BIOGRAPHY

Shorter Bio: 

Tal Barnston brings his vast experience as a mobility specialist, teacher of Budokon Mixed Movement Arts, yoga teacher, and professional dancer, to share his wisdom with you! He has studied the body extensively as a student of Chiropractic, Kinesiology, Dance Alive, various dance forms, martial arts, functional fitness, athletic training and rehabilitation, and alternative medicine. Everyone that is around Tal inevitably becomes healthier and more vital. Tal is excited to guide you in movement and health that connects you to your soul that will ripple into expanding your entire life!

Longer Bio: My Movement Story!

My entire life has been focused on studying, embodying, and teaching movement. In search of more connection to my soul I embarked on ten years of world travel to study under masters of yoga, dance, martial arts, Naturopathic Medicine, Chinese medicine, Chiropractic, permaculture, and bio-construction. During my 14 years of experience as a personal fitness trainer I consistently studied techniques that were focused on functional movement, mobility, self expression, dance, and rehab.

Intuition and curiosity brought me to Thailand to intensively study Tantric Hatha Yoga, where I was introduced to the use of asanas to connect to the chakras. I went on to complete my Bachelors in Kinesiology from San Francisco State University. Yoga and fitness training simulated my deep desire to dance and express myself with a nonlinear movement form. This inspired me to travel through Colombia and Europe to study and learn Afro-Cuban salsa. The percussion, joyous frequency, and historical roots of the dance catalyzed my experience of finding freedom in my body and mind through movement. 

As my exploration continued, I did a year-long apprenticeship with Budokon Mixed Movement Arts. This is a system which integrates martial arts, yoga, mobility, and a combination of yogic and Zazen philosophy. My experience as a Budokon teacher combined with my previous background gave me a movement competency that allowed me to dance professionally with Jacob Jonas the Company for 2 years.

During this time of studentship with movement, I studied extensively with a mentor for four years, who was a doctor of Naturopathic Medicine, Chinese Medicine, diplomat of Applied Kinesiology, and a yogi. I was privileged to learn medicine in a way which integrated meditation and a connection to the source of all creation. His teachings and my affinity to movement catalyzed my current endeavor to complete my Doctorate of Chiropractic from Southern California University of Health Sciences. 

All of my experience with the body, mind, and soul reflect my deep value of self expansion. With the practice of Dance Alive, I finally was capable of integrating my life experiences and values in a practical way to optimize the highest level of function in my work, relationships, and with myself. I have learned and continue to learn the tools to be happy, love myself, love my life, expand to my potential, be a leader, live with integrity all of the time, commit deeply, team play, and consciously express the light of my soul. The Dance Alive teachings take me out of performance and into pure authenticity, and it has become an integral movement form that allows me to teach others to do the same.

I am beyond excited to share my genius with all of you so that you can expand and experience your genius! By doing so, I get to live out my purpose as a soul living this incredible human experience. 

I currently live in beautiful Laguna Beach with my amazing wife Natasha Barnston. I love the life that I created that is filled with all of my passions. I spend my days at Chiropractic school, supporting patient’s as a student clinician, teaching classes and workshops, 1 on 1 coaching, dancing, enjoying nature, and spending time with community and family.

I look forward to moving with you!

DEGREES

Doctorate of Chiropractic • Southern California University of Health Sciences

• In Process • Expected completion: April, 2026

Bachelors of Science • Kinesiology, Movement Science • San Francisco State University

Athletic Training • Santa Barbara City College

CERTIFICATIONS

Budokon Yoga Primary Series

Budokon Mobility Level 1

Budokon Mobility Level 2

National Academy of Sports Medicine • Certified Personal Trainer

Kettlebell Level 1

VIPR (Vitality. Performance. Re-Conditioning)

TriggerPoint Myofacial Release Therapy

First Aid, CPR, and AED Certification with American Heart Association