JJ (Jingjie) Zhan

What are your specialties?

I’m more experienced working with clients who have a dance background or interest, especially in ballroom dancing. I’m a trained ballroom dancer and I can help tailor the exercises more towards making your dancing better. 

How would you describe your teaching style?

My teaching style can either be meditative and calm, or it can be energetic and empowering, depending on what the clients need that day. If you have had a hectic day, and just need a calm refresh, or if you had a sluggish day and would like a boost of energy, I can help with both. 

What are you curious to learn more about movement?

I'm curious to learn more about calming the inner voice and thinking mind, and being more attentive and fully present at this moment, at this place. The constant inner chattering, the worry about the past and future are common among us, and can unnecessarily drain a lot of energy. I’d like to work on myself and help my clients elevate to a higher consciousness level through movements. 

Outside of the studio, what keeps you balanced and inspired?

Outside of the Pilates/Gyrotonics studio and ballroom studio, I love outdoor activities. I do backpacking/camping regularly, and most recently backpacked 50 miles in Iceland, and 100 miles in Mount Rainer. I also love open water swimming and regularly joined the Lake Tahoe swimming events. 

The outdoor activities help me get close to nature, which balance out the time I spend indoor at the studios. I get to get myself dirty, push myself out of the comfort zone, and gain a broader perspective on life in general.