how i became a pilates teacher (part 1)

I first encountered Pilates while training at dance conservatory/university. I opted into a semester of Pilates mat and, during a summer pre-professional dance program, took the required cross-training Pilates mat classes. From the beginning, I was invested in engaging my muscles in new ways and learning more about movement and body mechanics, but I was heavily focused on how Pilates would help me as a dancer. And, ever on the hunt for ways to diversify my skillset and artist income streams, I tucked away the idea that maybe one day I’d certify to teach Pilates!

A few years later, after graduation, I was performing professionally in a modern dance company. The dance studio happened to have an attached Classical Pilates studio where I saw all kinds of crazy apparatus I had never heard of (or probably would never have dreamed of!). I heard that the teacher apprentices needed “practice bodies” to teach on, so I found my way onto a reformer (and other apparatus) week after week for the two years I spent in the company. It was here that I learned the integrated and comprehensive method/system of Pilates. I was still focused on how Pilates would strengthen me for concert dance, but this time experiencing all the equipment left me absolutely hooked and extremely intrigued. After time, I knew I wanted to pursue an in-depth teacher training program at some point!

It wasn’t long into my consistent private training that I realized that not only was my dancing/technique greatly improving, but I was starting to feel “better” in normal life too! I didn’t even know I had felt “bad” and achey before, but the difference was profound!
.
Pilates even helped me recover from a hurt knee during my second season dancing in the company! Sometime soon, I’ll detail that pain/injury experience (for those that haven’t heard it). But that was the extra cherry on top for me! Pilates seemed to me like magic, and totally transformed my life!

PART 2 to come!