a practitioner of pilates since 1999, missy has extensive training and experience in movement science. her refined skills have been developed over the years through her bachelor of science degree in kinesiology from trinity university, twenty plus years on the tennis court, training, competing and teaching, and two comprehensive pilates certifications, d.k. body balancing and stott.

she continues to seek advanced training in the latest developments in the field of pilates from leaders such as kay burton, john garey, marie jose-blom, and brent anderson. she has worked in studios both as instructor and director of pilates programs as well with physical therapists assisting rehabilitation of patients using pilates. years of helping clients ages 12 to 82 with varying physical capabilities reach their goals has provided valuable practical experience.

missy’s personal experience with pilates was through rehabilitation of an overuse injury from tennis. she became enthusiastic that this form of exercise could change lives by changing the way people age and provide opportunity for people of all abilities to continue to enjoy physical activity without pain or injury.

in 2007 missy opened élan pilates inspired to help people rediscover and strengthen their body’s natural movement patterns and provide the tools and awareness needed to regain ease and efficiency in all daily activities. "come work in partnership with your body to build strength, balance, and stamina without stress."

kay burton

certified pilates instructor
certified gyrokenesis instructor

advisor to élan pilates

kay burton has been a practitioner of pilates since 1980 and is a fully certified pilates instructor with over ten years experience. she has taught at pilates studios, at seminars and for pilates certification programs, and has presented workshops at various pilates and physical therapy facilities throughout orange county. at the request of the u.s. synchronized swimming organization, ms. burton introduced pilates as a training technique at the olympic training center in colorado springs, which lead to the adoption of pilates by synchronized swim clubs throughout the u.s.

ms. burton was introduced to pilates at the ron fletcher studio in los angeles as a technique for rehabilitating injury. in 1986, she earned her first pilates instructor certificate from the physicalmind institute, studying under rael isacowitz, the creator of body arts and science. ms. burton continued her study of pilates by studying with karen clippinger, brent anderson, jillian hessel, john garey and elyse mcnergney. in 1996 ms. burton studied floor barre technique as a complementary system to pilates. she studied under marie de la palme as well as the creator of the system, zena rommett. in 2002 ms. burton became an instructor trainer under master trainer moira stott merithew and has trained new generations of stottpilates instructors.

in 2006 ms. burton began her certification in gyrokinesis under master trainers alicia head and serafina pechan. she continues to study gyrokinesis and gyrotionic™ with master trainers juergan bamberger and donna place as well as with ms head and ms pechan.

ms. burton originally studied ballet under sheila rozann at the rozann-zimmerman ballet center in chatsworth, and continues to study dance today as an adult.

as former head coach of the meraquas of irvine, a nationally recognized synchronized swim team, ms. burton has taken swimmers to national and international competitions and has coached individuals at the trials for the u.s. national team.

currently, ms burton is highly sought after as a consultant to several local synchronized swimming teams as a private trainer to many of these athletes, helping them to perfect technique and alignment. her experience and skill are extremely remarkable and are rare in the industry. she is an asset to all.