The Pilates Method

The Pilates Method of body conditioning is a unique system of strengthening and stretching exercises developed by Joseph Pilates over 90 years ago. It has been proven to be one of the most effective and efficient ways to train the body because it treats the body as an integrated whole, strengthening and toning muscles large and small, increasing flexibility and balance, improving posture and streamlining shape, uniting mind and body. And it really works!—and Finally, people are taking notice of this powerful system of training and they are ready to listen to it’s message.

Old exercise regimes are failing because they are based on isolating muscles. Isolating each area of the body creates imbalance in the body. The Pilates system focuses on working the body as a whole, connecting the mind to the body—for this reason the Pilates system works seamlessly with Yoga—Yoga enhances the Pilates practice, Pilates enhances the yoga practice. It is through this mind/body training that you will reap a myriad of benefits: reawaken your body through movement, your mind through conscious thought. And as your body reawakens, there is a revitalization of spirit that is a crucial factor in maintaining good health, soundness of mind and body.

Wear comfortable non binding clothing—alignment is key, so make sure they are not too baggy so the teacher can see what’s going on. Try not to eat at least an hour before class.

Mats are optional. The floor is padded, but for hygienic reasons you may want a mat. A towel is recommended to roll up as a bolster. Thursday Night class uses Resist-a-balls and Dyna bands—If you have your own, please bring them—if not, the studio will provide you with these props

A bit of history

I have been a student of dance since I was 8 years old taking the usual ballet, tap and jazz classes. When I entered college at The University of Maryland at College Park, I embarked on two majors — dance and pre-physical therapy. I had some of the greatest teachers that you could imagine! Ethel Butler, one of the the original dancers with The Martha Graham Company and Miriam Rosen, first generation student of Erick Hawkins. I was blessed with the opportunity to dance with teachers and performers of The Maryland Dance Theater, The Improvisation Theater and Kei Takei’s Moving Earth Ensemble.

After college, I moved into New York City and continued my dance experience. I had classes with Erick Hawkins (which he personally taught), classes at The Merce Cunningham Studio and The Jose Lemon Studio. I also performed with The Phylllis Rose Dance Company on the Lower East Side.

I then met my first husband and we decided to move to upstate NY. Nothing of any kind in the way of dance — just cows, fields, beautiful trees and mountains! At that point, I decided to go into the fitness industry, and after 18 years, a colleague of mine suggested that I take a Pilates class. The name sounded familiar, but I didn’t associate Pilates with the fitness world. Upon trying the class, I said to myself "this is modern dance!" Everything came flooding back to me. I suddenly realized how out of balance my body and my life had become. I once again began to feel the internal strength I craved. I immersed myself in mat classes and experimented with the machines. My movements became more fluid, more controlled and more responsive. I noticed that my posture changed. I was standing and sitting straighter, and living with more awareness and consciousness. I began to feel more graceful and lithe. In a word, more alive! Aches and pains were vanishing and I knew I had to share the Pilates method with as many people as I could and at that point decided to become a certified Pilates instructor. I received my certificate in 1999 through Power Pilates in New York City.

This pathway led me to a greater awareness and function in my life. This the ultimate goal of the Earth Dance Yoga Center. To share these healing modalities of Pilates, Yoga, Thai Massage and Reiki to as many as we can, to help all we encounter to heal and to grow.