GYROTONIC® VENTURA
GYROTONIC® Ventura was established in 2013 offering personalized training that utilizes the somatic and whole-body approach of “The GYROTONIC® Expansion System” to people from all walks of life including accomplished athletes, dancers, fitness enthusiasts, senior citizens, and people recovering from an injury or navigating a disability. Unlike most conventional exercise equipment where linear or isolated movements are performed, the Gyrotonic and Gyrokinesis utilize isometric exercise with spinal articulation to move the body beyond limitations, increase one’s core strength, mobility and balance; stimulating circulation, neuroplasticity and fascial body.
About THE GYROTONIC® METHOD
Conceived by Juliu Horvath using key principles of gymnastics, swimming, ballet, and yoga movement applications. The system is supported by equipment designed around the human body to allow total freedom in movement, without restriction of speed or versatility, thereby enhancing coordination, strength and flexibility.
The trainers at GYROTONIC® Ventura are licensed and certified professionals with backgrounds in physical therapy, dance, sports and fitness. We develop individual programs to help you become the strongest, healthiest you you can be.
About Pamela
Pamela Pilkenton is a seasoned movement educator, choreographer, and former professional classical and Broadway dancer with decades of experience in teaching, performance, and studio development. She has been a teaching associate at Gyrotonic® Ventura since 2014 and has been fully certified in Gyrotonic® and Gyrokinesis®, including all Specialized equipment, since 2005.
Pamela is also classically trained in Authentic Pilates, certified in 2002 under Romana Kryzanowska in New York City, and has taught extensively in private studios throughout Pasadena, Studio City, and Beverly Hills.
Following a 15-year professional career Pamela relocated to Ojai in 1985 with her actor husband and two young children. There, she spent over 20 years as Associate Director of the nonprofit Plexus Dance Theatre and served as choreographer for multiple Flying H productions at the Ojai Arts Center.
Since 2003, Pamela has designed, developed, and expanded several movement studios in Ventura, including the Namba Performing Arts Space, which she led from 2014 to 2018. Her work reflects a deep commitment to both artistic excellence and functional, sustainable movement.
Pamela’s teaching is rooted in a genuine passion for her students’ well-being. She strives to create an inspirational environment that invites curiosity, joy, and confidence—encouraging each individual to explore the rich possibilities of healthy movement, fluidity, and generous breath.
Pamela is a licensed, certified GYROTONIC® Pre-Trainer and is certified in GYROTONIC® Level 1 and 2, GYROTONER®, Jumping Stretch Board, Ladder Archway and GYROKINESIS® Essentials.
Pamela Pilkenton | Studio Creator | Movement Educator | Licensed Certified Trainer
About Cathy
Together we elevate our practice and inspire others to embrace their own paths to wellness…
Cathy’s coaching method is influenced by exploring fascial, muscular and neurological pathways utilizing The Gyrotonic Expansion System®. She guides her clients along their individual wellness journeys towards mind-body clarity and a profound sense of strength and connection.
Cathy is certified in GYROTONIC® Levels 1 and 2, with specialized certifications for High Level Athletes and Dancers, and focused coursework on the Fascial Body, Hip, Shoulder Girdle and Scoliosis, as well as on specialized Gyrotonic equipment; GYROTONER®, ARCHWAY®, the Leg Extension Unit, WingMaster. She is also a licensed, certified instructor in GYROKINESIS®, Essentials, Cardiovascular Program 1, and Sacred Geometry.
A Kinesthetic learner, fun competitor and self-proclamed empath, Cathy came from a very athletic family. She played softball from age 10 through being placed on the varsity team in high school, she competed in marching band batons and flags, and became an avid weight trainer and skier. She earned Bachelors of Arts in Dance and Masters in Dance Education from UCLA, was the Assistant Artistic Director for Plexus Dance Theatre, Ajiva Dance and Aloft Dance Theatre and was an adjunct faculty member at Ventura College Dance Department.
Inspired by Specialized GYROTONIC® Masters; Lisa Marie Goodwin, Angela Crowley, Donna Place, Clyde-Rae Jolie Ashe, Jill Denison, Dana Gringas, and Pamela Pilkenton; and Dance Educators Angelia Leung, Ron Brown, Judy Gantz, Margaret Hill, Judy Alter and Stella Matsuda.
Cathy J Butter, MA | Studio Owner | Movement Educator | Licensed Certified Trainer
About Michele
My career in dance started at the age of 6 and continued with dancing professionally until an injury sparked my interest in how the body heals and functions. I then became a Physical Therapist where I witnessed the powerful effect that proper body alignment and precise, correct execution of exercise and movement, have on quality of life and healthy aging. I thoroughly enjoy incorporating my skills as a PT into my training sessions, working together to meet each client’s specific needs and goals.
Michele is certified in GYROTONIC® Level 1 and 2, GYROTONER®, Jumping Stretch Board. Special courses in GYROTONIC® Applications for The Hip and Knee, The Facial Body, The Pelvic Girdle, The Shoulder Girdle, and Scoliosis. She has practiced the Gyrotonic® Method for over 13 years, is a licensed Physical Therapist and Movement Links Specialist. In addition to Gyrotonic® training, Michele offers services in posture and body alignment assessment, soft tissue and neurologic training. Michele holds a Master of Science degree in Physical Therapy with an emphasis in Manual Therapy and a Bachelor of Science degree in Sports Medicine.
Michele Borchard, MPT, MLS | Licensed Certified Trainer | Licensed Physical Therapist
About Randi-Lynn
Randi-Lynn Santa Cruz, LMT, LVN, did her initial training in 2002 and is passionate about the healing power of therapeutic touch. Her love for massage began at an early age, when she discovered how touch could ease her own growing pains and bring relief to others. She is also a licensed vocational nurse and has extensive nursing experience with diverse patient populations, from school kids to veterans and everything in between. That sense of awe for the body’s ability to heal through natural therapy continues to guide Randi-Lynn’s practice today.
Specializing in therapeutic Deep Tissue, Myofascial Release and Trigger Point Therapy, as well as relaxing Swedish, Prenatal/Postnatal massage, and Lymphatic Drainage, tailoring each session to meet the unique needs of her clients. Warm, compassionate, and skilled, Randi-Lynn creates a restorative space where clients can release tension, restore balance, and reconnect with their well-being.
Randi-Lynn Santa Cruz, LVN, LMT | Massage Therapist
About Tiffany
Tiffany has been a Certified, Licensed Trainer since 2015. Formally at Movement Arts Physical Therapy, she now teaches at Agoura Gyrotonic and is returning to join us at Gyrotonic Ventura! A rehabilitation trainer, a tap dancer and with a Bachelors in Dance from UCLA, Tiffany brings a educated connection with movement that influences coaching her clients to a new level of strength and body awareness.
Tiffany is certified to teach GYROTONIC® Levels 1 and 2, Jumping-Stretching Board Course, Leg Extension Unit Course and GYROTONER® and available in Ventura on Mondays, Thursdays and Saturdays.