About us

Sterling Manka is a classically trained ballet dancer and comprehensively certified Pilates instructor with a deep passion for intentional movement. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Ballet from the Indiana University Jacobs School of Music and earned his comprehensive Pilates certification through the PhysicalMind Institute and Sarah Woolgar Movement. His dance training also includes time spent on scholarship at the prestigious Bolshoi Ballet Academy in Moscow, Russia.

Sterling’s professional dance career spanned performances with Cincinnati Ballet, Eugene Ballet, and Boulder Ballet. His experience as a performer and dance instructor has given him a profound understanding of the body in motion - knowledge he now brings into every Pilates session.

He founded Manka Movement to offer the Louisville community a space for thoughtful, purposeful movement. Sterling believes that Pilates should be accessible to everyone, no matter their background, age, or fitness level. Whether you’re aiming to enhance athletic performance, enjoy Colorado’s outdoors with greater ease, or simply move through daily life with more comfort, Sterling is committed to helping you reach your goals.

At Manka Movement, you’ll find more than a workout. You experience a supportive environment focused on helping you feel stronger, more capable, and more connected to your body - without trends and gimmicks, and always with intention

Sterling Manka

Bottom photo courtesy of Ellen Poulsen Photography in Toni Pimble’s The Nutcracker with Eugene Ballet