stephanie
hancox
Studio for Posture
Bodyform Movement Dance
Strength that has effort is not the strength you need; you need the strength that is the result of ease.
- Ida Rolf
THE GYROTONIC® AND GYROKINESIS® METHODS
GYROTONIC®
As a unique movement method, GYROTONIC® exercise targets the entire body. It creates functional strength, suppleness and decompression of the joints, and increases range of movement while stimulating the entire nervous system.
The GYROTONIC® exercise series are preformed in rhythmic repetitions of circular movements with corresponding breath patterns. Designed to flow together seamlessly, each movement continues from the last one in perfect harmony, allowing the natural pattern of motion for the joints.
The specially designed machines support the transitions between movements so they remain free from jarring, some clients have described it “like moving in water”. Thoughtfully crafted repetitive sequences strengthen the body, making it more flexible, efficient, and balanced at the same time.
Following arcing and circular movement is nature’s design of the human body. GYROTONIC® exercise is adaptable for all abilities, needs and levels. Thespecialized equipment is designed with adjustable elements, the equipment can adapt to the individual’s specific characteristics – height, weight, length, size, arm and leg length, natural range of motion and physical ability.
From those who are living with a disability or recovering from the injury to elite athletes and professional dancers in full form –everybody can benefit from GYROTONIC® sessions. Also GYROTONIC® exercise is highly recommended for those who have a scoliosis, many of my clients have found that through the spiral and circular movements they are able to finally move and more freely and even some have found a decrease in the severity of their scoliosis after time.
Pre and post natal women can enjoy and benefit from the method too, I know this first hand, I returned to my professional ballet career 8 weeks after the birth of my daughter and was able to practice GYROTONIC® exercise during the pregnancy, the exercise method can be adapted for all trimesters and is safe. New mothers also like this method ticks a lot of boxes in one session, Pelvic Floor, closing of the Abdominal wall, posture, hip and stretching and strengthening the arms.
Clients who identify as plus size, enjoy the exercises as most are non weight bearing yet have the resistance of the equipment and are able to realign and strengthen without the strain. I also have a lot of positive experience working with professional and pre professional dancers.
I practiced GYROTONIC® exercise throughout my ballet career and I know first hand how GYROTONIC® method can improve line, technique, flexibility, prevent injury, remove mannerisms and prolong a career
GYROKINESIS®
GYROKINESIS® method is an original method good for boosting the health of the entire body. It removes energy blockages, works on suppleness and strength, gives a wider motion range of motion and stimulates the nervous system while building an overall improved and functional stamina.
GYROKINESIS® sessions are performed without the specialised equipment and use only a stool and a yoga mat. Participants follow the instructor’s movements and verbal cues similar to a yoga class.
GYROKINESIS® classes are available in groups, duos or private classes, in person or online via Zoom.
Through a series of rhythmic, flowing moves, this authentic exercise method brings together in harmony the breath, mental focus, awareness and movement.
First called “Yoga for Dancers” I often use the description of “Yoga that Dances” to describe the GYROKINESIS® method. In conversation I am often asked if I miss my stage career and the dancing and although I have many thousand cherished memories I believe the movement and the self expression and awareness that comes from GYROTONIC® and GYROTONIC® methods Classes are unique and something to try out.
Since the Covid-Pandemic many GYROTONIC® clients wanting to continue their sessions online have become real enthusiasts of the GYROKINESIS® method now, some even practicing daily.
BALLET COACHING
A dance teacher is responsible for so much more than where which foot goes where and which arm and when. They are responsible for guiding the individual in discovering their why, and their how, opening pathways to show that you can do it and then finding the endless potential within.
I was extremely fortunate to have exceptional dance teachers from age 2 right up until today! Every teacher I studied with, in their own way, equipped me with the knowledge I needed without taking anything from the “why”. My teachers have always been and are still my inspiration, and I strive to pass on my all my knowledge and experience in ballet, dance and body work in a supportive and collaborative way.
17 years professional international experience, I have worked personally with many of the world’s top choreographers and ballet masters. Completed the full RAD syllabus including Solo Seal award and have studied the Vaganova Method with the renowned Professor Alex Ursiliak, co-founder Stuttgart Ballet and former director of the John Crank School in Stuttgart Germany. I was able to attend class and dance alongside of some of the best dancers from around the world.
The skills learned in a ballet class are skills for life, for career, for self expression, and wellbeing.
I am available as a freelance dance teacher and for private coaching sessions at various locations around Sydney. I am happy to work on any areas such as Eisteddfod and Competition preparation, technique, recovery from injury, exam preparation and well, anything really.
Feel free to contact me for information, also for rates and locations.
Gallery
The pelvis can lose its “V” form due to years of bad posture causing inefficient motion patterns. As a consequence, the bottom of the pelvis widens, and its top narrows. Causing a number of health issues. From incontinence, through arthritis of the joints, to decent of the organs and even haemorrhoids- the common culprit is slackening of the pelvic floor muscle system caused by the widening of the base of the pelvis and the sinking of the organs.
Picture the pelvic floor as a trampoline mat with at least three layers with the role of a sustainable base that holds the weight of the torso and the organs. The layer in the middle resembles a triangle that’s connecting hip joints together, as well as the pubic bone and the perineum, this is the layer that enables humans to walk and it is responsible for the “V” form of the pelvis. The levator ani, or the innermost layer is shaped like a bowl whose role is to hold the organs in place, allowing for the “V” form and therefore protecting all the pelvic joints.
The Spine can then grow tall and aligned from this sturdy “V” pelvic base, giving space to the invertebrate disks, the nerve openings, the spinal cord and support the next important level, the Diaphragm. And the legs can extend downward, also long, lean and aligned, down into the lowest level the feet. I also work very closely to realign the the bones of the feet and reactivate the muscles. It is important that the three arches of the feet are able to fulfil their purpose efficiently for gait, sensory feedback and most importantly shock absorption.
ABOUT STEPHANIE
Born in Sydney, Stephanie took her first ballet class in 1987 at The Dance Class with Julie Wells. Over the years Stephanie was also taught by Kim Traynor, Rita Dubovsky, and Shane Carroll. In 1997 Stephanie commenced classes with Tanya Pearson at her Classical Coaching Academy.
In 2000 Stephanie was invited to study under scholarship at the Ballett Akademie Heinz Bosl-Stiftung by Professor Konstanze Vernon in Munich, Germany, which was where both Mrs Pearson and Stephanie felt was the right place for her. During this year Stephanie was awarded the Outright Winner of the prestigious City of Sydney Performing Arts Challenge McDonald’s Ballet Scholarship in August 2000 and shortly after, went on to achieve Honours in her RAD Advanced Exam and was awarded the RAD Solo Seal.
In January, 2001, Stephanie moved to Europe to commence her study at the Ballett Akademie Heinz Bosl-Stiftung in Munich. She studied with Professor Joachim Metz, Konstanze Vernon, Michelle Emmere, Elena Pankova and Krill Melnikov. Parallel to her studies at the academy Stephanie performed regularly with the Bayerisches Staatsballett Company and in 2003 signed a Corps de Ballet contract with the Company. Durning her first year she was selected to dance a principal role in Hans van Manen’s Black Cake and a solo role in Mats Ek’s A Sort Of, working with both choreographers in person.
- Swan Lake
- Raymonda
- La Bayadere
- The Sleeping Beauty
- Paquita (full length ballet)
- Le Corsaire
- Don Quixotte
- Five Brahms Waltzes in mannor of Isadora Duncan
- Birthday Offering
- Le Fille mal Gardee
Song of the Earth
- Giselle
- Serenade
- Brahms-Schöneberg Quartett
Apollo
- Goldberg Variations
- In The Night
- Taming of the Shrew
- Romeo and Juliet
- Onegin
- Katalyse
- Lady of Cameillias
- A Cinderella Story
- Illusions like Swan Lake
- The Nutcracker
- In the Blue Garden
- Dämmern
- A Midsummer Night’s Dream
- Paquita
- Giselle
- A Sort Of
- Apartment
- Artifact (full length ballet)
- Limbs Theoreum (full length ballet)
- Enemy in the Figure
- Broken Fall
- Unitext
- Bella Figura
- Zugvögel (creation and full length ballet)
- Gods and Dogs
- Six Dances
- Svadebka
- Evening Songs
- Multiplicity. Forms of Stillness and Silence
- The Exiles
- Le Sacre du Printemps
- Black Cake
- In The Future
- Adagio Hammerklavier
- Violin Concert
- One Third
- Once Upon an Ever After
- Chamber Symphony
- Elemental
- Century Rolls
- Cambio d’arbito
- Whichever Way he Looks…
- The Tempest
- Swan Lake
- Raymonda
- La Bayadere
- The Sleeping Beauty
- Paquita (full length ballet)
- Le Corsaire
- Don Quixotte
- Five Brahms Waltzes in mannor of Isadora
Duncan - Birthday Offering
- Le Fille mal Gardee
- Song of the Earth
- Giselle
- Serenade
- Brahms-Schöneberg Quartett
- Apollo
- Goldberg Variations
- In The Night
- Taming of the Shrew
- Romeo and Juilet
- Onegin
- Katalyse
- Lady of Cameillias
- A Cinderella Story
- Illusions like Swan Lake
- The Nutcracker
- In the Blue Garden
- Dämmern
- A Midsummer Night’s Dream
Paquita
- Giselle
- A Sort Of
- Apartment
- Artifact (full length ballet)
- Limbs Theoreum (full length ballet)
- Enemy in the Figure
- Bella Figura
- Zugvögel (creation and full length ballet)
- Gods and Dogs
- Six Dances
- Svadebka
- Evening Songs
Multiplicity. Forms of Stillness and Silence
The Exiles
Le Sacre du Printemps
- Black Cake
- In The Future
- Adagio Hammaerklavier
- Five Brahms Waltzes in mannor of Isadora
Duncan - Birthday Offering
- Le Fille mal Gardee
- One Third
- Once Upon an Ever After
Chamber Symphony
Elemental
Century Rolls
- Whichever Way he Looks…
- The Tempest
Cambio d’arbito
Broken Fall
Unitext
In 2008, Stephanie was chosen by Professor Konstanze Vernon to study a Dance and Classical Ballet Pedagogy Diploma under the master supervision of Professor Alex Ursiliak.
The diploma was two years and has qualified her to teach beginners through to Professionals with the Vaganova Method, Dance History, Music, Pointe, Repetoire.
Stephanie was lucky to discover GYROTONIC® method early in her career, while travelling in Berlin she was recommended by another dancer as the exercise method to helps achieve that long and lean look ballet dancers must have. Stephanie has practiced the GYROTONIC® method religiously since that first session back in 2003.
In 2012 Stephanie embarked on her teacher training in order to deepen her understanding of the practice and the human body. Stephanie believes that practicing GYROTONIC® method was a key factor for her low injury rate during her long career of 17 years and that GYROTONIC® method was instrumental in the improvement of her technique, the maintenance of her professional dancing standard and shaping and sculpting of her muscle structure.
Through the teacher training Stephanie has discovered a whole new understanding of the body and how it is designed to move and the benefits of moving the body in a holistic way. This has also influenced her approach to Dance and Ballet instruction greatly.
Qualified Gyrotonic Instructor & Dance and Ballet Coach.
Qualifications
- GYROTONIC® Level 1 Certificate 2015
- GYROTONIC® JUMPING STRETCHING BOARD Specialized Equipment Certificate 2016
- GYROTONIC® Level 2 Apprentice 2018
- GYROTONIC® Application for Scoliosis
- GYROTONIC® Application for the Shoulder Girdle
- GYROTONIC® Application for the Pelvic Girdle
- GYROKINESIS® Level 1 Certificate 2012
- Diploma Ballet and Dance Pedagogy Vaganova Method 2010
- Diploma Ballet and Dance 2003
- Working with Children Check
Awards
City of Sydney McDonalds Performing Art Challenge Ballet Scholarship Outright winner in year 2000.
RAD Solo Seal
Rose der Woche award for the performing arts Deutsche Zeitung, Germany in 2014.
Pricing and Schedule
Studio21 Wahroonga
Online Sessions via Zoom
$65/60minute session
$30/person/60minute session
$20/person/60minute session
Other Locations
For more information contact Stephanie.
GYROKINESIS® flow/advanced Session via Zoom
Invitation only. Click here to enquiry about this class.
Posture and Pelvic Floor Session via Zoom
Payment can be via bank transfer, PayPal in advance or Cash at time of session,
24 hour minimum cancellation period for a full refund. Less than 24 hours cancellation for a 50% refund and no shows forfeit full amount.
GYROTONIC EXPANSION SYSTEM®, GYROTONIC®, GYROKINESIS® are registered trademarks of Gyrotonic Sales Corp and are used with their permission.