Ballet Terms and Baby Cakes

Last week I was chatting away to an old friend about how popular Pilates has become since we first practiced it all those years ago. I actually started when I was just 17 years old as a young ballet dancer who needed to strengthen up and overcome an imbalance in the spine - scoliosis. 

Back then, Pilates was relatively new to London, and I remember it being referred to as 'Body Control' - a term derived from Joseph Pilates's original name for his exercise method, Contrology. Fast forward to today, and Pilates's original work has moved on and developed quite considerably and, as a result, there are now different interpretations, styles and methods of teaching that have evolved...mine included.

Whilst I do really enjoy upholding the tradition of Pilates, I also think that it is really important to create beautiful movement patterns and emphasise quality. I focus on mobilising the joints, as do many other typical methods of teaching, but the ballerina in me also likes to encourage activating and lengthening muscles for more dynamic moves and to sculpt a more long, lean, strong and toned physique. By the end of class we have all 'grown' and lengthened by at least a couple of inches!

These are some of the ballet based terms that I also use to describe arm and / or leg positions. These apply whether standing, sitting or lying down:

 1st Position (Arms & Legs)   2nd Position (Arms & Legs)      3rd Position (Arms)

4th Position (Open arms)      4th Position (Crossed arms)    5th Position (Arms)

And now for something completely different...... Baby Cakes!

Yes it's true....I am going from ballet terms to baby cakes! Just before our recent half term break there was a little bit of chat about cake baking in those 10/15 minutes before the start of class, and I was totally inspired to bake again after many many years. Then Claire (of rosemary and raisin bread fame) told us that she makes baby cakes....just enough for one or two people. Absolutely perfect for when you would rather not bake a whole cake or be quite so indulgent! So, if you would like to have a go at her recipes all you need to do is click on the link below for her baby cake creations. If you are wondering about the size of tins that would work, Claire used some that measured 13cm by 6cm.

Click HERE for your recipes!

 Cherry and Almond     Light Yorkshire Parkin     Chocolate Hazelnut

So, going back to Pilates, if you too would like to grow a couple of inches after just one hour in one of my classes, all you need to do is get in touch! I will look forward to hearing from you.

Just click HERE to send me a message via my contact page.

Enjoy!