About V

I fell in love with movement when I began studying ballet at the age of six years old, then later studied modern dance in New York and Los Angeles before turning professional. I also began practicing yoga at this time and learned how to synchronize the mind, body, and breath through this ancient and modern meditative and conditioning discipline. After completing my teacher training at Avalon Yoga International in Palo Alto, California, I became a certified yoga instructor with Yoga Alliance.

When I injured my back while performing, I began searching for a better understanding of how to strengthen and center the body and discovered the Pilates Method. So impressed by the rehabilitative and conditioning power of this method, I went on to receive my certification in the Pilates Method from the Physical Mind Institute in New York City and was fortunate enough to study with many great instructors, including one of Joseph Pilates’ first generation master teachers, Ron Fletcher.

I graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology and a minor in Dance, then did post-graduate studies in Anatomy and Physiology and received a summer scholarship to study Chemistry at Yale University. Along the way, I also studied the martial arts of Akido and Qiqong, and somatic movement.

For a better understanding of stress management and how to calm and focus the mind and body, I have practiced and studied meditation and mindfulness for twenty years, including at The Shambala Center in Boulder, Colorado; Transcendental Meditation in Dallas, Texas; Zen Meditation in Los Angeles; and the Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction program (MBSR) at El Camino Hospital in Mountain View, California.

With the guidance of many fine teachers, I have now developed my own teaching style and technique based on this earlier foundational training. I continue to learn and study because there is always so much more to know about the body, the mind, and breath work.

I hope you’ll join me in exploring these movement techniques and enjoy the benefits, energy, and joy of feeling stronger, more flexible, centered and alive!

“If you’re interested in learning more, please feel free to reach out.
I’d be happy to answer any questions you may have.”

Testimonials

  • “V is a highly experienced and knowledgeable Pilates Instructor. I first met her at Courtside Athletic Club and was immediately impressed by the deep level of understanding she communicated in a special workshop about the mat work, yoga, Modern Dance, and the Art of Running. She embodies consistent practice and effectively communicates the lasting value of the Pilates Methodology. Her dedication and commitment to being a Pilates professional inspires her students and her coworkers. I would recommend V as a true expert in the field of Somatic Arts.”
    -Cat D’Agostino, Pilates and Gyrotonic Instructor

  • "V is blessed with the ability to articulate and communicate the experience of intrinsic (rather than mimicked) movement. She combines a rigorous discipline with a thoughtful awareness of the whole self. I feel a new sense of strength, well-being, and centered-ness, and the feeling of being twenty years younger and two inches taller!"
    - Barb Acala, Freelance Writer

  • "The method of training offered by V Shelton is unique and compatible with every sport or training program. Her methods promote both strength and flexibility training simultaneously. Her method of teaching movement is appropriate for any level of fitness and you always feel great after a session."


    -Loren Harrigan, Aerobics Instructor

  • "As a guy, I was at first hesitant to take your class because I ignorantly thought that most of these programs were geared primarily for women. Boy, was I ever wrong. I am better able to stretch and bend, my core is getting stronger (and by the way, my stomach is getting flatter), my endurance for holding positions is noticeably improved, and my balance has been greatly and positively affected. I am glad we met, V, and that I'm able to tell others what a great instructor you are." 


    -Chuck Kinney, Former Menlo Park Council Member and Mayor

  • "I've been doing Pilates and have been working with V for a good four years now and I appreciate all of the intelligence and planning that V does - she knows my weaknesses and areas of need!! She is also patient, kind and smart!!”

    -Client, Los Altos, CA

  • "There is something special about V's class that feels so right, so fluid. It reminds me of how I feel about moving when I take a Chi Kung class."
    -Los Gatos Athletic Club Member, Los Gatos, CA

  • "I just had the best class with V. I feel as if all my muscles have lengthened and relaxed - just as if I have been swimming."

    -Student, Los Altos, CA

  • "Unlike any other type of exercise I've experienced, I felt an expanded range of motion with Pilates, and a balance of resistance when using opposing muscle groups. It felt more rhythmic and pleasant than working out on traditional fitness equipment."
    -Beth Holland, Fitness Director

  • “V is a very experienced and knowledgeable Yoga instructor. Her class was very relaxing while providing the right level of stretching. Highly recommend her as an instructor overall and this class if you are looking for something to unwind and relax”.

    -Deepa V

  • “I have been taking classes with V for several years and was very glad when she decided to continue them online through the pandemic. Her stretch/unwind/relax class is the next best thing to a massage. The sense of relaxation one feels at the end of the class is wonderful, but the day after it feels even better! The online format works well, the sound is great, and she is able to see the participants and correct their posture. V is a great instructor, gentle, easy-going and kind. Her classes are very enjoyable and I always look forward to them.”
    -Irene G.

  • “Great stretches, core work, and balance work. Just what this patient needs.”
    -David S.

  • “I have taken V’s Strong Core/Healthy Back class for years and I highly recommend it, in particular for anyone with back pain. I rely on this class to help keep my sciatica, lower-back and neck pain in check without painkillers or physical therapy. V is an excellent instructor, who gives clear explanations, is attentive to everyone’s needs, varies the routine so it never gets old, is super knowledgeable about many types of body work and is creative with the use of props (roller, ball, strap, block, etc), although she can also do wonders with just a yoga mat.”

    -Irene G.