Miriam Schacter

With a background in Physiotherapy, neurological studies in psychotherapy, and the performing arts, Miriam’s classes marry science with choreography and human connection with emotion, expression and grace. Miriam started teaching Aquafit when she was 18 at her local community pool where she lead swim and movement based programs for infants, children, adults, seniors and individuals with paralysis, hip/knee replacements, high-risk obesity, and autism. ""Miriam Schacter is a Spark Plug. She has an innate ability to connect with the human spirit on many different levels. Her energy and enthusiasm is infectious. She is committed to helping each and every one of her students achieve greatness through movement and dance." - JK Fitness Director, Donalda Club. At 26 she worked as a physiotherapy assistant in both hospital and clinical settings while go-go dancing professionally. Miriam returned fully to the arts community and performing arts for 7 years while she headed up the dance program at Heschel School and facilitated the launching of Lula Lounge, Open City and upLIFT media canada. By her early 30s’ Miriam was certified in and teaching Nia Technique across the city. Yet, her love of choreography and re-mixing music always brought her back to her own creative and original dance-fitness conceptions based on the physical and neurological sciences she holds in high regard. Hence, by 35, Miriam started up Flow Motion Fitness, a neuro-integrative movement, martial arts and dance-fit program. Then, out of her need to teach how to isolate muscles through resistance training for improved metabolism and energy systems Miriam cranked out Funk the Fat in 2009 with much success!. Miriam is currently teaching at spas, clubs, studios in group fitness and one-on-one dancefit training. She is also working as a junior therapist specializing in sensory-motor and trauma related practices. So, how does Miriam try to get the word out? Person-by-person www.torontomoves.blogspot.com. Miriam created an outreach community blogspot to help more Torontonians become aware of body-based practices and long-term health ideas. As a dance teacher for Dancing with Parkinsons in the downtown location and at the Center for Movement Disorders, Miriam has been fortunate enough to continue to push forwards for movement in health and in illness. This summer she registered danceFIT danceABILITIES Canada, which addresses the huge need for movement programs for the aging and differently-abled dancers. DFDA Canada offers classes to individuals with hip and knee replacements, arthritis, those who use canes, mobility aids and wheelchairs, and those who will use lasers to assist in the expression of movement and choreography in full paralysis. "I have been dancing with Miriam for 4 years. Beyond just the physical aspect of dance-based movement, which is outstanding when you dance with Miriam, she brings an amazing awareness into to your body with easy humour - like i have never experienced. I am over 60 and have NEVER felt better than the time I have spent moving with Miriam." Some of the few classes Miriam choreographs and teaches are: FLOW MOTION FITNESS with Miriam : An invigorating dance-fitness program integrating dance, martial arts, weight work, and restoration in “flow motion” for full-body strengthening and lean muscle sculpting. Set to the best of funk, house, jazz, classical, and international beats - Flow Motion is ready to enliven, energize! FUNK THE FAT: A full-body, core-cardio fitness blueprint for serious sculpting. Always originally mixed the the best of house, funk, disco, rocksteady, and dancehall, Funk the Fat brings all the shine and the "chill" attitude of a pop'n club to the studio floor. Choreographies include cardio-dance, martial arts, weights, mats, balls, gliders and bands. Dress 2 Drench; CLASSICAL STRETCH: A stunning flow-based full-body myofascial stretch, roll, restore and release class set to Bach, Mozart, Sati, Puccini, jazz, opera and friends. An authentic body-improvement favorite for golfers, tennis players and athletes; AQUABoogie: All the dance and cardio training you can handle in a non-impact environment. In watery bliss, hit-up the best resistance moves from Aquafit and mixed martial arts - all choreographed to a world class beat and a holistic body wellness orientation. * I am often asked to sub and can easily teach: Hi Low Aerobics, Stretch and Strength, Cardio, Pilates Style, Latin Cardio (*basic yoga)