Issue #422 – Wednesday, January 31, 2024
A Pilates History Lesson
Lawrence Hayward
by Jonathan Grubb
Lawrence Hayward (1930 – 2015) was a Canadian born, 1st generation Pilates teacher who studied with Joseph and Clara Pilates from 1959 until the mid ‘60s.
Lawrence was a dancer (he danced professionally for a time with the Willy Blok Hanson Dancers). Later Lawrence became a student of Hanya Holm. At Hanya’s recommendation Lawrence sought out Joseph Pilates. Joe was so impressed with Lawrence’s skill and commitment that he asked him to become his apprentice and an assistant teacher.
Lawrence had the privilege of living with Joe and Clara in their New York apartment and also at their Becket property in Massachusetts. He had only planned on staying for a few weeks, but at Joe’s request Lawrence stayed on as an assistant. He taught and learned alongside Joe and Clara by day and slept on the mats at night.
Lawrence went on to open his own studio in New York, which he ran for 5 years before returning to Canada, bringing Contrology to the dancers of the National School of Ballet in Toronto. Lawrence also taught Contrology to the general public in his community of Kingston, Ontario and the surrounding area. In addition he also became a licensed Shiatsu massage practitioner.
Lawrence was passionate about art, and as well as selling his own paintings to his private clients and tourists in New York, he authored over 30 books on Canadian sculptors.
He also became very involved in community life, volunteering wherever he could. To quote from Lawrence: “To be of service in your own community in which you live daily, is a gift. It benefits everyone equally. Start there! With a smile if possible!” Later in life, Lawrence continued to write poetry, visited neighbours and sold his handmade tinctures, salves and knitted goods at the local market.
Lawrence is pictured out for a meal with Joe and Clara at a German restaurant. Joe liked German food!
The photo is shared with the kind permission of Dale Matzkow.
The source of the above information is the website lawrencehaywardcontrology.com which has been created by Dale Matzkow (Pure Pilates NYC), who was a friend and student of Lawrence.
Jonathan Grubb was born in England in 1962 and has lived on the Isle of Man since he was two years old. His great grandfather Jakob Grub was interned on the Isle of Man until 28 August 1919 in the same camp as Joseph Pilates.
In his younger days Jonathan was a keen amateur sportsman and particularly excelled at football (soccer), representing the Isle of Man in international games on numerous occasions. An anterior cruciate ligament injury sustained towards the end of his playing days led him to discover Pilates and he has been a passionate practitioner ever since. He has traveled to various countries to attend conferences and courses and been fortunate to be mentored by very experienced local teachers.
Having previously been an advanced instructor for several years in the Wu family style of tai chi chuan, Jonathan is currently studying to become a Pilates teacher with MKPilates and his teaching has been enthusiastically welcomed in classes throughout the island already. More on the story of Knockaloe Internment Camp can be found at knockaloe.imCheckout Jonathon’s Facebook page Joseph’s Legacy – Pilates 100 +!