Location: Mt Barker, South Australia
I came to pilates and Scolio-Pilates via dance. I have run my own ballet studio since 1984. In 1990 I moved to the current purpose-built studio in Mt Barker, South Australia. I commenced pilates to enhance my dance training and teaching, qualifying with the APMA in 2014 and transferring to the PAA in 2023.
During my general pilates studies we touched briefly on scoliosis. I coincidently had a ballet student with a severe curve. In combination these two factors aroused my interest. I also subsequently realised that I had a very mild scoliosis which fuelled the fire a little more.
Upon conducting further research, I came across the Scolio-Pilates website. I noticed that Karena was travelling to various places to conduct courses. I ear marked that as something I would like to do one day. I couldn’t believe my luck when an Australian tour was announced. Despite setbacks with COVID I was able to complete my mentorship and become an authorised Scolio-Pilates practitioner in May 2023.
I work with dancers and non dancers under the auspices of the Ballet School. Generally, non dancers who usually come in with significant curves will be taught in private sessions. This is also available to the dancers. However, ballet students whom I have taught for years are now benefiting from the knowledge gleaned. Every ballet class uses the principles of Scolio-Pilates to correct technical details where there is a minor curve or just slight muscle imbalance. I routinely screen the students and have been surprised how many issues may have otherwise slipped through the net. I always said I don’t know how I used to teach ballet before I discovered pilates and now Scolio-Pilates has added another dimension.
I am equally passionate about helping people whose everyday lives are affected by scoliosis as young dancers who are not even aware but can be helped to achieve better results and prevent injury through stronger alignment. I am somewhat of a naturopath so finding a method that can help people naturally without invasive intervention I believe is brilliant. I share Karena’s dream to have this totally accepted throughout the medical profession globally.
Authorized Scolio-Pilates Practitioner since 2023