In this class we will be focusing on the Pilates principle of BREATH and how breath navigates your movement through space. It’s very important how to utilize your breath when you are performing and when you are in the studio executing your instructor’s movement and choreography.

Props needed: mat, pinky ball (or tennis ball)

In this class we will be focusing on the Pilates principle of CONTROL which is to understand and maintain the proper form, alignment and effort during an entire piece of choreography. This translates so well into the performing arts world where our bodies need to be in control to look elegant, strong and vibrant on stage.

Props needed: mat, dowel (or rolling pin or a broomstick) and foam block (can use yoga block or a textbook)

In this class we will be focusing on the Pilates principle of RELAXATION and how to find moments in the movement where you need to relax in order to execute the intense parts of the exercise. As you perform, you must provide a lot of energy on stage but be able to keep your endurance up in your entire routine. You need moments to relax without looking tired to be able to keep up with the choreography.

Props needed: mat, foam block (can use yoga block or a textbook), foam roller (or you can use the yoga block or a stack of books and place a blanket/towel to mimic the work we will do on the foam roller)

In this class we will be focusing on the Pilates principle of CENTERING. As it applies to dance, cheer and gymnastics, all movement needs to radiate outward from the centre. Developing a strong, stable and flexible centre is critical to the performing athlete being able to execute on stage.

Props needed: mat, pinky ball (or tennis ball), foam block (can use yoga block or a textbook)

In this class we will be focusing on the Pilates principle of CONCENTRATION and paying attention to what you are doing and being in the present moment instead of thinking of past or future moves. This skill can take some time to understand. That present moment when you are on stage and perhaps have forgotten a move and then get inside your head and this is where the rest of the performance suffers. Skills learned in this class will help you to keep your focus on the particular exercise to you can relate this to your dance classes and routines.

Props needed: mat, pinky ball (or tennis ball)

In this class we will be focusing on the Pilates Principle of PRECISION. In any dance discipline, there are specific techniques that need to be executed to perform the exercises properly without injury. To be precise requires a mix of three of our principles that we have already covered in previous classes: concentration, control and centering.

Props needed: mat, theraband (stretchy band, could also use a pair of tights)

In this class we will be focusing on the Pilates Principle of BALANCED MUSCLE DEVELOPMENT. Understanding, developing and maintaining correct alignment and form is essential to Pilates (and dance) and over time will lead to balanced muscle development. You and your instructors can tend to ‘favor’ a certain side when choreographing a routine to make the routine the best it can be.  This often becomes a problem later in your career where your bodies are not developing evenly right to left and can lead to injuries and imbalances. Let’s correct this!!

Props needed: mat, dowel (or rolling pin or broomstick)

In this class we will be focusing on the Pilates Principle of RHYTHM and FLOW. Like in dance or gymnastics, we need to have rhythm and flow to make the dance look pleasing to the eyes. It also needs to feel rhythmic in the body and this will help to create smooth, graceful and functional movements.  Get ready to flow!

Props needed: mat, blankets/pillows (will be made to make a wedge), foam block (or yoga block or a textbook)

In this class we will be focusing on the Pilates Principle of WHOLE BODY MOVEMENT. The understanding of whole body movement helps to integrate the mind and body to create clarity and purpose in our dance choreography. We can’t just dance with our bodies, our minds need to be sharp when you’re in class.  Getting these pieces of movements to come together to make them more in unison can be a challenge and that is what this class is all about - making all the pieces look like a ‘whole’!

Props needed: mat, pinky ball (or tennis ball)

In this class we will be focusing not on a Pilates Principle but rather a moment of REFLECTION. Reflecting back to the first class you started and remembering how hard it was to execute some of the movements and how much smoother, stronger and more elegant the exercises are getting. You’re going to start to understand that every Pilates class you take, there is always room to execute the movements more intensely by integrating all 9 Pilates principles not just to the exercise, but into your everyday life and into dance/gymnastics/cheer.

Props needed: mat