Quentin Apollovaughn sledge // dayton contemporary dance company
“The team at Present Tense Fitness is completely invaluable, that is to say that there's no amount of money I could imagine paying for the career changing results they have facilitated for me in just under 2 years. My trainer Anna has provided a methodical, wholistic, and challenging progression of programs that have given me an empowering sense of autonomy. For years as a student and a professional I had been criticized for the sway of my spine, my anterior pelvic tilt, lack of turn out, poor use of my core, and low arches in my feet. Anna has not only strengthened all of those areas thus giving me the freedom to move appropriately between all aesthetics from traditional Africana dance forms to classical Ballet; she has also been a major support system in unlearning unhealthy thought patterns I've picked up over the years. The entire team does an excellent job at advocating for proper rest, nutrition, focused work, mental health, and strengthening the human body before attempting the extreme demands of dance (or any form of athleticism). Here is that first place that has provided work specifically for my bodies muscle unbalances, challenges, and aesthetic goals. I can't thank them all enough for the life changing work that they do day in and day out!”
elizabeth ramsey // dayton contemporary dance company
“Working with Jason has been transformative in how I approach not only my artistry and the physicality inside of my career, but my thoughts around longevity as well. I was fortunate enough to have the PTF team supporting me as I worked through an injury that had me out for six months - here I found individualized attention, constant support and encouragement, and additional resources that allowed me to return to dancing stronger, smarter, and more confident. The care and compassion I receive from the team, along with the skills I’ve developed to feel stronger and healthier, are such a special gift I can’t believe I’m fortunate enough to receive.”
Margot aknin // Newport contemporary ballet
“I can honestly, wholeheartedly say the team at PTF has completely changed my life! From the general health of my body as an instrument for my work, the longevity of my career, the mental clarity and focus from learning what I should be prioritizing…I can’t thank these guys enough. Working with Jason since mid-2020 has brought me through a long pandemic break, many short off-seasons, and many successful, pain free, and strong performances. Over the last 2 years, I have found myself leaving the stage and immediately crediting PTF and the training I have been doing, thanks to Jason’s thoughtful and individualized programming. I am stronger in ever in ways I had falsely taught myself were “just places I’d always be weak.” Jason, Susan, and Anna care about each dancer as an individual and put so much thought into creating individualized programs for our specific physical strengths and weaknesses. It has also been game-changing that my training does not always look the same throughout the year. Jason takes into consideration the timing of my season, the load of rehearsals, how much I am working my second job, and even my bigger goals for the upcoming months. The way I think about and approach training, strengthening, fueling, and resting my body would probably shock the young dancer version of myself—but I am SO grateful to be the dancer I am today thanks to PTF!”
caroline woessner // dayton ballet II senior company
“I liked how the sessions were built around what my body needed to get stronger. After working out I have felt in better control of my movements, powerful, and more confident.”
Mike Marszowski // ballroom dancer
“Without a doubt, training with Anna and the PTF team is one of the best things I’ve done for my growth as a dancer - and for my long-term health!
When I started, I was already comfortable in a weight room from years of going to the gym, but I didn’t realize until I started working with Anna how much my lifting technique could improve - it was humbling and incredibly valuable to deepen my understanding of how my body moves with her training.
On top of that, one of the things I appreciate most about working with Anna is the times she’ll encourage me *not* to workout (or to dial things back significantly) based on stressors I’m experiencing, dance or life. I can’t recommend training with PTF enough - I feel cared for both as an athlete and a person!”
Maura Tyson // Pre-professional dancer
“Since starting working with Jason, just 6 months ago, Maura has noticed a huge difference in her upper body. Standing at the barre, her arms/shoulders/back are so much stronger and support her so much better. Maura's dance instructors have noticed a new strength in her jumps (which was a goal Maura set with Jason). When Maura leaves a session, she feels energized and accomplished. She is seeing improvements and gains each week - that gives her confidence in her dancing and in herself.”