Julie Troost - Kane School Pilates Intensive - Finishing Phase I

We finished the first two week phase of the Intensive on Valentine’s Day. The focus of the first phase was learning the classic choreography sequences on the Pilates equipment. We finished with a good sense of the exercises and their sequences in our bodies. We now have over 6 weeks to practice the sequences on ourselves and volunteer clients before delving deeper into the work, studying biomechanics, touch, and special populations. We finished worn out, sore, and more than ready for a good weekend off. From there, we were left to sign up for a regular teaching shift and to set the rest of our hours on our own. Students need to be self-motivated when not attending the training workshops and are really left on their own to organize themselves. There is a one year deadline to finish your certification teaching hour requirements from the start of the course.

Six days later, I studied with another student fulfilling self-practice hours by running through the advanced choreography on the Reformer side by side. And just today, I taught the Intermediate Cadillac sequence to 3 fellow students. I didn’t know how it would go, but I decided to trust myself and remember that I’m just a beginner. It went well, and now I’m over my fear of teaching this and ready to really get down to business.

I realized something wonderful today. The four other women taking the intensive with me were all really supportive of one another. It’s really helpful to feel there are others going through the same thing. It’s created a great environment. In this short time, we’ve become a tight-knit bunch who want to see each other succeed. One classmate told me she hadn’t been back at the school until today and had really missed the Kane school. It’s funny, but I already feel the same way. I LIKE going there even if it is hard work. It’s a little, warm community in the midst of the snowstorm.