About our studio
At Laughing Bodies we believe our clients should be educated with respect to the traditions of each discipline that is taught at the studio. We believe bringing awareness to the physical body, connecting to our breath, and relaxing the mind not only improve one's health but can enhance and bring about a sense of joy and ease within the body as well as within the world.
Laughing Bodies is located in downtown Crossville between 1st and 2nd Street, directly across from the historic Palace Theatre. Located on the 2nd floor at 75 South Main Street is a large, sunny, airy space, with two studios as well as a comfortable lobby where students can read, converse and relax before or after class. Yoga and pilates equipment as well as candles and work out clothes are available for purchase in a small shop connected to the lobby. Both studios are fully equipped with yoga and pilates equipment.
Laughing Bodies is the only place in Crossville that has specialized Pilates equipment. The Cadillac, two Reformers, the Low Chair, the Ladder Barrel and the Spine Corrector are all available for use when receiving one-on-one Pilates instruction.
Rebecca Dennis, director; (E-RYT 500) has a 25-year hatha yoga practice which includes the styles of Ashtanga, Iyengar, Jivamukti, Integral, and Bhakti yoga, as well as 11 years of meditation practice with her beloved mentor, Jivanmukta Swami Ganapati. She has traveled twice to India, where she studied with Ashtanga master Sri K. Pattabhi Jois. Since teaching her first class 12 years ago, Rebecca has developed a unique teaching style. Her knowledge of many yoga styles and her joyful, non-dogmatic approach appeal to students of all backgrounds.
While living in New York City, Rebecca taught extensively at Life in Motion, Reebok Sports Club, and the Rehabilitation Center of Beth Israel Medical Center. Her corporate stress reduction program, “Board Room Yoga,” was the subject of a profile in Newsweek Japan. The New York Times and the Gillette Corporation have hosted Rebecca's trainings.
Since moving to Crossville, Tennessee, Rebecca has quickly gathered a following. She formerly taught at the recreation center in Fairfield Glade, the Wellness Complex of Crossville and Fairfield Glade as well as Ms. Cam's Dance Studio before opening up Laughing Bodies. Rebecca is very grateful and sends a heartfelt thanks to the many students whose commitment to their own yoga practice have made it possible for Crossville to have its very own yoga and pilates studio!
Sue Butkus, Pilates instructor, hails from Chicago, IL. She is an enthusiastic fitness advocate who has spent many years searching for the key to a lifestyle of health and wellness.
Sue's first goal was to become a personal fitness trainer through the American Council on Exercise. This course of study helped clarify the components of exercise and developed her ability to motivate clients to move safely.
Sue then felt compelled to discover methods which might encourage her clients to move thoughtfully, incorporating the control of mind /body/spirit connections to create more lasting changes in the body. This process led her to the work of Joseph Pilates.
Many hours of study and performance of the Pilates Method led to a greater appreciation for mind, body and spirit connections. “After completing the Full Certification (over 1000 hours of study, practice and performance) I was a true advocate of the Pilates Method. I found that Pilates' basic principles held the key to a personal lifestyle change.”
Sue is presently instructing clients at Laughing Bodies Studio in Crossville, Tennessee. She has been accepted as an instructor into the American Council on Exercise Academy to instruct others in the delivery of Pilates Mat Exercise. As a continuing member of the national Pilates Method Alliance, she strives to remain current in the continuing study of the Pilates Method. She has developed Pilates-inspired classes and workshops for osteoporosis, golf fitness, water exercise, the physioball, the foam roller and the Magic Circle at the Wellness Complex of Fairfield Glade.