Well, if you had asked me 11 years ago if I would be opening my own movement studio, I would have said, "Are you crazy? I have horrible posture and have always been told by movement and singing teachers alike that I looked good from the 'neck up'!" But here I stand today, a confident mover in a (mostly) pain free body.I love movement and always have. I remember dancing myself to sleep most every night as a child. The dancer chose me; even though, I didn't have the necessary information to be a "good-one" as child. The path that lead me to this studio looks soo much like an accident, but I know it was divinely inspired. There were many times I thought I really don't want to teach anymore. I think I'll go back to school and do something else. The doors just kept opening and saying you can do this. Ellen Bierhorst opened up the third floor of her amazing historic mansion (http://www.lloydhouse.com/) to my studio (free for the first 3 months). Clients found my equipment on craigslist.org for half and more than half off. I have never advertised, yet have kept a mostly full schedule. I can't deny that this is what I 'should' be doing. I have so many people to thank for my good fortune of finding the kind of information that I needed to turn my body into something that exhibits grace and poise.
First of all, I need to thank forward thinking men of the early turn of the century. F.M. Alexander for the developing a somatic approach to activities of daily living. Also, I have to thank Joseph Pilates for developing Body Contrology (The Pilates Method). I have been aided to a nearly full recovery of back problems that plagued me in my late teens and early twenties. Next, I need to thank Ron Fletcher, who studied with Joseph and Clara Pilates, as well as, Martha Graham for bringing the technique to a level that the most beginner person could become more than they ever imagined. I also, need to thank Vivien and Neil Schapera for allowing me on their Alexander training course against all odds (no money, no cars and no job). Without them none of this would have been possible. I must also, thank Jennifer Hetzler for literally giving me my first pilates training and my first chance to be a Pilates teacher. Lastly, I would like to thank Pat Guyton, a gutsy woman, who showed me that I will always be a student. She forced me to see my blocks and has made me a better mover and teacher because of her enthusiasm.
So in thinking of my good fortune and learning to embrace that which has chosen me, I am embracing an attitude of magnanimity and service. The very characteristics of the teachers I hold dear.
