Hi, my name is Olga-Isabelle and I’m a former professional dancer from Sweden teaching Pilates here at GLOW. I was introduced to the method of Joseph Pilates when I was 15 years old in Ballet school, as a way to prepare my body for the physical demand of being on stage. I loved it so much I started to train other young dancers in the academy as a side job. I was lucky to do an internship with our Pilates and ballet teacher Aurica Muntoiu. Working with proffesional dancers and other athletes at the academy taught me the importance of balance between our physical and mental flexibility and strength. Not just for stage, but in life.
At 18 I took the leap and booked a one-way ticket to New York city to train at Broadway dance center, and I found the amazing Ellie Herman studio. It introduced me to American Pilates equipment I had never seen in before and I got to hear stories and attend the course of the ” elderly “, students of Joseph Pilates, and learn how he created his style to help his clients heal from all kinds of injuries.
A few years later my own dance career ended due to a fall on stage, and at the time it felt like my whole world fell apart. To be out of training for year sounded like an eternity and if I couldn’t be the best dancer, I never wanted to dance again. While I was in physical therapy for that year I tried every job under the sun to find a new passion but each time I stopped after a few weeks. Sales, bartending, front desk, until I got the job as a school teacher. Within a week I was giving dance lessons to the children and it organically grew to adult dance and Pilates lessons. I had always seen myself as a dancer, never a teacher so I thought it would be a temporary thing, but more than 10 years later, Im still teaching!
During these years I’ve created a new relationship to dance, movement and my own body. I’m just as inspired with the work of Joseph Pilates and I love to share my passion for movement with everyone who feels the calling to come to class.
At GLOW I’m teaching
Pilates Foundation – a classical Pilates lesson focused on the fundamental principles of Pilates: breath, concentration, control, centering, precision and flow.
Suitable for beginners, post partum or anyone who wants a no-frill class with focus on the movement essence.
Pilates All levels – a creative Pilates lesson where I use props like balls, mini bands and weights to challenge your muscles to improve strength, co-ordination and balance. I recommend to bring a small towel as you work up a sweat.
