Today we’d like to introduce you to Crystal Brothers.
Hi Crystal, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself
As a child growing up in Yuma, Arizona, I couldn’t sit still, so my mom enrolled me in ballet classes at Ballet Yuma. I trained under Jon Cristofori and Kathleen Sinclair and went to summer dance programs at the School of American Ballet in New York, Joffrey Ballet in San Antonio, and finally a few summers at Boston Ballet. My mom picked me up at the theatre one night and she had a strange smile on her face as she said, “I have your graduation present. “ She played the tape message from the answering machine and it was Boston Ballet offering me an apprentice contract. I was screaming and crying with excitement and relief!
I moved to Boston and got to be a small part of some incredible productions, but suffered stress reactions in both tibias and my left foot. I learned a great deal, but unfortunately, I was out of commission too long and had to start auditioning in New York for a contract elsewhere. Weekend after weekend, one cattle–call audition after the next, the Ballet Memphis audition was memorable because there were so many participants, we had to do barre and center in two groups. I was so scared I would miss my bus back home, but it was meant to be, I got the contract and I moved to Memphis.
At Ballet Memphis, I was able to grow as an individual and as I started teaching ballet and pilates it strengthened my own technique and awareness as an artist. I have had the fortunate opportunity to perform so many fantastic roles; the vulnerable Odette, the devilish Odile, the most Wicked Witch, and the sweetest tragedy that is Juliet. My pointe shoe tips and body maintenance routine were featured in Pointe Magazine articles, my McGyver-like skills were legendary to all who knew me, and for 23 years, I was ready to play to my strengths and make it work!
I have so many cherished memories in the studio and on the stage and I have worked with so many amazing people. I am grateful for every experience.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle-free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
One of my greatest challenges was making the decision to retire from dancing, losing the only identity I’ve known for 35 years, and choosing what comes next. I wanted to make the choice to go out at the top of my game and I was lucky enough to perform and have a retirement celebration in 2019 before the pandemic.
It was a bittersweet year filled with heartbreak and joy. I had garnered so much body knowledge as a Ballerina and ballet and pilates instructor, massage seemed like a great fit. I had massaged my own feet and legs for years, and truth be told, if I hadn’t gotten that contract with the Boston Ballet right out of high school, I was going to become a massage therapist. Turns out, my massage therapist, Dan Wood, was co-owner of the Massage Institute of Memphis.
I hadn’t been to school in 25 years! I was so nervous and excited, but I traded in my pointe shoes and leotards for massage oil and scrubs. The instructors at the Massage Institute of Memphis inspired me to be a well-rounded and more conscious individual. I learned so many things from some truly wonderful people. The pandemic hit and I did as much computer schooling as I could and was able to complete my massage hours on people who were willing to receive. I actually passed my state licensing exam before I even graduated school, it was a crazy time.
Leah Nichols of Evergreen Yoga Center inquired about my future as a Licensed Massage Therapist and as soon as I met her I knew it was meant to be. I now have a beautiful massage room of my own and I teach Ballet and Pilates private lessons out of her yoga studio. The stars aligned, I put in the hard work, and I have everything I love all in one location.
I am thrilled to announce Crystal’s Body Shop just celebrated its first birthday and was voted 2nd Best Licensed Massage Therapist in Memphis by Memphis Health and Fitness Magazine!
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
Licensed Massage Therapist
Ballet and Pilates Instructor
Former Professional Ballerina for 25 years
Musical Theatre Newbie
Dog Mom to Miss Whittle and Miss Bella
What are your plans for the future?
I enjoy connecting with people through educated movement and therapeutic massage. I am so excited and grateful and will continue to share my knowledge and passion for all the things I love right here at Crystal’s Body Shop.
I also love performing. I had the unique opportunity of being invited into the musical theatre world by my friend, Jordan Nichols (@jordansellsmemphis), an excellent Director/Choreographer with whom I enjoy dancing! Awesome Realtor as well! ⭐, Leah Nichols (@evergreen_yoga_memphis), such a great yoga instructor and wonderful human being. She gave Crystal’s Body Shop a home and I am forever grateful!💕 and Travis Bradley (@travybavy), an excellent Director/Choreographer that I laughed and danced with for years. ⭐
I performed as Victoria (the white cat) in Theatre Memphis’ 2019 production of CATS and won an Ostrander for Best Featured Performer. The dancing came easily, but singing and dancing together was a whole new challenge. I was totally hooked. I performed again as an ensemble member and a male waiter named Manny in Theatre Memphis’ 2021 production of Hello, Dolly! I was devilishly handsome and had a blast! Dancing, acting, and performing have carried me through my darkest times and brought me the greatest joy, so I will relish my second Jellicle life on a new stage. Next stop, Le Cage aux Folles!
Contact Info:
- Email: Crystal@crystalsbodyshop.com
- Website: Crystalsbodyshop.com
- Instagram: @crystalsbodyshop901
- Facebook: Crystal’s Body Shop
Image Credits
@jackkennerphoto
@julesniekrasz
@meiya69
@dan_wood_lmt
@rachelnevillephoto
Ballet Memphis
@carlamcdonaldphoto
@crystalbrothers11
