Political Movements within Pilates: The Classical Movement
The Politics of Pilates: Classical Movement
The Classical Movement within Pilates represents a branch of the discipline that seeks to adhere closely to Joseph Pilates' original work, with minimal modifications to the actual repertoire. This movement is a bridge between the strict adherence of the Historical Classical Movement and the more adaptive Contemporary approaches. While it respects the integrity of the original exercises, it adopts a more relaxed stance regarding the apparatus design and the environment in which Pilates is practiced.
The Classical Approach: Balancing Tradition with Flexibility
The Classical Pilates approach is defined by its commitment to the sequence and essence of Joseph Pilates’ exercises but allows for slight modifications in response to the practical demands of teaching diverse populations today. This includes acknowledging advancements in our understanding of human anatomy and physiology, albeit without straying far from the original teachings. The Classical Movement views these modifications not as deviations but as enhancements that respect the core principles of Pilates.
Apparatus and Environment
A distinguishing feature of the Classical Movement is its openness to variations in the design of Pilates apparatus. While it values the original equipment designed by Joseph Pilates, it also embraces modern adaptations that maintain the essence of the exercises but may offer improved functionality or safety. This flexibility extends to the practice environment, where the Classical Movement supports the idea that the benefits of Pilates can be achieved in a variety of settings, not just those that replicate the original New York studio in its aesthetics or equipment layout.
Training and Certification
Certification programs within the Classical Movement focus on a comprehensive understanding of the Pilates method, covering the full repertoire of exercises with an emphasis on the principles of movement that Joseph Pilates espoused. These programs seek to produce instructors who are well-versed in the traditional exercises but are also equipped to apply them thoughtfully to meet individual needs.
The Debate and Its Implications
The Classical Movement's stance has sparked discussions within the Pilates community about what constitutes the "true" essence of Pilates. By advocating for a balance between fidelity to the original work and openness to adaptation, the Classical Movement has positioned itself as a moderate path, appealing to those who value the historical roots of Pilates while acknowledging the necessity for the method to evolve SLIGHTLY.
Impact on the Pilates Community
The Classical Movement has had a profound impact on the Pilates community, fostering a sense of continuity with the past while supporting LIMITED innovation. Studios and instructors aligned with the Classical approach often find themselves acting as mediators in the ongoing dialogue between tradition and modernity within Pilates. This movement has contributed significantly to the diversity of Pilates practice worldwide, making it accessible to a broader audience without diluting its core principles. However, a word of warning there is a scale on which Classical instructors sit and the more rigid classical teachers who move only small distances from Historical Classical will regard instructors at the more liberal end of the Classical Scale as Contemporary!
Take Away
The Classical Movement within Pilates is a testament to the discipline's dynamic nature. It underscores the importance of maintaining a close connection to the method's origins while recognising the need for limited flexibility and adaptation in a changing world they tend to be more open to modernisation in Apparatus design than teaching method. As Pilates continues to grow in popularity and reach, the Classical Movement offers a balanced perspective that honours the past while looking forward to the future of this transformative practice.
Author: Chris Onslow - Pilates Consultant
Chris Onslow, has run Pilates focussed businesses since 1998. He and his team specialise in supporting Pilates entrepreneurs and business owners. With a rich history of owning and running successful Pilates studios in the UK, and supporting others in Europe and the Middle East, Chris has broad expertise in maximising profitability and optimising operational efficiency. His agency provides top-tier advice on selecting new, pre-owned, and hireable Pilates equipment from renowned brands such as Align-Pilates, Balanced Body or Stott-Pilates/Merrithew. As the founder of Mbodies Training Academy, Chris continues to revolutionise Pilates education, offering premier online and hybrid CPD and qualification courses for Pilates apparatus instruction and special population CPD. Discover more about how Chris can support your Pilates Business or home exercise choices at www.pilates-consultant.co.uk