About Roxanne

Roxanne - Pilates Instructor, Belly Dancer and Weight Loss Coach

Roxanne, who dances under the name Raksanna, is an award-winning, internationally renowned fitness educator, trainer and dance artist. She is the recipient of numerous awards including “Best of Aurora” by the US Local Business Administration, 2008 and 2009 and has received nominations for such prestigious designations as Cambridge “Who’s Who” (2010), “Instructor of the Year” (2007, 2008; Zaghaeet) and “Favorite Cabaret Performer of the Year” (2007, 2008; Zaghareet). She is a frequent columnist to international periodicals, presents to universities and civic groups and has been commissioned to create original Oriental choreography for dance troupes and soloists across the world. She is often invited to train elite athletes as part of their overall fitness regime to incorporate the many benefits of Pilates.

Roxanne (Raksanna) began her dance and fitness career in New York, where she established programs at the State University of New York (SUNY) Potsdam and Clarkson University. The program at SUNY Postdam was aimed at community participants and the curriculum at Clarkson University was designed for the Clarkson University Golden Knights (NCAA Hockey Champions for ten years running).  She owned and operated her own successful studio for eight years; additionally, she has taught and been a personal trainer at Bally’s Total Fitness, Rush Copley Healthplex, Edwards Fitness Center and the YMCA, among others. Her clients have ranged from US Olympic athletes, such as Caitlyn Chase (US Women’s Wrestling) to senior citizens with health concerns to individuals who set and achieve lifestyle goals.

After successfully losing 80 lbs and keeping it off, Roxanne prides herself in creating results-driven programs for her clients that are motivational, effective and work.

Roxanne (Raksanna) offers workshops and master classes on weight loss, healthy lifestyles, specific muscle conditioning programs and the beautiful art form of belly dance. She has taught extensively throughout the United States, Canada, Europe and the Middle East. She is a frequent instructor at Ahlan Wa Salan, the prestigious dance festival sponsored by Raqia Hassan and held in Cairo, Egypt each year. She holds more than nineteen (19) certifications including AFAA, Mad Dog Athletics, BOSU, AAAI/ISMA, Turbo Kick and Urban Rebound. She is Stott Pilates trained in the full array of Pilates equipment (Reformer, Caddialic, Trapeeze, Ladder, Chair, Mat work). She is finalizing her AFAA Fitness Practitioner designation and is a Master Reiki Teacher. Additionally, she travels to Egypt each year to study and train with the world’s most respected and sought after belly dance choreographers and teachers.

Roxanne (Raksanna) designs, produces and stars in her instructional DVD series, Experience the Magic, aimed at beginner through professional dancers. She is authoring her first book and expects to publish it in 2011.

With a Master of Science in Management (concentration: international marketing) and two Bachelor degrees from Clarkson University, Roxanne’s corporate experience includes Vice President and senior leader positions in businesses ranging from Fortune 5 to mid-sized real estate companies to owning and operating her own studio for eight years. She is also an Adjunct Faculty member of Benedictine University and teaches business, humanities and computer science classes. She resides in Naperville, Illinois with her husband, David, her dog, Lucky, and is the proud mother of a United State Marine, Tony.

Certifications

  • AFAA Primary Group Fitness Instructor
  • AFAA Personal Trainer and Fitness Counselor
  • AFAA Weight Training
  • AFAA/Reebok Step Aerobics
  • AFAA Kickboxing
  • AFAA Yoga
  • AFAA Telefitness
  • AFAA Fitness Practitioner (in progress)
  • Johnny G Spinning
  • Stott Pilates Mat
  • Stott Pilates Reformer
  • Stott Pilates Cadillac, Chair and Barrel
  • Turbo-Kick Instructor
  • BOSU Fitness Instructor
  • Resist-A-Ball Instructor
  • Urban Rebound Instructor
  • AAAI/ISMA Yoga Phase 2
  • American Red Cross CPR
  • Master Reiki Teacher

Education

  • Master of Science, Management (Concentration: Marketing), 1997, Clarkson University
  • Bachelor of Science, Marketing, 1996, Clarkson University
  • Bachelor of Science, Social Science, 1996, Clarkson University

Select Professional Experience

  • Artistic Director, Raksanna Productions, 2009-Present
  • Adjunct Faculty, Benedictine University, 2008-Present
  • President & CEO, Roxanne’s Studio, 2003-2009
  • VP, Marketing & Communications, GE Specialty Insurance, 2001-2003<
  • Senior Manager, GE Partnership Marketing Group, 1999-2001
  • Manager, GE Railcar Services, 1997-2001
  • Marketing and Communication Lead, Clarkson University, 1992-1997
  • Fitness Instructor and Coach, Clarkson University, 1992-1997
  • Continuing Education Instructor, SUNY Potsdam, 1992-1997