We were lucky to catch up with Larissa Tanis recently and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Larissa, really appreciate you joining us to talk about a really relevant, albeit unfortunate topic – layoffs and getting fired. Can you talk to us about your experience and how you overcame being let go?
The visual arts can be incredibly demanding and highly aesthetic-based. In ballet, factors like height, look, or company openings often determined opportunities, which made it easy to be self-critical. I learned that being let go or missing a role wasn’t a failure, but a redirection. It was a chance to dance different repertoire on stages across the country, meet new people, and expand my skills. Those experiences ultimately led me to my second career in Pilates, where I bring that training and perspective to my clients. Trusting the process and letting go of control is what helped open new doors and perspective.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
I’m a second-generation former professional ballerina, having danced with Milwaukee Ballet, Grand Rapids Ballet, and companies including the Lyric Opera of Chicago, Dallas Opera, and San Diego Opera. Originally from Chicago, I moved to California four years ago, knowing only one friend and driving across the country in a beat-up car, yet quickly built a Pilates practice in a private club, a physical therapy clinic, and rented studio space. My work was impacted by the Palisades fires, and being on-site, I had to navigate loss of clients and income while wanting to contribute to the rebuilding of the community. Though I considered moving back to Chicago, I wasn’t ready to leave the beauty of California or my clients. I continue to take ballet classes and stay connected to the dance world, which remains my first love and a grounding reminder of my authentic self.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
1. Movement Expertise: My ballet background gives me a deep understanding of line, alignment, and kinesthetic awareness, allowing me to see and correct subtle movement patterns.
2. Personalized Teaching & Empathy: I thrive in one-on-one sessions, helping individuals address their unique needs, overcome injuries, and move more efficiently. I bring empathy and caring, along with my Midwest values, to every client interaction.
3. Creativity: I draw on my creativity in both dance and art to make movement engaging and inspiring. I design exercises that feel like ballet choreography, giving clients a dynamic and artistic approach to their practice.
How can folks who want to work with you connect?
I still love dancing, and most of my professional connections have been in Chicago, so I haven’t yet fully explored the dance community out here. I’d love to collaborate on creative projects or gig work where I can bring my professional ballet training, including pointe work, to events or performances. I’m also available for wellness or retreat experiences that need a Pilates instructor with a strong ballet background. Anyone interested in partnering or collaborating can connect with me on Instagram at @Ltan421
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ltan421?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ltanis1?mibextid=wwXIfr
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/larissa-t-753a33126?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app
- Youtube: https://youtu.be/g66fmVo80QM
Image Credits
Kristie Khans
Veronika Reinert
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
