ABOUT US
Tucson's Top Pilates and GYROTONIC® Professionals
Serving Tucson since 2006, our movement professionals believe in living a life full of joy, gratitude, and free of judgment. These values inform and guide our core teaching philosophy and practices at Movement Revolution Studio as we help clients find their mind/body connection. In both Pilates and Gyrotonic exercise, we offer a variety of services, classes, and workshops.
MEET THE TEAM
MIRELA ROZA
Mirela moved to the U.S. from her native Brazil to join Ringling Brothers & Barnum and Bailey circus in 2001 as a professional dancer and in 2015 she earned a Master of Fine Arts in Dance from the University of Arizona.
In 2005, she fell in love with the beautifully crafted art form of the GYROTONIC EXPANSION SYSTEM® and was certified to teach in 2011. With Gyrotonic exercise, Mirela found the expansion of space and freedom important in allowing full expression of one’s body within many dimensions. She also incorporates other modalities such as Pilates (2016), Alexander Technique and Floor-Barre Technique in her teaching style, continually exploring ways to build on the basics and dive deeper into the work.
Mirela, very attentive to her students, encourages them to explore outside their comfort zone with balanced pacing and the use of imagery, much of which comes from her modern dance background. At the end of her sessions, she loves watching students feel more comfortable and grounded, having had the pleasure of moving and achieving their specific goals.
SAM SHANKMAN PROUTY
After performing as a Rockette at Radio City Music Hall, Sam moved to Italy in 1983 and stayed for 9 years as a dance instructor. While in Florence, she fell in love with the GYROTONIC EXPANSION SYSTEM® and, after moving back to the U.S., was certified (2001) in the Gyrotonic method. She has since trained and been certified in the Gyrokinesis Method, Gyrotonic Leg Extension Unit and Jumping Stretching Board.
Santa Fe, NM was Sam’s home from 1992 to 2005. She first received her Pilates training with Ray Kurshals and later was certified in 1998 by Michele Larsson, Core Dynamics Pilates, where she was exposed to the Eve Gentry work. Sam continued to work with Michele until moving to Tucson in 2005. In 2006, she became a certified Pilates teacher with the Pilates Method Alliance.
After moving to Tucson, Sam worked at Canyon Ranch and the Jewish Community Center, teaching Pilates and the Gyrotonic Method and in 2006, opened up her own fully equipped studio. In 2023, Sam was thrilled to transition the ownership of Sam's Motion Studio to Mirela Roza. She continues to enjoy teaching her full schedule at the studio.
JOHN WHITE
John began studying Pilates in 1980. Embodying a direct legacy from Joseph Pilates, he was mentored by both Romana Kryzanowska and Ron Fletcher to preserve and promote Pilates’ work. Romana was the primary force in John's progression from student to teacher, guiding him to a deep understanding of the method. In 2001, Ron Fletcher honored and recognized John with a rare certification as a Master Teacher.
John danced professionally for many years, first in classical ballet and later in modern dance, most notably with the Martha Graham Dance Company. Living in Tucson since 1992, he was the Director of Movement and Aquatic Therapy at Canyon Ranch. In 2001, John was trained and certified to teach the GYROTONIC® method and in 2003, the GYROKINESIS® method.
John has been featured in magazines such as Men’s Health, Town & Country, Cosmo Girl and Pilates Style and has appeared as a health and fitness expert on local, national, and public television.
