Aging Backwards

MIRANDA ESMONDE-WHITE began her career as a ballet dancer, performing around the world with the National Ballet of Canada. Shortly after leaving the company she opened her own dance and fitness centre in Montreal, but soon realized that the popular workouts of the day left her clients' muscles looking bulky and were jarring on their joints. So, with the mentorship of doctors, physiotherapists and feedback from her clients and fans, she set about designing the "anti-aerobics" workout that became Classical Stretch and Essentrics. As a result, Esmonde-White has become one of the most sought-after stretch and bio-mechanics trainers in Canada. She is well known for her work with Olympic medalist diver Alexandre Despatie, world champion squash player Jonathon Power, Canadian skating champions Joannie Rochette, Jessica Dubé and Bryce Davidson, members of the Montreal Canadiens and students from the Cirque du Soleil School/École National de Cirque. For the past 15 years she has been the host of a daily exercise show on the PBS Network in the USA, has written a college textbook and is the host of a series of Classical Stretch and Essentrics DVDs. She also holds regular workshops for Level 4 Olympic coaches as well as for universities and colleges, and travels internationally, giving lectures on Breast Cancer rehabilitation. The author lives in Montreal, QC.