As a student of the School of American Ballet I was told I did not have the legs of a dancer. They were too bulky. I tried Pilates to elongate my muscles and to learn to use the correct muscle groups that would create a long and lean body. Through Pilates, I was able to create the asthetic required for a ballet career.

I graduated from the School of American Ballet and joined the Pennsylvania Ballet. I eventually became a soloist ballet dancer. I toured with New York City Ballet stars Heather Watts and Wendy Whelan on a "Tribute to Balanchine" tour along with other principals from New York City Ballet. After 8 years of a short career, I retired due to an ankle injury. I was reintroduced to pilates as a form of rehabilitation for my ankle. Little did I know the important role it would have in the next chapter of my life.

I became certified in the Pilates Method in 1997 by Romana Kryzanowska and Bob Liekens. After a 600 hour certification process, I first worked in Great Neck at Marathon Physical Therapy. In 2000, I opened my own studio "Pilates in Port" in Port Washington with my associate, Susan Brilliant, at Inspiration Wharf. This is our 9th year teaching private and semi-private classes. My clientele has been a wide variety from retired principals, commercial real estate brokers, and moms, to Olympic and international figure skating medalists. I have continued to teach dance as well as pilates to my skaters combining the foundation of the two disciplines. Recently, I choreographed a show program to the music of "Jersey Boys" for Emily Hughes seen in "Stars on Ice" and "An Evening of Champions".

Speaking from my own experiences, the principles of Pilates can enhance every part of your life. Whether it is simply sitting in a chair with proper posture or helping your tennis, golf, yoga, and dance practice, pilates can be applied to all.

I have been studying ballroom dance for the last 3 years and in some ways have come full circle - moving for the fun of it, to celebrate and because it feels right. Pilates, yoga or dance, it's all about movement and movement is freedom.

You can also contact Tricia at www.pilatesinport.com.