Back in high school I discovered dance and was driven by my desire to "catch up" to my classmates. However, the over curve in my lower spine was getting in the way of progress. My dance teachers poked and prodded at my body trying to get my spine to lengthen, without much luck.
Just after graduating from high school, I enrolled in a six week summer dance program at SUNY Purchase in New York. The program offered classes in Pilates, and although I had no idea what Pilates was, I signed up. I attended Pilates mat and apparatus classes three times a week during the six week program. I was amazed! Before the end of the program my spine lengthened and was more uniform. My Pilates teachers told me to stop sleeping on my stomach in order to help the lengthening process. It took me six weeks, but I retrained my sleeping habits. I also learned how to stand with better alignment which I needed for my leg length difference. And of course I learned how to use my abdominals!
That was the start of what has been a long and rewarding relationship with the Pilates Method which has greatly contributed to my dance career. Many years after I discovered Pilates, I completed The Pilates Center's teacher certification program and one year later was certified by The Pilates Studio as well. I remember the first time I "tried" the long stretch and the teaser and I am glad to have discovered Pilates.
