Training Beyond Technique
Erin Bakken
Elite Ballet Conditioning
Exceptional dancers are built through more than ballet class alone. They are developed through intelligent, purposeful conditioning that strengthens the body, refines movement quality, enhances technique, and supports a long, healthy dance career.
At Movement Center LA, our ballet conditioning sessions are designed specifically for the dedicated dancer who aspire to perform at their highest level. Our training complements classical ballet by developing the strength, stability, mobility, coordination, and body awareness essential for technical excellence and artistic freedom.
Whether for preparing for auditions, summer intensives, competitions, trainee programs, or a professional career, injury prevention and/or recovery, our goal is to help every dancer move with greater confidence, efficiency, resilience, and expression.
Meet the Team
Erin Bakken
A former professional dancer with Texas Ballet Theater, where she performed corps de ballet, soloist, and principal roles during her eight seasons. She is a founding artist of Los Angeles Ballet, a Gyrotonic® Pre-Trainer, and serves on the faculty of the Los Angeles Ballet Trainee Program and the Wellness Team at Westside School of Ballet. With decades of professional performance and teaching experience, Erin combines classical ballet training with biomechanics, alignment, and movement efficiency to help dancers build strength, refine technique, prevent injury, and develop the confidence and resilience needed for long-term success in dance.
Christina Brunk Stroh
Professionally trained under the Balanchine style, founder Movement Center LA, Specialized Master Trainer of the Gyrotonic® Expansion System, Stott Pilates trainer, Conditioning Coach with the Los Angeles Ballet & Trainee Program, and Wellness Team member at Westside School of Ballet. Christina has decades as a ballet conditioning specialist dedicated to helping dancers strength, confidence, and longevity through intelligent ballet-specific movement training.
Together, Erin and Christina collaborate to provide individualized conditioning that complements professional classical ballet training that empowers dancers to perform at their highest potential.
Our Philosophy
Great artistry begins with a strong foundation.
We believe conditioning should enhance - not replace - classical ballet training. Every exercise has purpose, helping dancers develop the strength, alignment, and control needed to perform at their highest level while reducing the risk of injury.
Our Private or Semi-Private Training emphasizes:
Ballet-specific strength & stability
Core integration & postural alignment
Turnout support & hip stability
Balance, coordination, & movement efficiency
Dynamic flexibility & active mobility
Pointe readiness & refinement
Jump mechanics & safe landings
Injury prevention & recovery
Confidence, resilience & career longevity