Jessi Lucatorto began dancing at the age of three, which quickly turned into a deep passion. When Jessi was 10 years old, she was diagnosed with scoliosis. Although dance did not help the back pain, it kept her grounded. When Jessi was 15 years old she trained at Alvin Ailey’s American Dance Theater in New York City. She returned to Southern California to perform with her dance company before her first spine surgery in 2007. This was an absolute heartbreak.

After a few months, Jessi went back to her dance routine but her body could not take the intensity of her previous dance practice. Before her second spine surgery in 2009, Jessi was introduced to Pilates. Once she started a regular Pilates regime, her body and spirit improved quickly allowing her to study Dance at the University of Arizona.

In her senior year of college, she decided to pursue her Pilates career and take an intensive instructor training program. After college, Jessi also studied at the Institute for Integrative Nutrition to better coach her clients in a more holistic approach.

Jessi's quick wit and contagious sense of humor fits perfectly with her bold, bright teaching style (which always boost the energy and mood of the room). She enjoys challenging her clients and pushing them to the next level.

Jessi is a certified kettlebell pro, which is what initially caught Andrea Speir's eye and wow'ed her with the multitude of skills she brings to the table. Not only is Jessi a killer Pilates teacher and practitioner, but her cardio, HIIT, tabata and personal training knowledge combined with her expertise in yoga has made her an all around fitness expert. This is what makes her classes so creative, always challenging and so much fun.

Follow Jessi on social @jessilucatorto