After two full weeks of a somewhat difficult adjustment to the mile-high altitude, extensive rehearsals, and a successful-but-all-free-time-absorbing Benefit Performance of The WICKED Rocky Horror Show, I was more than ready to take some time to myself this week and begin my exploration of the Pilates scene here in Denver, Colorado.
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| The Beautiful Mile-High Skyline |
I was super excited to dive into Pilates here in Denver, as I had heard it is one of the great hubs for Pilates in the country. As I conducted my internet search for studios and classes, I found what seemed like endless options for Pilates studios, more than qualified teachers, and appealing classes… it was like I was back in New York! I found that a big reason for the wealth of Pilates here in Denver is The Pilates Center located in Boulder, Colorado, which has one of the most prestigious Teacher Training Programs in the country. The program is run by sisters (and former professional dancers) Rachel and Amy Taylor, who were certified by, and developed their curriculum with the assistance of Pilates Elder Romana Kryzanowska. The program has been labeled “The Harvard of Pilates Teacher Training Programs” by Pilates Style Magazine and is very well respected in the Pilates Community for turning out fantastic teachers with advanced practices. Check out their impressive website: http://www.thepilatescenter.com/
My first thought was to take a workshop at The Pilates Center, but alas, our show and rehearsal schedule will not permit this. But, I would love to return to the Denver area someday soon to study at this renowned studio!
I ended up narrowing it down to 2 Studios here in the Denver area that caught my eye as great places to begin my Pilates Journey:
(1) The Boutique Studio: The Pilates Movement
I love the feel, energy, and focus on personal attention you get from a Boutique Pilates Studio. I chose this studio because of it’s perfect downtown Denver location (just a pleasant 10 minute walk from our theatre), user-friendly website (all you Pilates Studio owners out there… please don’t underestimate the importance of a professional website in attracting new clients!!), and beautiful state-of-the-art studio space pictured on the website. A huge plus was that I was able to get in with Owner Dana Shriberg for a private session (at just $65!!! what a steal), whose impressive bio, credentials from The Pilates Center, and decade of Pilates Teaching Experience peaked my interested. Not to mention she was incredibly enthusiastic and friendly on the phone!
(2) The Full Scale Studio: Pilates Aligned
It was impossible NOT to try this studio with its perfect 5 star reviews on Yelp, CitySearch, and consistent top ranking as one of the “Best Pilates Studios in Denver” by multiple Best-of-Denver surveys. Pilates Aligned has two locations, an extensive list of classes which they offer at multiple levels, as well as workshops and continuing education for teachers. As I explored their wonderful website, I was surprised to see that the owner, Cara Reeser, is the protégée of Pilates Elder Kathy Grant (I assumed that most of the Pilates I would encounter here in Denver would be Ramana based because of its proximity to The Pilates Center). Cara is highly respected in the Pilates World as an expert on Kathy Grant based Pilates, and travels all over the world giving master classes and leading workshops to preserve her legacy. I had never trained with a teacher from the Kathy Grant lineage, and so decided this was a MUST have Pilates experience! Although I was unable to get an appointment with Cara herself or attend one of her workshops for teachers, I was able to sign up for an 1.5 hour Advanced Reformer Class with Laura Karpinski, a senior teacher at Pilates Aligned & former ballet dancer whose bio describes her as a true student of Kathy Grant’s work through the extensive mentorship of Cara.
I am looking forward to visiting both studios this week! Let the journey begin!
