Today we’d like to introduce you to Katie Rayle.
Hi Katie, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I studied dance from a young age because my grandmother made her living as a dancer in the Follies era so none of it ever seemed too out of the box for me.
I went to college at Oklahoma City University for dance so that I could develop more strength in my body and really have a chance to be competitive.
I had wonderful teachers who were real mentors and I received great training. I had a fulfilling decade long dance performance career including: The Rockettes, Broadway National Tours, Regional Theatre, Commercials and other more artsy endeavors that fed my inner artist. I wasn’t ever the best technical dancer in the room but I do have good dancer feet, a long body and a quick ability to retain choreography so I could spiritually knock it out of the park in most rooms and onstage. I loved being a performer.
I shifted gears a bit when I moved west. NY was a fun place to audition and you could zip from one to the next. In LA, I was driving hours and at 33 I felt really satiated with what I had done with my dance career but I wasn’t ready to stop dancing or stop being a dancer. I continued to grow an artist community in LA by meeting many people in entertainment. A bit confused, I committed myself to taking a “quick break” to help others and teach Pilates which led a huge clientele very fast and then to me having my own studio 6 months later.
In so many ways it was a total dream to have directorial freedom of my own space. The space grew and grew as did the clarity of how and why my work was different from other Pilates techniques. I also got certified in Reiki, and although I don’t practice it directly on my clients, my knowledge of it uplevels the flow and work of the sessions. After 5 years the studio’s growth seemed like a runaway train with plans to expand in a few locations, etc. Then the pandemic hit and in late 2020, we closed the larger beautiful space. At the time I was heartbroken, in hindsight I am grateful. I have a lot more balance in my life and where I have landed seems just right.
After 10 years of teaching, my work resides in Santa Monica in Private Practice, where I see one on one clients by appointment only.
This past summer I offered workshops(Canada), and taught on retreat in (Italy).
I offer In Home Sessions upon interview and request.
My calendar usually opens 1-2 months in advance.
I continue to provide content to my online class platform.
To book a session with me: www.coreletoile.com
For access to online reformer programs and mat classes: www.katierayle.com
My next in person class is 11/17 at 5pm at Skyting in Chinatown, NYC. http://skyting.com/schedule
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
I’ve had smooth seasons, and seasons of rocky. And then there is the magic of LA.
In Los Angeles things always seem to move in a non-linear sort of way with rapid growth or connection that sets you on a path that feels like it’s out of a movie. At least that was my experience as a single girl in LA in her 30s.
A few lessons I’ve learned from running a business:
1) to stop business endeavors that feel like you are pushing a boulder up hill for weeks/months/years. You’re the only one that can decide if something is worth your time.
2) Having your own business means you never are finished at the end of the day.
Rocky roads can be inevitable but knowing what you can do to smoothe out the experience can take years of finess and I think I am merely scratching the surface on that one.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Core L’Etoile Pilates?
You should know I care about everyone having access to the best work and the best practices, which is why over the pandemic I got serious about teaching group classes again and designed a custom product/prop kit you can use on the mat or against a wall.
Let’s get real, the reformer work is absolutely unmatched in the world of movement, but these small props can ground the energy and have the most amazing postural benefits I’ve seen in the industry by combining certain sequences of mat work and targeting release to reform connection.
What’s inside the kit: 2 half moon massage balls, 1 yellow jade star (promoting emotional clarity mental stability, human immunity), 1 small vegan suede case .
When and how can I purchase the kits?
We haven’t officially opened for online sales yet. Currently my clients or friends of friends can purchase through me, or book a workshop at their studio. Online video content and a body map inside these kits (are coming soon) and can guide you deeper into release and empowering your energy centers.
Online store will be live by the end of 2022.
Follow me on instagram or join the mailing list at www.coreletoile.com for more info.
We’d love to hear about any fond memories you have from when you were growing up?
As mentioned, my grandmother was a dancer. She performed with a dance troupe known as The Tip Tops out of Detroit, Michigan in the 1930’s and 40’s. They all kept in touch and the friendships between these women outlasted marriages, hardships, etc.
When I was little and they came to visit they’d pull out the old pictures, tell stories and laugh in the most infectious way. My grandmother passed away and I have a lot of the old pictures now. They remind me of how fortunate I am to have made a life in dance and movement.
Pricing:
- Online Class Subscription $29 per month.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.katierayle.com
- Instagram: @katierayle
- Other: www.coreletoile.com
Image Credits
Katie Rayle, Kathryn Ballay Images, Natasha Lee, and Laura Patchett
