Classes this week have been busy and fun!

The theme has been 'looking at shape', created by precise movement.

Merce Cunningham, a Choreographer, sadly no longer with us, once said that to him choreography was about the shape created by space between bodies and parts of the body. He used the space between the spokes of a bike wheel, as an example of such a shape, the spokes creating a boundary, rather than being the focus.

In classes this week we explored Cunningham's choreographic concept with a focus on precise movement, building on already heightened body awareness. In particular the curl up with one arm at an angle and the opposite calf at the same angle in line with the thigh. The space between the lines created by the arm and opposite leg created an oblong with sloped sides.

In the photo above, the space created between the thighs, torso, arms and mat is a square.

These ideas help to improve movement precision and body awareness...

Introducing the Body Centering Pilates Studio

The Body Centering Pilates Studio is based in Co Wicklow, Ireland. There are 11 classes and 10 individual sessions, known as 1:1's, a week. The teachers are Mags Clark-Smith and Ruth Healy, both teachers are members of the Body Control Pilates Association.

Carla Gallagher also works at the studio, in the exclusive treatment room; she is a fully qualified massage therapist.

Ruth Healy has a background in Massage and an exuberant approach to teaching; her classes are fun and challenging.

Mags Clark-Smith set up the Body Centering Pilates Studio in 2004, her background is in Dance. Mags taught Dance, Anatomy and Choreography at University Level in UK, before moving to Ireland in 2002. She taught at a local Physiotherapy Clinic before setting up her own studio. Mags is involved in training Pilates Teachers with Body Control Pilates.

Body Centering Pilates has an Educational philosophy. Mags is a state registered teacher and teacher trainer. Classes and 1:1's are informative, related to functional movement and encourage personal development. They are also great fun!

The views of mountains and sea from the studio are spectacular!

It is so peaceful, a wonderful learning environment.