Issue #447
Wednesday, December 11, 2024
Empowering Inclusivity in PILATES
by Tabatha Russell
Fifteen years ago, I attended @balanced_body Pilates on Tour conference in Chicago, eager to learn, connect, and grow, as I had recently opened my studio.
As a young, enthusiastic instructor, I was excited to be among experts and peers in the field. But from the moment I walked into the conference center, I felt out of place. I was the only Black person in the room, and though I had anticipated a warm and collaborative environment, it was the opposite, I was met with cold stares, unspoken judgments, (ok maybe that was the story I was making up in my head), but there was definitely an unmistakable feeling of exclusion, as no one spoke to me. No one approached her. No one smiled, or even offered pleasantries. The other instructors, predominantly white, conversed among themselves, oblivious to her presence.
Throughout the weekend, I attended sessions, took meticulous notes, and absorbed as much as I could. But I couldn’t shake the sting of isolation. It deepened when I realized that becoming an authorized training center—something that could elevate my career and allow me to open doors for others—was not easily available to me. Opportunities were scarce, and systemic barriers made it clear I wasn’t meant to be part of that inner circle.
But I didn’t let those barriers stop me. Over the next fifteen years, I worked tirelessly, honing my skills, building my studio, and creating a space where people of color could feel seen and supported. Eventually, I achieved what once seemed impossible—at the invitation of Balance Body, I became not only an educator but also the owner of an authorized training center. A place that was closed to me all those years ago now stands as a pillar of opportunity in my community, a space where others like me could train, grow, and create legacy in the world of Pilates.
Tabatha Russell is a Master Pilates Instructor, NCPT, and Balanced Body Master Educator with over 29 years of experience in the healing body arts. For the past 15 years, she has owned and operated a boutique Pilates studio, combining her background as a professional dancer with and her M.A. in Interdisciplinary Arts Education to create transformative movement experiences.
Renowned for her ability to connect with clients, Tabatha offers dynamic group classes that challenge participants while fostering a sense of community and support. Her private sessions emphasize accessibility and personalization, tailoring classical Pilates techniques to individuals of all ages and abilities. Her empathetic approach empowers clients to grow both physically and mentally, making Pilates an inclusive and transformative practice.
Beyond her work in the studio, Tabatha is a passionate mentor, having trained over 100 Pilates educators. She founded the Pilates Professional Learning Community to uplift and support instructors, particularly those from historically excluded communities, by providing mentorship and resources to help them succeed.
Tabatha’s teaching philosophy emphasizes equity, inclusion, and empowerment, meeting individuals where they are and guiding them toward their goals. Her leadership and advocacy for diversity have helped shape a more inclusive Pilates industry.
A former professional dancer with a B.A. in Dance and extensive teaching experience, Tabatha has been featured in Essence.com, Cosmopolitan.com, and TheHealthy.com. She continues to inspire through movement, education, and community, ensuring Pilates is a source of strength and healing for all.
Follow her: @tabpilates @tabpilatesandbodyworkscenterinc https://www.youtube.com/@tabpilates map for the semester: