Pilates At Cink Center
Linda Taylor and Havilah Hoffman are second generation Pilates instructors, meaning they were trained by instructors who were trained by Joseph Pilates himself.
At CINK Center we teach Classical West Coast Pilates blended with elements of ballet.
The majority of the first-generation Pilates teachers and students were current or former dancers. Much of the technique and many of the exercises have roots in ballet, such as Leg & Footwork on the Reformer which comes from pliés. Because of this, it is fundamental to learn ballet technique and movement to get the most out of Pilates exercises.
Pilates was sometimes called “ballet on your back” but it is also important to learn to balance, strengthen, and move the body vertically in a way that more directly reflects the world outside. Ballet allows for more upright movements.
Ballet Body: Much of the desired physical transformation of a “Pilates body” is really a ballet body and the best way to get that is through actual ballet.
Feet and shock absorption: No one knows feet like dancers. Ballet will teach you to properly push off and land with improved lift and shock absorption.
Ballet is tough! Since the 1970s college and professional football teams like Alabama, USC, University of Georgia, the Dallas Cowboys, New York Jets, Philadelphia Eagles, Detroit Lions, and New England Patriots added ballet training into their fitness and rehabilitation regimens. Manchester United Soccer league, Australian Rules Football, the Australian National Rugby Team, and the New Zealand All Blacks have also added ballet into their training to increase flexibility, improve balance, increase lateral agility, and to improve both their “hold to the ground” and explosive power off it.
And yes, everyone can learn these movements regardless of background, flexibility, or “gracefulness.” Ballet will improve your balance, flexibility, and strength as well improve your posture and a presence that commands attention.