"Working with Christian was hugely informative and wonderfully encouraging. As a classically trained dancer, learning improvisational techniques has allowed me to view my craft from a new perspective. Christian gave me the tools to more fully integrate improvisation into my daily practice. He is a master of his craft."

- James Rogers, Soloist with Semperoper Ballett (Dresden, Germany) and former Principle with Pacific Northwest Ballet

"As an emerging choreographer I felt that there was something lacking for me in the way of probing my habitual patterns, and renewing a sense of learning in the choreographic process. Regardless of where I am in my career, I feel I will always want to be rethinking and retooling my craft as a choreographer. Working with Christian in tandem with my creative process provided an indispensable resource of support where so often I felt one was lacking in this field. Christians' mentorship over zoom provided a learned eye to watch over my process and help me to rediscover this beloved discipline and find new ways of exploring in a safe environment" 

— Francesca Dominguez, Faculty The Julliard School, Independent Dancer & Choreographer, New York, NY

"Christian is a brilliant coach, improvisation specialist, and a wonderful mentor for my dance-making and movement development. I’m newer to dance, so naturally I’ve felt as though there are some obvious holes in my dance education. After working with Christian this past year, I’ve learned to feel confident, to “say yes” to my instincts, to find the dance that already exists within me as I learn new techniques and enhance my skills. But more important than the techniques themselves, I am learning their principles, which I now realize go beyond dance. Today I am able to improvise with more joy, clarity, and awareness. I continually feel seen and supported on my path. At times, when I’ve felt like I have nothing interesting to say as a dancer, Christian’s guided me toward new perspective, toward the poetry of the body. Overall I feel lighter, stronger, more creative, and more aligned. Thanks Christian."

Nico Protopappas, Philosopher, Dramaturge, Fitness Trainer, Oakland, CA

“Christian's curiosity and commitment to exploration is contagious. He always brings openness, adaptability, and a keen eye, and structures sessions both rigorous and reflective. Christian's masterful coaching has given me tools to disrupt habits when stuck and new modes of questioning. Working with him continues to expand my approach to movement and space.”

— Cora Cliburn, Company Member ODC Theater, San Francisco, CA

“I reached out to Christian for private lessons, as I was curious about how I might incorporate movement improv with my fitness clients as a means of integrating their physical strength and mobility training with me. Christian delivered big time, exposing me to lots of the nuance within the history and development of movement improv while also grounding any discussion of theory with actual felt practice. With his guidance over several months of private lessons, I was able to incorporate movement improv into a movement exploration workshop I ran that was a big hit with my clients. But the aspect of learning with Christian I am most grateful for is how he opened up my own movement practices by shining light into pathways of physical exploration I hadn't found before. Can't wait to move with him again!”

— Will Belew, Musician & Professional Trainer

"In the hour we meet, there is always a natural flow of simple exercises which become curiosity-fueled explorations and there is often a moment of such clarity that I feel awe-struck by the impact of dance. Christian is intuitive and collaborative, which has allowed the experience to feel personal to my interests and needs. Between sessions, I feel awakened to my creative potential which has fostered a valuable sense of belonging within myself, my community and beyond. This is big stuff. I am so grateful.”

— Angela Mazziotta, Dance Artist, Actor, Musician, Portland, Or

“Christian speaks with the simplicity and clarity of someone who really knows and loves what he's teaching. I feel very comfortable, supported and stimulated in working with him. His exercises take me to a beautiful, profound, playful place in my own body.”

— Mira Cook, Professional Dancer & Musician, New York, NY

“Working with Christian has been such a lovely addition to my dance practice. Unlike the more typical formats for dancers (of taking class and/or improv jams), our sessions are  tailored to my personal needs, interests and inquiries as a mover. It is a real gift to work in this deeply investigative and personal way, without the process feeling too heady or self-serious. It has been such a pleasure to absorb and learn from him and his body’s deep wisdom and experience with improvisation. Through his coaching, I have gained greater awareness of myself as a mover and what I have to offer to the greater dance community.”

— Isabel Rosenstock, Independent Dancer & Certified Pilates Trainer, San Francisco, CA

“I decided to access the 1:1 Movement Coaching with Christian Burns when I realized that my life and my practice as a dance artist, primarily working in improvisation, was in need of mentorship. To have a mentor is a gift that I give to myself. It's a space where I can unapologetically ask for what I need and I have found that that experience deeply nourishes me and my artistic practice. Christian is excellent at creating and holding the container of space where I feel like I am seen and my needs are met with conscious care and curiosity. His masterful practice in movement, improvisation, and choreography are excellent sounding boards for artists at any stage in their lives who are simply trying to move deeper.”

— Sienna Blaw, Independent Dancer & Choreographer, New York, NY