NoMiNoU Ambassador Profile: Meet Christina Schell
Christina Schell is a professional dancer, choreographer, actor, model and social media influencer from Vancouver. Dancing since the age of three, she has trained in styles as varied as ballet, jazz, lyrical, contemporary, hiphop, jazz funk, heels, tap, ballroom and stage. Christina chronicles her adventures on her blog Life In A Schell, which offers an inside look into her life and love for fashion, beauty, fitness, travel and, of course, dance!
What does wellness mean to you?
To me, it means good health, overall good health! Making sure you’re healthy in both your mind and body.
How long have wellness and mindfulness been important parts of your life? Walk us through your personal wellness journey.
Dance was, and still is, a huge part of my life. Growing up dancing very intensely at an arts school, and also after school at a competitive company studio, I had to look after my health and fitness from a very young age. It was only a few years ago after going through a hard time that I realized being healthy in your mind is what completes overall good health. A few years ago, my boyfriend at the time took his life, and I was the one who found him. This really changed me as a person, and this is when I realized what true health and wellness meant.
For the first time in my life, I struggled with some mental health issues myself, and the recovery was a challenge. I used dance to get me through it, and I swear it saved my life. I spent a lot of time and really worked on myself making sure I was healthy not only with my body, but my mind as well. I can now say, with a huge smile on my face, that I have grown into a woman that I am really proud of and love. My body and mind are strong and healthy. I’m chasing my dreams and working hard, doing what I love with people I love.
What does a day in your life look like?
I usually start my day by waking up early to go to the gym. There’s something about early morning workouts that feel so good, and I get so much done in the day! After the gym, I’ll usually drink too much coffee and work on my blog, Life In A Schell. Most days I have rehearsals, an audition or a photo shoot. When I can fit it in, I’ll hit up a dance class (hiphop in heels is my favourite!) I end my day usually watching Netflix. Grey’s Anatomy is my go-to right now…I will always have a crush on McDreamy!
How do you incorporate wellness into your everyday life?
With living a busy lifestyle, maintaining a good balance is crucial. What I do makes for an amazing/hard career. Auditioning constantly and never knowing what’s next is scary, but also exciting. Rejection is hard, however success is great, so making sure I maintain a healthy balance is a must in order to stay inspired, creative and focused.
What are your top three wellness tips?
1. Hit the stair machine. For those of you who hate doing cardio at the gym like I do, try the stair climber! Yes it’s hard, but I like to work on my booty a lot at the gym, so I created this workout on the stair climber where I mix in different exercises that work the booty on the machine, and switch that in and out with intervals of sprints. It’s a double whammy: cardio and lower body in one!
2. Zoodles! I’m all about the zucchini noodles right now. Try substituting zoodles for pasta — it’s delicious and filling. A tip: toss your zoodles in coconut oil before serving. #drool
3. Take time every day for yourself to clear and calm your mind. Meditation is wonderful. My trick is to close your eyes, take five deep breaths in and out, and then smile as big as you can. You will feel silly but I promise that you’ll feel great after!
Words you live by/your personal mantra?
“I’m not trying to be sexy. It’s just my way of expressing myself when I move around.” — Elvis Presley
What is your favourite item in the NoMiNoU collection?
My Cindy leggings! I wear them all the time, not only because I love them, but also because they are actually the most comfortable pair of pants my legs have ever been in. My next purchase is going to be the solid black leggings, a wardrobe staple item!
What or who is currently inspiring you?
My friends inspire me. I’m so lucky to have beautiful, creative and inspiring friends doing great things.
What’s next for you?
I’ve just applied for my 0-1 Artist Visa in the US! If it gets approved, this little lady is moving to Los Angeles. I’m now represented by a dance agency in LA and can’t wait to see what the future holds. Lots of exciting things to coming soon on Life In A Schell that I can’t wait to share. Make sure you go subscribe to my blog and follow my journey!
