Pilates for Dance and Why They Work Well

I’m often asked why so many ballerinas become Pilates students and/or Pilates teachers. Pilates and ballet share several similarities that have contributed to the popularity of both practices. Both focus on promoting strength, flexibility, and balance, emphasizing the importance of proper alignment and posture. The graceful movements and controlled breathing techniques utilized in both Pilates and ballet help practitioners develop a strong mind-body connection. Additionally, both disciplines require concentration and precision in executing movements, leading to increased body awareness and improved coordination. Many dancers incorporate Pilates into their training regimen to enhance performance and prevent injuries, highlighting the complementary nature of these two forms of exercise.

Ballerinas incorporate Pilates into their training regimen for several reasons. Pilates helps improve core strength, stability, and flexibility, which are essential for ballet dancers to execute precise movements with grace and control. The focus on alignment and body awareness in Pilates contributes to better posture and body mechanics, reducing the risk of injury during intense dance rehearsals and performances. Additionally, Pilates exercises target smaller muscle groups that may be neglected in traditional ballet training, leading to a more balanced and efficient body overall. The emphasis on breath control in Pilates also aligns with the breathing techniques used in dance, enhancing endurance and stamina on stage. Overall, the combination of Pilates and ballet training can result in improved technique, performance quality, and longevity in a dancer's career.

We are fortunate to welcome another ballerina to The Pilates Center Instructor family: Sasha! Aleksandra (Sasha) Volodina is originally from Helena, MT and began dancing at the age of three under Campbell Midgley, former Houston Ballet professional. She performed lead roles at Queen City Ballet such as “Clara” and “Sugar Plum Fairy” in The Nutcracker.  At the age of 13, she attended the Bolshoi Ballet Academy in Moscow, Russia. Sasha has competed in many different international competitions, placing 1st at Universal Ballet Competition for classical solos and Pas de Deux. Post-high school, she began choreographing and teaching for QCB, setting original contemporary/ballet works.

Sasha was drawn to Pilates as a way to effectively crosstrain for her dance career. She is currently working towards a BFA in Ballet and a BA in Psychology at Texas Christian University, along with getting her 700hr comprehensive Pilates Teacher Trainee certificate. She is involved in DanceTCU performances, dancing roles such as “Giselle” and “Bluebird Pas de Deux.” She loves working with people of all abilities and ages and looks forward to meeting new people!

Let’s welcome Sasha Volodina to the studio!!