Pilates then and now

When I first studied Pilates 25 years ago in Houston, Texas, a handful of studios existed. Each one had two or three Reformers - maybe more if several instructors worked at the same time. Pilates Concepts of Houston also had Cadillacs, Pilates chairs and mats with spine correctors.

This was a wonderful place to learn after just getting certified.

I trained during a time when Pilates had first entered the mainstream. Decades after Joseph Pilates died, a landmark New York court case in 2000 ruled that Pilates could enter the public domain. It said Pilates was not a method owned only by one person. That ruling was crucial for the future of Pilates, and the reason it can be taught so widely today.

But before then, Pilates was taught apprentice-style, passed from one instructor to another. I had the great fortune of studying with the late John Gossett, who was trained by Romana Kryzanowska, who was Joseph Pilates’ protege.

(The two people pictured in the iconic photo above are Joe Pilates and Romana!)

My training influenced how I have chosen to teach in a personalised, one-to-one style. I remember how important it was for me to ask John questions that pertained to my body. When we worked, I applied my ballet knowledge to all the moves we did.

Fast forward 25 years and I’m still using that approach with clients, incorporating all I learned during years of ballet training. Fifteen years ago I created my own trademarked movement method Ballet-lates, to more formally merge the two.

If you are curious how I’m passing down the legacy that was passed on to me, I’d love to show you.