Inspirational Speaker, Author, Therapeutic Movement Specialist.
The burning desire for self-expression has always been my catalyst for changing direction. The result has been a varied career from Dance, to film and TV industry, health and fitness into therapeutic movement and wellness coaching.
From aged 10 years I was eager to begin learning classical ballet, which ultimately lead to my becoming a member of the South Australian Ballet Company. A desire for both travel and further learning took me to London where I studied full time for two years with a private tutor in Covent Garden – Roger Tully. Two years later I was selected to join the Perth City Ballet, Western Australia.
In the 1980’s I returned to London where I met Lloyd Newson, who was to later become Artistic Director of DV8 Physical Theatre who led me into the Contemporary Dance world which opened up a whole new level of creative expression through movement.
Alongside my dance career I also trained as a BBC makeup artist working on productions all over the country. Meanwhile the aerobics industry was booming and my initiation began with meeting Kim Connell from Los Angeles, fresh off the film set of “Perfect” staring Jamie-Lee Curtis and John Travolta.
This eventually resulted in me living and working in Los Angeles, teaching and taking classes at the Main Street Dance and Exercise Studio, Santa Monica, where actors Goldie Hawn, Kurt Russell and ‘Staying Alive’ star’ Finola Hughes regularly attended my classes. I frequently attended classes at Jane Fonda’s Studio, Voight Fitness and Dance Centre and many others.
During this time I achieved my ‘Exercise to Music’ teacher qualification with the American Council on Exercise (ACE) and became a member of IDEA (International Dance and Exercise Association).
Upon returning to London I launched a series of fitness courses to train and inspire new and evolving teachers and mounted the UK’s first ever Sport Aerobic Champ Camp, sponsored by Reebok featuring the US World Aerobic Champions. Five delegates went on to win both UK and European titles.
Alarmingly in early 1992 I was diagnosed with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (also called M.E.), and decided to return to Australia taking sabbatical and much needed rest, where I was introduced to Michael Porter, Doctor of Traditional Chinese Medicine.
My personal healing journey led me towards the natural and preventative approach to health and wellness. I studied Shiatsu, oriental medicine, yoga, meditation, Qigong, Feldenkrais Method, Franklin Method, Clinical Pilates, Zen meditation, breathing and deep relaxation.
Five years later I launched “The ChiBall Method” – an holistic exercise programme for harmony, balance and wellbeing.
It was during my Shiatsu training that I was inspired to develop a modern day exercise mind/body programme using TaiChi type movements, dance, yoga, Pilates and mindfulness using a small ‘aromatheraphy infused’ ball, “The ChiBall”. The unique blend of ancient wisdom and modern practices was born. The theory of the five elements completed the concept – exercising and living in harmony with the seasons.
In 2000 my book “Awaken Your Body, Balance Your Mind” was published by Harper Collins. In recognition for my contribution to the fitness industry, that year I also received Fitness Professionals UK’s “Award of Excellence”.
Over a ten year period, The ‘ChiBall Method’ reached 26 countries around the world. The teacher training programme was translated into five languages.
Sadly, another bout of ill health led me back to Australia where founding sisters of Precinct Physiotherapy and Therapia Physiotherapy in Adelaide, South Australia inspired me towards Clinical Pilates..
That work, combined with my background in dance, fitness, Pilates, and yoga, forms the foundation of my work today as a ‘Therapeutic Movement Specialist’.
Following on from my original ChiBall Method, Tai Chi, Qigong, Yoga, Pilates, Feldenkrais Method and relaxation will once again be the formula for a new series of movement “WuWellness” programmes – WuMotion, WuPilates, WuYoga, this time aimed at the 60+ age group.
See TESTIMONIALS and SPEAKING
