Carissa

Carissa has dedicated her life to movement and to discovering the joy it brings. She began teaching in 2010 after earning her BFA in Dance from the University of North Texas, and has since gained years of experience leading classes in dance, barre, spin, HIIT, functional movement, and recovery techniques. In 2013, she earned her STOTT Pilates certification and began teaching Pilates, a practice through which she has transformed her own movement efficiency and structural alignment. Carissa is committed to sharing this knowledge with anyone ready to explore their body’s potential. Driven by a deep curiosity for the “how” and the “why,” Carissa is passionate about the subtleties of movement and how small, intentional adjustments can create meaningful change. Her work is rooted in form, biomechanics, and breath, as well as the somatic connection between mind and body. She believes that repatterning the body goes hand in hand with rewiring the brain.

Her classes emphasize juicy flows, deep sustained strength, and expansive breath, while cultivating presence, awareness, and focused attention. Carissa is committed to creating a supportive and inclusive environment where clients can feel good in their bodies as they move toward their goals.

She has been dancing professionally with KDH Dance Company since 2010 and recently partnered with co-founder Emily Rushing to launch RushTopFish Dance Company. When Carissa isn’t practicing Pilates, she’s diving into dance projects, treasure-hunting for thrifted gems, or soaking up some quality time with her husband and kiddo.