SCULPERE, both the method and studio, is the love and magic of its owner Cristina Espaillat. A Philadelphia-area native, Cristina began her study of dance at the Rock School of Dance Education, at five years of age. She continued her study there for the next 14 years, concentrating on classical ballet. Upon graduation she was accepted to the Performing Arts program at Butler University in Indianapolis, Indiana where she majored in dance and earned a BFA in Dance Performance. Eighteen years of disciplined dance study paved the way for Cristina to realize her lifelong dream of becoming a professional dancer, when she was accepted to the City Ballet of San Diego in 2003. Rigorous training and performing was the single priority in Cristina's life until she broke her foot during rehearsals in 2005. During rehabilitation from her injury, Cristina found herself drawn to yoga and Pilates for both the physical, and mental rewards. In 2007 she completed a 200hr yoga teacher certification at the Yoga Life Institute in Devon, PA. From a ballerina in California to a yoga instructor in Philadelphia, a new life journey began.

Balance, healing, and self acceptance were the driving forces in Cristina’s new way of life. She delved deeply into the ancient practices of Ayurveda and meditation. Studying the art of natural healing and simultaneously healing herself, Cristina was moved to share her knowledge with others. She opened Sculpere studio in 2011, bringing a cutting edge approach to yoga, Pilates, and ballet fitness to Philadelphia’s Northern Liberties neighborhood. A staple in the Philadelphia boutique fitness scene, Sculpere continues to offer a variety of classes that she has carefully choreographed to deliver balanced results in both body and mind. Cristina has spent the past 7 years curating her adult classes, and pre-ballet program, and customizing one on one lessons for her ever growing following of private clients. Life came full circle for Cristina in 2017 when she was invited to teach at the School of the Pennsylvania Ballet summer intensive. Now, a faculty member at the School of the Pennsylvania Ballet, Cristina is able to share her lifetime of experience with America’s next generation of top dancers.

Cristina is an avid animal lover and mother to a rescue dog. She charitably offers her time as a foster mom for rescue dogs and regularly contributes to local animal rescues.