Our History and What We Can Offer You
The History of Pilates by Dena
Pilates is a method of exercise and physical movement designed to stretch, strengthen, align, and balance the body. It was created in the 1920s by the physical trainer Joseph Pilates (1880-1967) for the purpose of rehabilitation, and focuses on 6 principles: centering, concentration, control, precision, breath, and flow.
Pilates originally trained soldiers returning from war as well as professional dancers to help heal their aches and pain. He used a systematic, disciplined approach, beginning with mat work and later creating equipment such as the reformer, chair, cadillac, and tower, to help his clients master both physical and mental awareness.
Our founder, Dena Curtin, trained in Pilates in 1998 while pursuing a professional career in dance in New York City. After completing a 600-hour apprenticeship with Susan Moran-Sheehy and Phoebe Higgins, she became a certified Pilates instructor working 1:1 with people of all ages and backgrounds.
She relocated back to Florida after getting married to her husband, Dennis. Originally Florida grown, she wanted to get back to her roots and closer to her family before starting the journey of parenthood.
Dena was truly inspired by the transformation Pilates and exercise could have in just one session. The process of making someone “feel better” was a driving force. A client becoming stronger physically allows them to be stronger mentally as well. Dena has also been inspired to pass along the Joseph Pilates legacy to her teacher training students. She feels blessed and grateful for this privilege. Watching her students make people “feel better” is equally thrilling to her.
Pilates by Dena first opened its doors as a full-service, traditional Pilates studio in Tampa, FL in 2002. At the time, there were no other Pilates’ studios offering this classical method. Clients interested in gaining flexibility and mobility via a low-impact exercise format were quick to schedule appointments. Dena has worked with people of all ages and capabilities for almost twenty years and in a few different studio locations around town, most recently opening a brand-new studio on Dale Mabry on October 1, 2021.
The studio and Dena personally have both grown with the community. Today, Dena has serviced hundreds of clients in the region, many of whom have been practicing with her weekly for years.
Pilates by Dena currently has 6 part-time instructors offering solos, duets, and trios Monday through Friday. Dena also offers a 450-hour comprehensive teacher training program for those looking to take their Pilates experience to the next level.
Book your free 30-minute complimentary intro today!
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