Lastics is the brainchild of Donna Flagg, a trained dancer holding a BA in dance from Rutgers University, an MA in education, and advanced post masters degree in business from New York University.
As a dancer, there was constant pressure on Donna’s body - pressure that balanced strength and flexibility because unlike most athletes, the training itself requires dancers to be as strong as they are flexible. When that balance was disrupted later in her career, a major knee injury requiring partial reconstructive surgery was the result.
Her own personal healing process was the beginning of turning Lastics Stretch Technique into a codified method.
In her research, alongside PT, rehab and personal training, something struck Donna as unusual. It was the combination of inconsistencies in the science, and then also in what she perceived as similar contradictions in her actual hands-on training and therapy.
For starters, technical information to support strength training was plentiful, and the application of those theories was evident in the practical sense as well: Donna’s strength came back in a steady, noticeable way. But there was no such equivalent in restoring flexibility. Flexibility training was, and still is, nonexistent. What lacks are the technical underpinnings and expertise that inform strength training.
The contrast between healing and rehabilitative modalities is glaring when you look at stretch versus strength. Namely, with strength, much time and effort is spent training to develop strength and build muscle. But with stretch, common practice is to rely on someone else to do the work. This is not training the muscles and it is rather nonsensical when considering how strength training works.
To that end, Lastics will change the way you think about, and understand, your body. It significantly improves your body awareness by revealing a very special connection of muscle to mind.
There are many ways you can learn how to stretch, teach stretch, train athletes, and rehab injuries at Lastics. We have online training, as well as classes in NYC and on Zoom. We also offer private online and in-person coaching for specific, targeted goals.
So, join the movement! You’ll move, perform and feel better with muscles that are longer, stronger, more supple and healthy from the inside-out and end-to-end!
Founder / Creator
After a childhood spent training to become a professional dancer, Donna went on to study at Philadelphia's University of the Arts and graduate from Rutgers University with a degree in dance. She later earned a Master's degree in Organizational Development and post-graduate degree in Business Education from NYU. She is an author (McGraw Hill) and serial entrepreneur. Influenced by her business experience and training in classical ballet, jazz, modern and musical theater she created Lastics.
Co-Founder / The Glue That Holds It Together
After earning a degree in Educational Psychology from Cornell University, Patty found herself helping others as a caseworker with the American Red Cross. She later transitioned into human resources at Goldman Sachs where she met Donna. When she left Goldman, Patty joined Donna to form a consulting company and now, Lastics is their second business venture together. Patty’s love for art and aesthetics and need to live an active, healthy lifestyle make her feel right at home here at Lastics.
Instructor
Jaime was born and raised in NYC. He is a singer, actor, dancer, and designer and has spent the last decade working on productions at every level of professional Theatre, Dance, and Opera. He has worked at prestigious venues such as The Signature Theatre, Playwrights Horizons, Rattlestick Theatre, and The Juilliard School and has worked for companies like Peridance Contemporary Dance Company and Gotham Chamber Opera. He is ecstatic to be a full-fledged member of the Lastics team!!!
Instructor
Blandine is a French dancer and choreographer. She has won both national and international competitions in Jazz, Boogie Woogie, Rock n' Roll and West Coast Swing. At 15, she was awarded for her choreography by the Olympic Committee at the World Championship of Rock n' Roll. Blandine is so happy to be stretching with the Lastics Team!
Instructor
Emma Scholz graduated summa cum laude with a BFA in dance from the University of Colorado Boulder. Now, she is a resident of Harlem and has performed with several New York City companies such as the 92Y TYA Series and Clutch Productions staged readings. Emma trained in Lastics Stretch Technique after meeting the founder, Donna Flagg, during a nine month Independent Study course with Steps on Broadway.