“We are the architects of our own happiness.” Joseph H. Pilates
I began training in classical ballet at the age of 4. I studied RAD (Royal Academy of Dancing) technique for ballet , and eventually modern dance within the ISTD (Imperial Society of Teachers of Dance) technique. At the age of 17, I was awarded a full dance scholarship to Arizona State University where I earned an undergraduate degree in the Performance and Choreography of Modern Dance. During those years, I also was awarded a summer study scholarship to Tisch School of the Arts in NYC.
It was during my years at ASU that I was first introduced to the strengthening power of Pilates. I experienced great improvement in my dance technique and strength, and I knew then that I had discovered something truly special.
After college, I went on to dance professionally, in various modern dance companies in the southwest. When my dance career came to an end, I was looking for a way to survive financially, and ended up in a desk job to make ends meet.
Eventually, corporate America took it’s toll on me, and I found myself so very unfulfilled in my professional life. Additionally, the many years of dancing and training started to catch up with me. I had constant lower back pain, bunions, and muscle imbalances throughout my body that could no longer be ignored.
Thankfully, I returned to Pilates. I was completely astounded at how quickly my body recovered from old pains and injuries from my dancing days. I had long attempted to correct my ailments through chiropractic therapy and western medicine, all to no avail. My personal testimony of the healing power of this incredible method inspired me to pursue a certification in the classical style of Pilates. The training was rigorous but very worthwhile (approximately 500 hours of practical study in addition to classroom study, anatomy lectures, and testing). Soon I began to help others heal their bodies.
I feel as though I have come “full circle” with Pilates. At a young age, and of course still to this day, it fortified me in physical strength; later in life, I discovered the powerful healing and injury prevention qualities of the method; and currently it has filled my days with absolute joy in that I am able to share this beautiful technique with others. I cannot think of a greater purpose in my professional life than to help others live pain free and attain healthy bodies.
Pilates truly healed me… in more ways than one. I would be honored to show you how it can heal you too!
Training::
• Certified teacher of “The Vertical Workshop” under the direction and mentorship of Shari Berkowitz
• Nationally recognized certification through the National Pilates Certification Program
• Comprehensive classical Pilates certification through “Pilates Technique, Inc.” under the direction of Jill Cassady. http://www.josephpilates.com;