E-RYT® 200, RYT® 500, YACEP®, Dance MA, Antigravity© Fitness, Yoga & Barre

Nancy S. Smith, Artistic Director

Nancy has been working in the field of movement education for over 25 years. She first began her dance training at the age of 3 and continued to train classically throughout college. Dance being her passion she went on to study it as a career at Meredith College where she completed a B.A. in dance education along with K-12 NC certification in dance. Very soon after graduation she moved to the arts capital – NYC. After completing her MA degree at New York University’s Steinhardt School for Education, Culture & Human Development, she began working in both dance administration and education in New York City’s public and private institutions. Nancy has been on the faculty and directed programs at Harkness Dance Center’s 92Y, Peridance Capezio Center, and Brooklyn Ballet. She instructed classes at UNIS, the United Nations International School as well as Village Community School in Manhattan. Her work has been seen at venues such as Frederick Loewe Theatre & The Skirball Center for Performing Arts, both at NYU as well as Aaron Davis Hall, The Tank, Peridance Capezio Center and Harkness Dance Center which is a part of  92nd Street Y, New York City’s world-class cultural and community center. 

In 2011 Nancy earned a 200 hour Hatha Yoga Teacher Certification plus completed an additional Vinyasa Flow training. In 2019 she completed a 300 hour training in Santa Teresa, Costa Rica with Tamal Yoga of Yoga Salt.  She is certified in CPR, Pilates Mat and has earned an additional youth yoga training through Rainbow Kids International Yoga for children and families. Nancy is an accredited instructor through Yoga Alliance. She and Movement Works are registered as continuing education providers.  She has traveled to Central America, Mexico, Europe, India, Jamaica, Morocco, Thailand, Vietnam and Indonesia to practice and share her love of movement and music.

In 2016 Movement Works was awarded the “Rising Star” award from the Brunswick County Chamber of Commerce. In 2018 Nancy was nominated for the prestigious “Woman of the Year” award at the first Women of Impact Awards ceremony. She is also a proud rescue mom of an 8 pound little guy named KabukiSan.

Nancy served as the founding director of Community Movement Alliance, our county’s first non profit organization rooted in movement based education, geared toward spreading mindful movement practices with our underserved youth population in public schools. Carolina Soul Festival is a a holistic arts and music festival carried out to support the outreach mission, which she began in 2017 and ran for 3 seasons. 

Nancy completed SUP Level I training in 2018.  She is also Reiki Level I certified. Since 2018 Nancy has served on dance faculty of Leland Cultural Arts Center and Dreams of Wilmington as a teaching artist as where she instructs classes to both adults and children. In 2022 she trained with AntiGravity® Fitness where she became certified in Aerial Yoga Fundamentals I & II. The following year she also completed a Restorative Aerial Yoga Certification with AIReal© Yoga. In 2023 Nancy completed a certification in the practice of Yin Yoga with Hands on Assist. She also co-lead a yoga retreat in Lake Atitlán, Guatemala alongside Cairn Travels. 

Nancy joined the ensemble cast of Opera House Theatre Company’s production of The Producers in late December 23′ through its completed run ending in January 24′. She is looking forward to more upcoming theatrical adventures.

Zumba©

Amanda Shuebrook

Amanda is originally from NJ and recently moved to Little River, SC from Miami, the home of Zumba. Her love for Zumba started back in 2008 and eventually fulfilled her dream to became a certified instructor in 2014. Amanda enjoys incorporating all rhythms of music into her classes which makes for a fun, high-energy dance party. No matter your fitness level, you can shake your worries away!

RYT® 200

Debra Tuman

I fell in love with yoga many years ago while attending my first class. The practice resonated to the heart of my soul and always will. My passion led me to train in North Jersey where I received 200 hour Yoga Alliance certification through Andrea Powers studio.

I’ve taught at numerous studios throughout the years and Breathing Room Studio was the last before I moved to North Carolina. Born in Brooklyn, NY, raised in the Bronx NY, then high school days in NJ and beyond. Married to my one time soulmate for 37 years, we raised our three children in New Jersey.

I always made time for yoga and knew the healing empowerment of this ancient practice. I’m also certified as a Reiki Master, as this energy healing aligns magnificently w yoga. I also studied the Chakra system during an intense week long workshop with Andrea Judith in Manhattan.

Here I am starting over, I delved into grief and the journey pursued with long beach walks, yoga, meditations and global counseling sessions with David Kessler. David offers grief certifications for doctors and counselors as many need this awareness. I was thrilled when he opened it to the lay person, the one whose passion drives them to be of service with a desire to make a difference. I received my grief yoga certification. Shortly after this, his partner( a yoga instructor) developed the concept of Grief Yoga.

Here I am, with a knowing that the pathway of Grief Yoga is where I belonged. My hope is to share the growth, and healing that I attained, with unending lessons in this journey of our lifetime.

Pump, Piloxing®

Denise Galiano

My name is Denise Galiano. I am originally from Brooklyn NY and have been in the Carolina’s for 18 years. Having a passion for dance I started taking Zumba about 3 years ago and fell in love with the Fitness world. I became an instructor 2 years ago and now hold licenses for Zumba, Zumba Toning, Zumba Sentao, IFTA Barre, Piloxing and have a Certification in AFAA Group which gives me many different styles of fitness.

CHT

Denise Ortiz

Denise Ortiz of Mind Body Healing is a Clinically Certified Hypnotherapist, Reiki Master, Intuitive Healing, NLP, EFT/Tapping, Prana Energy Work, Chakra/Aura cleansing, Spiritual Guide, Inspirational Speaker, Drum Circle Facilitator, member of the National Guild of Hypnotists and Podcaster.  Over 35 years of practice and study in all thing spiritual and holistic.  

She moved her practice from San Diego to Ocean Isle Beach 10 years ago. Her experience in corporate America in NYC, holistic life skills and education in a wide variety of modalities has been combined to allow her the gift of helping people help themselves. Searching, studying and experiencing many areas of traditional and alternative methods for maintaining a healthy body, mind and soul. She’s worked diligently to bring holistic and metaphysical tools and healing modalities to our Carolina Coast.  Her positive and simple approach has helped many, improving their daily lives and uplifting their energy.

Besides exploring and enjoying life with her husband Nelson, you can also find Denise around town singing with some local bands from time to time or out on the dancefloor, her favorite passion!  

Balletone©, Broadway Dance

Dorothy Dexter

My husband and I recently became full time residents of Carolina Shores, NC in. Originally from New York, I’ve lived in Pennsylvania for the past 20 years. My degrees are in Physical Therapy and Health Fitness Management, with minors in Dance Production and Athletic Training. I worked and retired from a rehabilitation hospital and owned and operated a gym/dance studio for many years. I have been teaching exercise classes and personal training for over 25 years. Some of my certifications include American College of Sports Medicine, American Council on Exercise, Pilates, Yoga, Barre Above, Drums Alive and various Silvers Sneakers. My love for exercise, dance, and bridging the gap between rehab and the fitness industry have brought many rewards to myself and my students. I’m excited to share my knowledge and training with the students at Movement Works.

Karuna Holy Fire Reiki Master & Teacher, RYT-200, Akashic Record Reader & Sound Healer

Elizabeth Powell

Elizabeth Powell is a Karuna Holy Fire Reiki Master & Teacher, RYT-200 Yoga Instructor, Akashic Record Reader, and sound healer dedicated to helping others achieve deep transformation—mind, body, and spirit. Passionate about energy healing, she has channeled and developed Divine Feminine Reiki, a powerful modality that facilitates profound emotional release, helping individuals shed past wounds, reclaim their power, and step into alignment with their highest selves.

In addition to Reiki and spiritual coaching, she specializes in sound baths for biohacking the energy field, using vibrational healing to clear stagnation and create a complete energetic reset and alignment. Whether through energy work, movement, or sound, she is deeply committed to guiding others toward balance, inner peace, and self-empowerment.

When she’s not holding space for healing, she enjoys painting, spending time in nature, and cherishing quiet moments with her husband and beloved dog.

RYT® 500

Irina Phalen

My name is Irina Phalen. I am a registered 500 hrs Yoga Alliance teacher. I have 15 years of yoga practice with many notable teachers along with several years of yoga teaching experience. I instructed yoga classes at various NYC studios as well as in Florida as I also lived there for some time. I took a break from my teaching career when I had my two beautiful baby girls to enjoy motherhood. I was born and raised in Estonia and moved to the US to go to college 20 years ago. 
When I prepare for teaching a class I find a theme, an image, a person or anything that resonates with my heart at the moment, locate that in my body, create a class and share it with my students. There are so many  inspiring things around us and sometimes all we need to do is to slow down, breath and listen. Namaste:) 

RYT® 200, Tai Chi for Arthritis and Fall Prevention©

Leslie Doeing

Originally from Pennsylvania, I received my 200 hour yoga training from Free Spirit Yoga in Hershey, PA in 2018. I am also certified in Tai Chi for Arthritis & Fall Prevention from Tai Chi for Health Institute. I have a passion for learning and have additional training in Yoga Nidra, Chair Yoga, Yoga for Seniors and Yin & Restorative Yoga.  I have a great passion for all forms of yoga and physical activity and enjoy sharing my enjoyment and experience with other.

RYT 200-hr

Linda Matukaitis

Linda Matukaitis is a retired public school music teacher who moved to Little River in 2013. She is a registered 200-hour yoga teacher with certifications in Chair and Yin yoga, Advanced Pilates, and Active Aging. She has over 10 years of experience in the fitness classroom and is continuing to take courses through Yoga Alliance to earn her 500-hour RYT level. Linda is excited to begin working with everyone at Movement Works, leading yoga and Pilates classes at all age and fitness levels. She will modify movements to allow you to get the most out of your time on the mat.

Heart Song Sound Bath Facilitators

Megan Rose & Nate Gerry

Dedicated time to allow vocal and instrumental sound frequencies to inundate cells with Source Love energy and create a safe space to allow hearts to open to Grace.

Nate Gerry is a singer-songwriter whose music weaves together humor and heart. Inspired by Harry Nilsson, The Beatles, and Dave Matthews, Nathan seeks to capture the breadth of human experience and resiliency through catchy and introspective indie rock.  Nate, his lyrics, melodies and delivery connect in the heart space for a transformative experience.

Rev. Dr. Megan “Magpie” Rose, PharmD, B.Msc., RYT200 is a perpetual seeker of Source Love. It took her many years to find and give voice to her own heart song, and she now finds joy in being a vessel to hold space for others to find theirs. She currently shares her word, song, meditation, and asana practice at locations upon request.  She has been seen with Kirtan artists including Hanuman’s Devotion, Misty Hall & Friends, Lee Mirabai Harrington, Blissed, and Medicine Sound. She is currently a student of the University of Metaphysics as well as Yoga for the Planet.

Interfaith Minister, Reiki Healer, Integrative Somatic Trauma Healing

Monique DeCecco

Monique DeCecco is an Interfaith Minister, Reiki Healer and trained
in Integrative Somatic Trauma Healing with The Embody Lab. She is
also a Certified Recovery Peer Advocate as well as founder and
facilitator of Centered Circles. Monique’s vision is to create an
environment where women begin to explore and rediscover their
authentic selves through shared experiences, soulful discussion and
the support of other women.

www.centeredcircles.com

RYT® 200

Pattie Hawken

My name is Patti Hawken. I recently moved to the south from upstate New York along with my partner, Mom and beloved Husky pup. I received my Yoga Training and 200 hour Certification from Yoga Fit. I’ve been instructing Gentle Yoga Flow classes for nearly 13 years and I love sharing the joy of yoga with my students. I’m also a fan of practicing and teaching Restorative Yoga.

Certified Pilates & Group Fitness Instructor | GFI, CPI

Rachel Doporto

After falling in love with fitness in high school, I went into the military where I really homed in on strength training and running. After serving I still craved the fitness community and gravitated towards CrossFit. I trained throughout my 30’s and in my new era of life have found Pilates to be both a challenging and rewarding workout. I stumbled into my first Pilates class in 2024 and haven’t looked back. Certified in 2025, I enjoy challenging my students and helping them develop core strength and confidence. I look forward to seeing you on the mat.

RYT® 500

Richard Webber

My yoga practice began October 29, 2014.  My first class was titled “Yoga for Golfers”. I had injured my back in April 2014.  Thanks to the Duke Doctors and physical therapy with Heather McMillian, a physical therapist from First Health, I was able to stand up straight and walk again without pain. Heather encouraged me to try yoga and to visit the Hot Asana Studio in Southern Pines. My goal was to get straighter and stronger.

My practice evolved from one class of “Yoga for Golfers”, to two classes a week, to two classes and a weekend class every other week, to purchasing a yearly membership. Currently, I practice yoga five or six times a week. Trying to attend a variety of yoga classes to enhance my practice. Growth has been slow but steady. Loving the results, I wanted to challenge myself even further by participating in a yoga teacher training program. During teacher training, I realized that once a teacher always a teacher. Teaching yoga will continue to grow my yoga practice.

Yoga is now a vital part of my life. My practice has allowed me to continue to play golf, paddle a kayak, fish from a kayak, surf fish, and stand up straighter and be stronger than ever.

Now I want to utilize my knowledge and yoga experience to assist others who may be looking to becoming physically fitter and stronger. In my opinion, developing a yoga practice will grow you physically and spiritually exponentially. There is a message out there that can be shared to help others become healthier and more physically fit. I want to help you develop a yoga practice.

Zumba®, Butts & Guts

Robyn Tilton

My name is Robyn I have had a passion for fitness since my teens. I started as a Zumba instructor 17 years ago and have since instructed group classes such as total body with weights, butts and guts and kickboxing. I recently moved from Northern New Jersey and look forward to continuing to do what I love.

Zumba©, Zumba Toning© & Zumba Gold©

Shell Christian

Shell Christian is an avid enthusiast for health through dance and Fitness. She has over 12 years of experience teaching dance fitness and believes deeply in how it can help others improve their overall well being both physically and spiritually. Shell is married with 6 children and after taking a break to have her youngest, now 1 years old, and a move, she is excited to now share her passion with the movement works family. She trusts in the unity group dance fitness brings regardless of age, race, shape, experience or circumstances and looks forward to dancing with you soon!

Line Dance Instructor

Sherry Rutledge

Zumba©, Zumba Toning© & Zumba Gold©

Sierra Christian

Sierra Christian is a dynamic, deeply empathetic instructor whose lifelong passion for dance is rooted in a unique history of leadership and nurturing. As the oldest of six children in a homeschooled, nomadic family, Sierra quickly learned to lead and care for others-qualities that define her joyful and inclusive teaching style.

A lifelong dancer, she was first inspired by her mother, an early Zumba pioneer. Sierra’s dedication to movement is also deeply personal: she actively incorporates Yoga and Pilates to build the muscle strength necessary to manage pain from her chronic invisible disability, Hypermobility Spectrum Disorder (HSD).

With a rich professional and volunteer background, Sierra specializes in creating joyful, welcoming environments for all ages. Her experience includes teaching on American Cruise Lines, and serving as a collaborative Supervisor at Porters Neck Village retirement community. Drawing from her Brazilian heritage and love for Afrobeat, she strives to make her classes feel less like a workout and more like a celebration of movement and culture.

Sierra’s ultimate goal is to connect the mind and body through movement, using her own wellness journey as a guide. She is dedicated to her ongoing studies in traditional medicine and coaching science, viewing herself as a wellness advocate and a compassionate mentor for her community, both on and off the dance floor.

Dance Instructor Extraordinaire

Stella Palumbo

The founder of Stella’s Dancers’ Studio, and owner for 35 years, Stella Palumbo is versed in many genres of dance including jazz, tap, ballet, lyrical, acrobatics, hip hop, and musical theater.

Miss Stella’s students have attended top higher dance education schools like New World School of Performing Arts; High School and College, University of Buffalo, Fordham University, Florida State University, Florida Southern College, AMDA, and Pacific Northwest Ballet.

Her students have also gone on to professional careers, including with the Broadway show Summer, The Merry Widow at the Metropolitan Opera, “Smash,” “Annie Live,” The Radio City Rockettes, Syncopated Ladies [professional tap company], Disney Tokyo, Walt Disney World, Bush Gardens, MTV, Latin and Grammy music awards, “Dick Clark’s Rockin’ New Year’s Eve,” Beyoncé, Pit Bull, Enrique Iglesias, Gloria Estefan, Missy Elliot, Marc Anthony, Daddy Yankee, Jason DeRulo, Lou Bega, Deborah Cox, Pedro Capo, Tennis, Karol G. Nikki Jame, Siegfried and Roy, Debbie Allen, Minnesota Dance Theater, the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, Super Bowl XXIX & LIV Amin stage, cruise ships, nightclubs, regional and local theater. Many of her students have gone on to be dance educators and studio owners themselves. Most recently her student Jenny LaRoche became the Associate Director and assistant choreographer for the Broadway Show New York, New York and Associate Choreographer for the Broadway Show Smash.

Trained by the prestigious Dance Educators of America, she has continued her dance education by attending master classes, conventions and studying in New York at Broadway Dance Center. Stella has recently become world renowned tap teacher Judy Ann Bassing assistant teacher. Stella emphasizes having fun and learning proper technique to instill a positive self-esteem in all her students.

RYT 200 & Y12SR

Sue Beam

Sue fell in love with yoga in 2008 and earned her RYT200 certification in June 2016 in New Jersey. She is also a certified Y12SR leader (Yoga of 12 Step Recovery). She moved to Calabash in 2024 and is excited to share her love of yoga in her new home! Sue creates her classes from poses and transitions that feel good to her body while moving through her personal practice. A lover of music, she enjoys creating every playlist. Sue is passionate about continuing to learn about yoga and spirituality, always remembering to remain a student of yoga and of life. Some of her other favorite things are the beach and spending time with her beloved dog, friends and family. Sue views each day as a gift. As a dear friend once told her – make it a masterpiece!