east coast, and is ready to do the same in LA!

Rachel has a growing interest in the arts as well as Pilates and is both humbled and excited to be a part of the SOMA family. With her endless patience and loyal work ethic, Rachel masters the art of client scheduling, customer service and sales on a daily basis at Soma, her new home away from home.

Erin is originally from Arizona and came to Los Angeles in 2002. Her interest in Pilates began several years ago and she has decided to dedicate the next chapter in her life to becoming a Pilates instructor.

She is currently enrolled in Soma's Pilates Certification Course. Erin's endless talents gained her a position as the assistant to the owner of Studio Soma.

Certification in Massage Therapy from I.P.S.B. (the Institute of Psycho-Structural Balancing) – 1994. Certified in Deep Tissue Structural Bodywork from Massage School of Santa Monica.

Scott is a highly skilled body worker and a healing spirit. A deep tissue extraordinaire, Scott searches for blockages in your tissues and, with precision, unlocks them like a locksmith. More than just a massage, you experience the truth within your body. Whether you want to melt away tightness and stress, resolve injuries or medical conditions, or deepen kinesthetic awareness into the structure and function of your body, then look no further. Scott is located in Beverly Hills.

Massage Therapy With DAYO

Certification in Massage Therapy from the Institute of Professional Practical Therapy.

Dayo is a certified in Massage and Physical Training. He offers both chair massage and table massage. Whether it’s a 15 minute rub down after a Pilates or Dance class at Soma or a therapeutic table massage in the comfort of your home, Dayo has the ability to tap into your tension areas using innovative sports rehab techniques.

You can find Dayo weekly at Soma. He is also available for office and home visits. To make an appointment with him and for more information call Dayo on (323) 969-0817.

Mike Cornell is an ACE certified personal trainer who has been featured in Health, Angeleno, Better Homes and Gardens, and The New York Times. During his 10 year career with Columbus Ohio's BalletMet Mike danced leading roles created by the worlds most prominent choreographers. From 1990 to 1994 Michael studied with Violetta Boft, former Russian ballet star and coach for the Moscow International Ballet Competition.

He has also studied extensively with American Ballet Theater principle and master teacher Yoko Ichino. In 2003 Michael began teaching the "Ballet Workout", which uses basic ballet technique as a form of exercise. The structure of the class enables those without prior ballet experience to quickly learn the ballet vocabulary and get a great workout. This often prepares individuals to participate in more advanced ballet classes they may be otherwise intimidated to enter. Michael uses an eclectic assortment of energizing music from classical, jazz, hip hop, and top 40. Michael is also the founder of www.beitfit.com and www.privateballetla.com .

One of the first web sites on the internet to offer downloadable MP3 personal training for the Ipod.

For more information or to register for this class call Mike on (323) 839-5631. Ballet Workout is available at Soma on Fridays at 3pm at Studio Soma for those who have had prior ballet experience. Mike is also available for private Ballet lessons.

(Independent Instructor)

Contrary to clichéd stereotypes, pole dancing is more like an athletic art form which is empowering to both the mind and body. This class will build your self esteem and confidence. Unleash your inhabitations and let your sensuality guide you. You will work the muscles of the legs, gluteals, upper body and abdominals. You never know, you may even learn a few party tricks for private use only! All levels. Private sessions and pole dance parties are available.

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Gabrielle Arianela Gumbs, uses her experience as an actress and dancer and her background in Kinesiology to teach other women this fun and fantastic movement. She trained with Sheila Kelly of S-Factor fame, and was one of her original instructors when she opened her first studio. Later, Gabrielle went off on her own, developing her own style of teaching exotic dancing. As an instructor, she loves watching the metamorphosis of her clients as they go through their own journey in class. She has been seen on Oprah, Vh-1’s-‘Rock Bodies’, Inside Edition, Univision’s –‘Control’, Q Televisions "On Q Live!" as well as in ‘Woman’s Own’ Magazine and Teeze Magazine. Gabrielle has a B.S. in Kinesiology, the study of movement, with an emphasis on Athletic Therapy.

Book a private or semi-private session with Joey and he will teach you how to “work the pole”.

Learn how to perform all the latest dance moves and get down to the high impact beat of Hip Hop. Joey will teach you how to climb up the pole and dance your way down with safety and control.

For more information and to book an appointment, call Joey on ( 818) 644-7938. You can also e-mail him with your questions at bwitcurlz@gmail.com. For live videos go to www.myspace.com/bwitcurlz.

BALETE'™ is the unique blend of martial arts and Classical ballet brought to you by the Lab-Rx™ co-founders: current world martial arts champion, Mindy Kelly, and professional choreographer, Whitney Shannon.

Both masters in their crafts and successful in the entertainment industry, they have come together to create the "whole body" philosophy and the technique that are the fundamental principals that are BALETE'.

Whitney Shannon is a professional Choreographer and a graduate of NYC’s prestigious Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre. She has worked Diddy, MIMS, Josh Duhamel, Daniel Baldwin and new R&B recording artist Suhila.

Mindy Kelly is a world Champion Martial Artist and can regularly be seen on ESPN. She most recently performed with Fergie at The American Music Awards.

For more information on BALETE'™ , check out www.thelab-rx.com or call Whitney on (310) 435-3611 to register for BALETE'™ at Studio Soma. You can also see Whitney in action at www.whitneyshannon.com.

Traditional East Coast Style Pilates

with Eric Hopkins - Senior Certified Pilates Instructor

East Coast Traditional Pilates

with Angie Lieuw - Certified Pilates Instructor

East Coast Traditional Pilates

with Jessica Schatz

Certified Pilates Instructor and Certified Massage Therapist

Traditional East Coast Style Pilates

with Denise White - Senior Certified Pilates Instructor

with Terri Fernandez

Certified Pilates Instructor

The Pilates Method

with Rodrick Covington

Certified Pilates Instructor

Massage Therapy With DAYO

(Independent Instructor)