A Life in Motion

Anjali Austin’s career path is indicative of an interdisciplinary lifestyle. Her early training in ballet at San Francisco Ballet School led to thirteen-years of performing with the internationally recognized Dance Theatre of Harlem (1977-1990). There, Austin studied under and performed works with iconic teachers and choreographers Arthur Mitchell, Agnes de Mille, Louis Johnson, William "Mr. Bill" Griffith, Alice Elliott, Tanaquil Le Clercq, Glen Tetley, Valerie Bettis, Geoffrey Holder, Frederick Franklin, as well as other significant artists of that genre. Ballets she performed included Billy the Kid, Swan Lake (Act II), Serenade, Flower Festival, Dougla, Voluntaries, Concerto Barocco, Prince Igor, Paquita, and Frankie and Johnny - in which she held a vocal role. Also to her credits are PBS television specials Fall River Legend, A Streetcar Named Desire, and Creole Giselle.

During this period Ms. Austin trained in the Pilates method for seven years under revered teacher Kathleen Stafford Grant. This led to her discovery of The Gyrotonic Method where she studied under legendary teachers Hilary Cartwright and Juliu Horvath – whom she trained with and completed her Gyrotonic certification. She was among the first group of Specialized Gyrotonic Master Trainers approved to conduct pre-trainings and teacher trainings within the system.

Austin’s next role -- Assistant Professor of Dance at Florida State University’s School of Dance, where she taught ballet, pointe, choreographed, and mentored undergraduate and graduate dance majors. She introduced The Gyrotonic method to the program and was successful in acquiring funding support to purchase each of the specialized pieces of equipment. Rising to the rank of Professor and Chair, she served the institution and community for close to thirty years.

Anjali Austin in Gifts by Lynda Davis
Photo Credit: Jon Nalon