ThePilatesClub.Net

As a Pilates Teacher, a woman of color and now a member of the AARP card-carrying set (oh my god, I actually admitted that publicly in writing!!), I am delighted to share a bit of old news coupled with an upcoming event involving one of the Pilates Elders and Master Teachers.  The facts about these two Pilates Masters is well known hroughout the Pilates "insider" community but I will venture to guess far less a known fact by many of the students and bodies we touch and teach regularly in the art and science of Pilates.

Kathy Grant and Lolita San Miguel are among the Pilates Elders that help the newbies among us appreciate the work Joseph Pilates created for the world to enjoy.  The distinction I am proudly pointing out is that these two notable elders are, the only women of color and the only two women certified personally by Joseph Pilates.  

The list of Who's Who in the Pilates Community has been printed thousands of times, as seen in the side bar to the right.  So when

Kathy Grant with Pilates Teachers

Ms. Grant is a former dancer whose background includes Broadway, off Broadway, television, industrials, touring companies, and the concert stage in the U.S.A. and in Europe, South America, Africa, and the Middle East. Has been assistant choreographer to Donald McKayle, Walter Nicks, Arthur Mitchell, and Michael Smuin and codirector and partner with Claude Marchant Dance Company. Has performed with Mary Hinkson, Carmen DeLavallade, Mary Anthony, Donald McKayle, Paul Taylor, Geoffrey Holder, Arthur Mitchell, Bill Robinson, Honi Coles, Cab Calloway, Pearl Bailey, and others. Has served as a dance panelist for the National Endowment for the Arts, the New York State Council on the Arts, the Delacorte Theatre, and Dance Black America. A student and protégé of Joseph Pilates, she is one of the few who was certified by Mr. Pilates in a program sponsored by the University of the State of New York, Division of Vocational Rehabilitation. Has conducted workshops in the Pilates method in California, New York, Maine, New Mexico; in Tokyo, Japan; and in Montreal, Canada, for Les Grands Ballets Canadiens.

Lolita San Miguel in her Studio

Performing Arts High School and was for 10 years a soloist with the Metropolitan Opera Ballet. In 1958 she trained and was certified by Carola Trier and is especially proud of being one of two people in the world certified by Joseph H. Pilates. She is also certified by Polestar Pilates Education, Inc. Ms San Miguel founded and directed, Ballet Concierto de Puerto Rico, a renowned ballet company and is also the Founder and Director of Pilates y Más. A popular international presenter, she is the author of a series of DVD’s, titled “Lolita Shares her Pilates”: Mat I, Reformer I, Reformer II and Lolita’s Pilates BodyWalk.

I still haven't had the pleasure of meeting either but remain inspired by their work, living and teaching. 

Comments (0)

Show/Hide comments

Show/Hide comment form

Title
Comment
Name
Email
Website
	Add Comment