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Kate Albarelli
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Kate Albarelli is the founder and developer of Figure 4 at Pure Yoga. She teaches a high energy and motivational body sculpt class that incorporates weight bearing exercise and intense positioning in order to create well shaped and carved muscle tone.
Kate is also a professional fitness expert, teacher, and private consultant with over 10 years of experience. She holds certifications in 2 methods stemming from the Lotte Berk method. Kate has taught dance and fitness throughout New York City to a variety of clients, celebrities, and performers and has conducted and participated in many dance and fitness workshops and conventions across the country.
Originally from Alexandria, Virginia, Kate was introduced to ballet at age 11 after starting as a young gymnast. She trained and danced professionally throughout high school and received a BFA in Dance from Florida State University. After graduating, Kate danced with several ballet companies which include but are not limited to: The Suzanne Farrell Ballet, The Metropolitan Opera Ballet, and Rebecca Kelly Ballet.
She has traveled and performed extensively with professional ballet and modern companies and in regional shows. An accomplished choreographer and performer, Kate has worked in as well as with well known artists, companies and productions including designers Tim Gunn and Patricia Field. She has worked in commercials, been featured numerously in print magazines (Pointe, Dance Spirit, and Dance), TV (ABC's The View, Law and Order: Criminal Intent, The Sopranos, Deal or No Deal), film (Out of Control, When in Rome), and industrials (Gillette Venus, Always, Kimberly Williams, Wishbone, L'Oreal).
More About Kate
Where are you originally from?
Alexandria, Virginia
What class do you teach at Pure?
Creator/teacher of Figure 4
How long have you been practicing dance?
Since age 11
What first brought you to dance?
I was a gymnast from age 4-11 and then I broke my arm severely. When I returned to gymnastics after healing, I was too tall to be a gymnast and I couldn't get over the fear of tumbling since hurting myself. So, my parents asked what I liked most about gymnastics. I said, "the ballet part". I started dancing a month later.
What brought you to teaching / what do you love about teaching?
In college, I taught ballet to young girls and quickly became a director of a program. I loved transforming their technique and mentoring them. After dancing for years in NY, I responded to an audition looking for "barre class instructors". I auditioned and got the job. I quickly realized that I was born to teach. I love it because of the opportunities to inspire, motivate, and challenge people. I love the intimacy of becoming someone my students can trust and rely on, and I love helping people achieve their goals. There is such a psychological aspect to teaching that constantly drives me as a teacher. Learning how to trigger student's drive in new ways, or simply being a mentor is extremely satisfying.
Who was your first ballet teacher and how did he/she inspire you?
Mrs. Fredgren wasn't my first teacher, but she was by far the most influential. She is the woman who directed my first ballet school. Her energy, passion, and zeal for ballet and performing is like none other I have ever seen. She took me in, believed in me, and transformed my early ballet career.
What motivates you to practice dance/barre today?
The teachers, the physical results I see after just one class, the way it makes me feel mentally and emotionally (peaceful, calm, at ease, strong, proud), the routine of it.
Before becoming a dance/barre teacher, what did you do?
Danced professionally.
Aside from dance/barre, what other hobbies or interests do you have?
I love my family and friends. I am so passionate about the loved ones in my life: being with them, sharing with them, growing with them.
If you weren't a dance/barre teacher, what would you be?
A famous movie star or a stay at home mom!
What do you love about Pure Yoga?
I love the vibe! The gorgeous atmosphere, the friendly people, the relaxing and calm environment, and the unparalleled classes/teachers. There is nowhere that can boast such power and expertise in their classes and teachers. |
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