Karina Ballantyne

Bomba Instructor

Karina loves to move, and started choreographing dances as a playful creative game from a very young age. She lives by the belief that movement is medicine for both the mind and body. Years as a multi-sport competitive athlete inspired her become a trainer and rehabilitative exercise specialist. In addition to a degree in Exercise Physiology, Karina holds a degree in Psychology from UCSB. Other certifications include Foundation Training, Restorative Exercise with Katy Bowman, and BASI Pilates.

Leading a formal dance class started as a personal challenge: to see if she could overcome the stage fright and performance paralysis she experienced as a student of piano and guitar. Deciding to dive right in with next to no dance background, Karina signed up for a Zumba certification in 2009. For the first year it was a psychological battle to get on stage and express herself. Eventually, teaching dance became her favorite thing in the world! This passion lead her create a business in Santa Barbara teaching at special events, health clubs, and in private homes. Karina’s class is a high energy, dance-your-heart-out, easy to follow format. She strives to create a class philosophy of empowerment and letting go - being in that moment of movement. The athletic choreography is music driven; and fuses styles to make you sweat, shimmy, shake, and smile!

---