Meet Kaita Mrazek | Creator of The Listening Movement

We had the good fortune of connecting with Kaita Mrazek and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Kaita, how has your background shaped the person you are today?
I was born in Minnesota, spent 15 years in Santa Barbara, CA after college, and recently moved to Austin, TX. My journey began with a double major in Dance and Psychology, initially aiming for a career in Dance/Movement Therapy. However, I chose the path of professional dance, supplementing my passion with fitness and dance teaching gigs.

Movement has always been my language. As a young dancer, I grappled with body image issues, eating disorders, and an intense focus on technique and performance. These challenges, while limiting, also provided me with a strong foundation in fitness, anatomy, and physiology.

A pivotal moment came in my early 20s when I discovered Authentic Movement. This practice unlocked a part of me that had been waiting to be seen, allowing me to explore movement and presence in new, liberating ways. It profoundly influenced how I work with clients and how I live my life.

During my journey, I also co-founded an activewear brand inspired by Chinese medicine. This endeavor was a catalyst for deepening my understanding of TCM principles, further fueling my passion for holistic wellness.

My career has evolved as I followed my interests and trained in Yoga, Pilates, Fascial Stretch Therapy, and drew inspiration from Chinese Medicine. Being half Chinese, my upbringing included many cultural practices—eating specific foods during the winter solstice, taking herbs at the onset of a cold—integrated seamlessly into daily life. It wasn’t until later that I began to question and explore the wisdom of these traditions, feeling a profound connection to my ancestors through this learning. Now I am lucky to offer my services in an acupuncture clinic and continue to learn so much from my colleagues.

My background has shaped me into someone who sees movement not just as physical exercise, but as a powerful form of expression and connection. It’s an ongoing journey of discovery and integration, both personally and professionally.

I’ve created The Listening Movement, a collection of movement techniques to help you tune-in to your own body. I offer 1:1 sessions, small groups, and virtual classes, as well as an on-demand movement library.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
It was hard for me to choose between “artist” and “business” but I identify more as an artist than as a businessperson. In my practice, I work with the body using assisted stretch techniques, a deep understanding of fascia, anatomy, movement, and Chinese Medicine to release pain and restriction and build a loving relationship with the body.

My approach is distinct because I access my knowledge and skills through my own body, making each session a dance with my client. I respond to what I feel from my movement partner, noticing areas of tension and any activations within myself. This dynamic interaction can lead us to profound places, far beyond the limits of traditional expectations.

My awareness of these richer states began with my studies in dance and authentic movement. When I feel depleted or disconnected in my business, taking a dance class realigns me. This connection to movement has shaped my understanding of what it means to feel good, be healthy, and access our sense of freedom. Building trust with ourselves and our movement is crucial.

I see the body as an incredible gift, allowing us to experience life fully. My struggle with body image and eating disorders once narrowed my view, but now I celebrate existence through movement. My business is an avenue for others to build a loving relationship with themselves.

I am proud to be where I am today, maintaining my integrity. My growth hasn’t been the fastest, and it has been a bit meandering, but every step has taught me the importance of balance. I am confident in what I offer and what I can do, even if some measures of success are modest. Approaching 40, I am grateful to continue dancing and moving confidently. The body image struggles from my professional dance days are mostly quiet now, replaced by appreciation for my body. Movement is more than fitness and aesthetics; it connects me to the miracle of having a body.

What sets me apart is this deep, personal connection to movement and the body. My journey has been one of continuous learning and evolving, always guided by a commitment to authenticity and integrity. I want the world to know that my work is about more than just physical wellness; it’s about fostering a deep, loving relationship with oneself.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
We’d start the morning with a refreshing hike before it gets too hot. The Hill of Life hike is a favorite with its waterfalls and swimming spots. After our hike, we’d grab brunch—either breakfast tacos at Nixta or a bougie brunch at Picnic or The Well.

We’d definitely visit one of my favorite places in town, The Road, for amazing acupuncture and facial sculpting with Brooke Taylor or Margaret Webb. These treatments balance the whole system and treat the whole body, with the bonus of top-level facial techniques that leave my skin glowing and looking incredible.

For shopping, I prefer buying secondhand, and South Lamar has a great selection with affordable thrift stores like Pavement and high-end consignment shops like Moss.

If my friends are bringing their kids, we’d spend the afternoon at Thinkery for some kid-focused fun. We might stop by the Mueller farmer’s market beforehand and picnic by the lake. Laguna Gloria, with its beautiful grounds and sculpture garden, is another favorite spot for a kid-friendly stroll among the trees, and nearby Mayfield Park is great for seeing the peacocks. For dinner, we’d head to Sour Duck for live music and easy dining.

If it’s a dance friend visiting me, we’d get our bodies moving at Novi Pilates or go to Saturday mornings with Kathy Dunn Hamrick at Cafe Dance. Such a fun class, for all levels and ages.

If it’s a warm sunny day, we can rent kayaks and float along Lady Bird Lake.

For a special meal, we’d go to Odd Duck. If I’m feeling nostalgic for family-style Chinese food but elevated, we’d head to Wu Chow. Aba on South Congress is another favorite, plus South Congress is a great area to wander and window shop.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I’d like to give a shoutout to Yoga Soup, a studio in Santa Barbara, CA where I taught for 10 years and continue to teach there when I can. The owner, Eddie Ellner, and manager, Luca Cupery, have been an unwavering support and foundation for all of my curiosities as a teacher and a human. The community they have created invited honesty, inquiry, play, and devotion. Without their studio and community, I wouldn’t have made so many personal discoveries, or taken the risks to get where I am today.

I’d also like to give a shoutout to The Road // Desert Canary, the acupuncture clinic in Austin, TX and space where I currently offer my services. I learn so much from the practitioners, and the space is so stunning.

Website: https://www.thelisteningmovement.com

Instagram: @kaitamrazek , @thelisteningmovement

Youtube: Kaita Mrazek // The Listening Movement

Image Credits
Andrea Diaz, Arna Behar, Dimitri Garcia, The Road Acupuncture