109- Karl Flores: Grammy Performer Trainer, DOECHII, Kiana Lede, Redbull Dance, Oncloud.

Interview Date: September 28th, 2025

Episode Summary:

Strength & conditioning coach and dance athleticism specialist Karl Flores joins the Business of Dance for a science-meets-studio deep dive. Karl traces his path from competitive dancer to Equinox trainer to founder of Movement Society in Los Angeles, explaining how structured training, recovery, and style-specific programming extend dancers’ careers. He unpacks the “artist-athlete” mindset, common conditioning mistakes, injury-prevention fundamentals, and a practical training pyramid (aerobic base → strength → power). In Q&A, Karl tackles motivation, off-season vs. in-season “microdosing,” hypermobility strategies, rehab priorities, and genre needs—from ballet posture to breakers’ shoulder stability—closing with how dancers can work with him online.

Shownotes:

(0:00) – Welcome & intro to Coach Karl Flores and his expertise

(5:49) – Karl’s journey from collegiate dancer to strength coach

(9:05) – “Artist-Athlete” mindset: merging creativity and physicality

(11:55) – Common dancer mistake: not strength training consistently

(13:58) – Injury prevention through structured programs and recovery

(15:36) – Ballet vs. breaking: training by style and muscle focus

(17:30) – The three-tier pyramid: endurance, strength, power

(20:23) – Mindset, confidence, and aligning body with intention

(23:13) – Longevity: how training extends dance careers

(34:12) – Off-season vs. in-season “microdosing” workout strategy

Biography:

Karl Flores is a Los Angeles–based strength and conditioning coach with over 10 years of experience, specializing in bridging the gap between athletic performance and dance. With a background in competitive dance, kinesiology, and exercise science, Karl is passionate about helping others unlock their fullest potential and achieve the best version of themselves through movement.

Over the course of his career, Karl has worked with professional dancers, world tour performers, freestyle battle champions, and Grammy Award–winning music artists. His expertise spans injury prevention, musculoskeletal rehab, functional training, and optimizing both athletic and dance performance.

Training Specialties:

Injury Prevention

Musculoskeletal Rehab

Functional Training

Athletic & Dance Performance

Strength & Conditioning

Education & Certifications:

B.S. in Kinesiology & Exercise Science (Physiology Minor)

Certified Strength & Conditioning Specialist (CSCS)

DBC Level 1

Functional Movement Screen Level 1

Kettlebell Athletics

Triggerpoint Therapy

ViPR

Precision Nutrition Level 1 (Pn1)

Progressive Bodyweight Training

Dynamic Sports Performance Certified Coach

Kettlebell Coach University L1

Functional Range Conditioning (FRCms)

Functional Range Assessment (FRA)

Karl’s mission is simple: to empower artist-athletes with the tools, science, and confidence to perform at their highest level, while building longevity in their craft.

Connect on Social Media:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karl.flrs/