A retired dancer and circus artist who specializes in teaching the correct techniques for specific physical movements.

CONTACT

Onisha Paulos
(510) 579-6045

onishamindfulmovement@gmail.com

Biography

Onisha is native to Southern California. She attended the prestigious Orange County School of the Arts for classical piano. After high school, she attended UCLA and graduated with a degree from the World Arts and Cultures program. During her 20’s and 30’s, Onisha performed all over the world with different dance and circus companies, including Lucent Dossier and Versastyle Street Dance Company.

Ms. Paulos is proud to have had Celeste Amos (ballet) and Enkhee Tumendelger Smith (Mongolian contortionist) as her mentors.

Onisha has taught at many dance schools including adult ballet at Westside School of Ballet and even Spirit of Art Studio in Bucharest, Romania! She is certified through B.A.S.I., a nationally recognized pilates program, to teach on all pilates equipment since 2010.

In 2021, Onisha went back to community college to complete her necessary prerequisites to apply to physical therapy school. Currently, Ms. Paulos has been accepted to two programs, she eagerly awaits commencement of her doctoral program to start in Summer of 2025.

She currently lives in Long Beach with her supportive husband and baby daughter. Onisha loves to garden, cook, make music, do math problems and most importantly spend time in nature with her family.

Onisha Paulos is committed to the well-being and health of BIPOC and underserved communities. She hopes to give back to these populations and offer services to individuals who could not afford it otherwise.

What are clients saying?

  • Onisha is the best teacher on earth. She is the only ballet teacher I know that pushes you just enough that you stay challenged, motivated, and interested, but not so far that you become frustrated. I don’t know any other ballet teacher capable of walking that line. Onisha is not just a great ballet teacher, she is also a fantastic Pilates instructor. She has an uncanny ability to see and diagnose movement issues that are the source of pain. She is open minded and nonjudgmental about different modes of physical fitness and therapy. I find that many, if not most, practitioners are very set in their ways or only “one” way of moving, but not Onisha. She is the only ballet teacher I have trusted to work with me since my hip injury and I have gotten so much better because of her.

    Donna

  • Onisha has been my pilates instructor for the past eight years; she is extremely knowledgeable and cares deeply about her students. In the time I have worked with her, I have gone from severe osteoporosis to a mild diagnosis of it. I know that pilates has played an important role in this change.

    Jane

  • I've been working with Onisha for a while now, and I can honestly say that her approach to Pilates is both thoughtful and effective. She has a remarkable ability to focus on the details of each movement, which has made a significant difference in my practice. After a recent lower back injury, I was hesitant to return to exercise, but Onisha was incredibly patient and attentive as she helped me build strength and stability again. She has a deep understanding of the body and really takes the time to explain the 'why' behind each exercise, which has not only helped with my recovery but also improved my overall awareness of how I move. What stands out most about Onisha is her genuine care for her clients. She creates a warm, supportive atmosphere that makes each session feel personalized and comfortable, no matter your experience level. I always leave feeling more confident and capable than when I walked in.

    Molly

  • Onisha is a super knowledgeable and dedicated mentor. Our pace was a perfect mix of meeting me where I’m at, and also challenging me towards my goals. I learned so much about flexibility, movement, and my body. I got equipped with tools to keep practicing on my own. And she paid close attention to my process at every step, in a very holistic way. Anyone who trains with her would be so fortunate — she’s a gem!!

    Jon

  • Deciding to take pilates with Onisha is one of the best decisions I have ever made for myself. Each session is thoughtfully crafted just for me and my needs. Onisha is mindful of my limitations and injuries, but never makes me feel incompetent or weak. She empowers me! Working with Onisha has made me stronger and has greatly improved how I feel about my body, and my body image.

    Marguerita