We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Kaleena Hurlburt. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Kaleena below.

Kaleena, appreciate you joining us today. We’d love to hear the story behind how you got your first job in field that you currently practice in.

As I was transitioning from dancing professionally to wanting to become a Gyrotnic® Trainer at the renowned San Francisco Gyrotonic® I was taking a Foundation Course with the owner of the studio. Upon registration I told her that it was my intention to work there after the course was over and she seemed surprised, but also smiled politely and said, “We’ll see.” It was not like me to so bluntly ask for what I wanted– as a ballet dancer, rarely is one encouraged to speak up, or say anything ever, really. I walked away proud of myself for being so blunt and determined to do my best in the course in the days ahead. On the final day of the course, we had to teach a class to a group of people while being observed. I was nervous, but also confident in the material. Afterwards, she asked to speak to me in the space next door. She said, “Kaleena, I have to work with you.” When can you start?
It was the beginning of my career there. I grew quickly in the field, being immersed in a busy studio surrounded by the most brilliant, experienced, incredible trainers.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I was dancing professionally when I discovered the Gyrotonic® Method. At the time, I had been in the company for a few years and was feeling stuck and often disappointed when the casting sheets were posted. Although I had worked through a pretty nasty ankle injury, I felt ready for bigger opportunities and just wasn’t getting the opportunities I thought I was ready for. Looking back, I can see where my weaknesses were, but at the time I didn’t have the self awareness to understand. A friend and colleague at the time invited me to have a Gyrotonic® session with her– she had been a trainer already and swore by its principles and benefits. After my first time feeling my legs move in a way I had never before, I immediately fell in love. I began my teacher training journey shortly after and then started teaching others, and my casting began to change. I was stronger and more importantly, smarter. Understanding my body and the mechanics of movement on a deeper level helped me to achieve those casting opportunities I had hoped for. When I decided to move on from dancing, I delved deep into my Gyrotonic® studies- and began working at several studios in the Bay Area, until San Francisco Gyrotonic® became my home. It was a smooth transition for me, as I was able to continue working with both professional dancers and students.

While teaching full time, my husband and I started our family. Our son was born at home, in our tiny 1-bedroom apartment supported by an incredible team of Midwives and a Doula. I can see now in retrospect that this is when my interest in birth work started. Going down the path of choosing a home birth was so interesting to me, although it wasn’t until after the birth our our daughter, also born at home, that it dawned on me that becoming a birth worker was the next path I would go down. A year after her birth, we moved back to my hometown of Monterey and I did my doula and childbirth educator trainings.

Where my two worlds collide is the happiest place for me. Working with my birth clients in the studio during pregnancy, attending and supporting them during labor, and again in their postpartum periods of their journey is such an honor. Teaching how movement for the body to stay mobile, strong, and supple during their pregnancies is critical, understanding the bio-mechanics of labor and birth, and the education surrounding the birthing process, and healing afterwards are all pieces of how my offerings come together. It is a privilege to take my background as a dancer into this work, although it’s not directly related, it is a huge part of me and I hope to share a message of empowerment and vitality to those I serve.

What’s been the most effective strategy for growing your clientele?

Networking! Starting my business in a new place and needing to rebuild my clientele was not easy. However, I found that the more people I met and offered an introduction to the system to, the sooner I started getting referrals. I wrote a letter introducing myself to a local free-standing birth center that became a huge proponent of my services. I joined the local Birth Network, of which I now serve on the board as the doula representative. I made appointments with acupuncturists, chiropractors, massage therapists. I took trainings by other professionals in the community to learn from them and make connections with. I was also heavily supported by other trainers and mentors in both fields, and I couldn’t have gotten to this point without them. I am part a beautiful network of professionals that all have the spirit of helping people without a lot of competition. A culture that has to be such, because then we all thrive.

Other than training/knowledge, what do you think is most helpful for succeeding in your field?

I am a Space Holder. As a personal trainer who sees folks more frequently than they see their own family members– some come weekly, some even more frequently, I have the privilege of creating very intimate relationships with them. A lot can come to the surface when working with peoples’ bodies — pain, trauma, memories, discovery, and surprise. That can be a lot to hold for them. They end up knowing quite a bit about me too. As a doula, I am in the room during the most private and personal time of their lives. I see it and hear it all! Not to mention the physical aspect of both jobs. Physical cues to help with form in the studio and physical support with counter pressure and hand holding in the birth space. Both roles demand a lot of emotional support in close proximity to one another..

So… the most helpful thing I do is to take care of myself, my boundaries, and my bubble of space. Energetically, it takes a conscious effort to not let their “stuff”– their pain, their trauma, their divorce drama, their birth get absorbed into my body. Some times are easier than others. The longer I do this work, the more I try to give myself those self care days. Therapy helps too.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.vitalityandwaves.com
• Instagram: kaleena_vitalityandwaves

Image Credits

Photos by Mariano Weschler and Donna Jean Shoemaker