Jessie, a professional dancer, has made a seamless transition into the world of Pilates instruction, blending her background in dance with a passion for injury prevention and body awareness. After suffering a knee dislocation that kept her off the stage for months, Jessie discovered Pilates as part of her rehabilitation. What started as a way to speed up her recovery soon turned into a calling.
“I was given Pilates exercises to help with my rehab, and they made a huge difference in how quickly I got back on my feet,” Jessie explains. “That’s when I realized how powerful Pilates is, and I knew I wanted to help others in the same way.”
Now, as a certified Pilates instructor, Jessie uses her years of experience in dance to enhance her teaching. The precision, balance, and body control she honed as a performer allow her to guide clients through Pilates movements with the same attention to detail she applied on stage. She choreographs her classes to flow like a dance routine, often using music to drive the tempo and energy of the sessions.
“Dance and Pilates go hand-in-hand,” she says. “They both require a deep connection between the mind and body. What’s great about Pilates is that it provides a balanced workout, which dancers don’t always get. It helps prevent injuries by working on areas that can become neglected during intense dance training.”
Jessie’s personal journey through injury and recovery has given her valuable insight into how Pilates can help others, particularly dancers. She advocates for a regular Pilates practice as a way to maintain strength and prevent injuries, especially for dancers who often push their bodies to the limit.
According to the Australian Dance Organization almost all dancers (97%) reported experiencing at least one significant injury in their dance career to date. A total of 73% of dancers reported experiencing a dance-related injury in the past 12 months.
“Pilates helped me recover from my knee injury, and I haven’t had the same issue since. It’s also low-impact, which is perfect for dancers who need to give their bodies a break from the high-intensity strain we’re used to,” Jessie explains.
Despite the shift from performing to teaching, Jessie has found a way to stay connected to the dance world. Many dancers attend her Pilates classes, and she still takes the time to perform when she can. “Teaching Pilates keeps me strong and ready for any dance opportunity,” she says. “It’s a great way to supplement a dance career and ensure your body is always prepared.”
Jessie’s journey from dancer to Pilates instructor is a testament to the synergy between the two disciplines. Her experience shows how Pilates not only aids in injury recovery but also strengthens the body for dance, offering longevity in a demanding field. For Jessie, it was the perfect move, keeping her passion for movement alive while helping others stay strong and injury-free.
Jessie wears the Prima Unitard from the Fundamentals range.