GYROKINESIS isn’t a Greek dessert, but its effect on the body are certainly sweet, says practitioner Christine Jaroszewski-Consani.

The Beaconsfield resident started dancing at the renowned Juilliard Dance School in New York aged eight, but an injury five years later almost ruined her chance of pursuing it as a career.

An introduction to former ballet dancer Juliu Horvath helped put her career back on track; following months of his gyrokinesis Ms Jaroszewski-Consani was able to return to Juilliard.

“In the beginning I felt blocked, but after two months it was like a flower blooming,” she said.

“I was moving with ease; it wasn’t just strengthening, it was a sense of wellbeing and movement.”

Ms Jaroszewski-Consani went on to join the Zurich and Leipzig ballets as principal ballerina, as well as dancing with the Dusseldorf and Bern ballet companies.

Moving to WA almost a year ago Ms Jaroszewski-Consani teaches ballet along with gyrokinesis at Ballet West in East Fremantle.

Horvath developed the mix of dance and yoga while dancing with Houston Ballet in his 20s.

The Romanian-born dancer, who’d defected from the communist regime in 1970, retreated to the mountains of the Virgin Islands to study yoga intensely and developed what he initially termed “yoga for dancers”.

Returning to New York, he initially worked exclusively with dancers, but growing demand saw him refine the program so anyone could take part and he renamed it to the more universal gyrokinesis.

The slow, fluid movements start from a seated position, with exercises to stretch the spine before a series of floor exercises.

“It’s like Tai Chi, breathing and movement flow together,” Ms Jaroszewski-Consani says.

“The focus is on freeing up tension and mobility with flowing movements.

“It mobilises the spine and joints, and releases tension, resulting in a feeling of rejuvenation, increased vitality and well-being.”

Done to music it’s gentle and rhythmic, at a pace to suit those taking part, whether an athlete, or senior citizen.

Classes are at the Old Brush Factory on Duke Street on Fridays from 5.30–6.30pm, with plans for more down the track.

To book call Christine on 0452 364 316.