My partner, John who is a retired Military Officer, asked me a question a year or so ago that spurred a discussion on the difference between Classical and Contemporary Pilates. John, being from the military world and me, being from the Pilates world — I was left to do my best to give an answer to him about the differences. A question that, as you will see, I am not skilled enough to answer.
Military Officer John (MO JOHN): Why are some of the classes in this workbook listed as Classical Pilates and some are listed as Contemporary Pilates?
Karena: It just means that either the instructor teaching the class was trained in a classical or contemporary program.
MO JOHN: So there are two different kinds of Pilates?
Karena: Yes. No. … Sort of… I guess.
MO JOHN: Which are you?
Karena: I was trained by a contemporary school.
MO JOHN: Why did you choose contemporary?
Karena: I didn’t really choose contemporary. I didn’t even know there was a classical or contemporary difference when I was choosing a school or when I was going through my teacher training program.
MO JOHN: Ok, then why did you choose the school you chose?
Karena: Because it was close to where I was living.
MO JOHN: Is that how most people choose their schools?
Karena: I’m not sure. It could be. I mean if someone is just trying to get trained to teach Pilates and they don’t know anything about Pilates history and it’s convenient to study with the school that’s closest, then probably… Maybe. Maybe there are people a lot smarter than me when it comes to choosing their education.
MO JOHN: So back to my question… Are there two different kinds of Pilates.
Karena: I told you. Sort of. Maybe.
MO JOHN: It seems like an easy question, SB. [I can’t reveal what SB stands for, because you and I, we don’t know each other well enough yet].
Karena: It’s an easy question. But the history behind that question is very, very long and I’m pretty sure I don’t know or understand all of it.
MO JOHN: Try to explain.
Karena: No.
MO JOHN: Ok, then tell me this. If there are two different types of instruction listed does that mean some people prefer one over the other?
Karena: Yes. Usually.
MO JOHN: Do they not like the other?
Karena: Oye. Honey. Can we talk about something else? Your question is giving me a headache. Have you seen Gus T. Basset Hound? I think he needs to go to the beach.
MO JOHN: Haha! It can’t be that bad! It’s Pilates! Doesn’t Pilates teach wellness and well-being. Doesn’t getting along with your colleagues kind of go along with that?
Karena: Yes it does. And I found Gus. Let’s go to the beach.
MO JOHN: Okay, so there’s some friction between the two schools. Yes?
Karena: Yes. Take your shoes off. Let’s go to the beach and watch the sun set.
MO JOHN: Well, then why not bring the two schools together? Do you think anyone would resist an event where Classical and Contemporary was being celebrated?
Karena: I think they would love it, actually. I think the Pilates world would love to see the two schools of thought working together. I think that there’s a lot to learn out there where the past friction doesn’t help. But if you don’t get a move on, the sun will set without us.
MO JOHN: Then we should plan an event. Celebrate the two schools.
Karena: What event? Hey, have you noticed that Gus is looking good? I think he’s the fittest basset hound on the planet. Olympic-Level Hound Dog.
MO JOHN: A teaching event for Classical and Contemporary Pilates.
Karena: Okay, you plan an event. I’m watching the sunset.
MO JOHN: Okay.
SUNSET ENSUES. WE BRUSH OFF THE SAND AND BEGIN TO WALK HOME.
MO JOHN: How does September sound?
Karena: For what, My Love?
MO JOHN: For the Classical-Contemporary Event.
Karena: What? Are you serious?!
MO JOHN: You told me to plan it.
Karena: You did that while we were watching the sunset?
MO JOHN: Well, there was nothing else to do.
Karena: Honey, you should do more Pilates. And quiet your brain.
MO JOHN: I’ll do that. But the event is already planned. Will you be one of the teachers?
I’ve had a lot people ask me how the idea of putting The Pilates Bridge™ got started. In a nutshell, this conversation was it. MO John loves to plan and he doesn’t like to wait. If he gets an idea, he runs with it. So here we are. It’s probably a great thing for me, I mean the part about his getting an idea and running with it… How else would I be able to pry a military guy out of Washington DC and to the beach of Southern California. I’m a very lucky Pilates gal.
Karena Thek is a Master Pilates Instructor with a passion for managing pathologies in the Pilates setting as well as disseminating information for those who are ready to change. Her work has led her to author, OsteoPilates, Increase Bone Density, Reduce Fracture Risk, Look and Feel Great! (2003) and Scolio-Pilates, Exercise for Scoliosis, A Pro-Active Guide (2011). In addition to her books, she has numerous webinars and free YouTube videos on the topics that she teaches. Karena is the host of a women’s health talk radio show, Alive & Well Radio on AM1220 KHTS. You can listen live from anywhere on the planet atwww.hometownstation.com. She previously hosted Pilates for Healthy Bodies on PBS (2009-2011). And when she’s not teaching, writing or thinking about Pilates? You can find her on FaceBook and Twitter posting pics of daily adventures with her partner John and their furry little child, Gus T. Basset Hound.