Prior to my big move to New York City, I had only taken a handful of Pilates classes. I had never heard of GYROTONIC, and had no comprehension of the terms “reformer” or “cadillac.” Little did I know how NYC Pilates would change my life, in more ways than one.
In the Summer of 2009, I packed my bags and moved my post-college self from the tiny town of Ipswich, MA to the hustle and bustle of New York City. I spent months working as both a barker for Ripley’s Believe it Or Not Museum in Times Square and as a sales associate for Bloomingdales. Having just received a BA in dance from Connecticut College, I felt these first jobs were devoid of movement, of life, and of any passion. I took an internship with Parsons Dance, a renowned modern dance company in New York City. Soon after, I found a job at the Upper East Side Pilates studio Mind Your Body, where I am currently employed. FINALLY! A job that meant something to me, a job I could relate to. Day after day I am able to watch Mind Your Body’s instructors, all former dancers themselves, teach class and share their knowledge of the body with the studio’s clients. I feel at home here at MYB, and I have learned and observed how important Pilates is to an individual’s posture, flexibility, and strength. I have witnessed the beautiful, circular, swirling exercises of GYROTONIC and GYROKINESIS. Watching classes has inspired me to participate in more dance classes, to challenge my body and never lose my creativity.
After a year of Pilates, I must bid adieu. I have been accepted into Smith College’s MFA program, where I will be teaching, choreographing, and studying dance in its analytical and physical forms. I thank Mind Your Body and New York City Pilates for keeping me invested and grounded in my body, my mind and my soul. I see many more Pilates classes in my future!
Signing off,
Rebecca Hite
