A Ballerina’s Second Act | Miko Fogarty | TEDxBerkeley

Thanks Miko Fogarty for sharing your story! It takes courage to make that decision - to change the course and pursue one's passion. Just I took that leap of faith some 9 years ago. Aspiring to use the knowledge and experience acquired through anatomy courses, Pilates training, and various courses to contribute back and help the dance community. My way of loving dance.

Dance and Sports Science - Gjuum

Brilliant! Take the time to watch this!

Completing the year 2015

This year has been a fruitful one, fulfilling on a personal and professional front.

Taking stock of what I have done / completed for the year, as we are about to bid adieu to year 2015.

In the first quarter of the year, made some progress with the Gymnastics Strength Training foundation course which I signed up for, and attended the workshop in which Coach Sommer, President/CEO of GymnaticBodies.com, personally came to coach.

I kicked my butt to find the time to resume ballet classes - something which I had procrastinated for the past 2 years. So, finally some time mid of this year, got around to dancing once again! And what's more, learning a different style of ballet this time - Vaganova! Having done the only the R.A.D syllabus, it's a refreshing start. Discovering the differences in some terms, and emphasis. In case any of you are interested to take up adult ballet, you may look up ballet51.com. Yes, they have Introductory class for adults who are learning ballet for the first time.

Talk about serendipity, workshops related to/for dancers were up this year! Going with my intuition and the flow of time of events - I signed up for them!

Lisa Howell, owner of Perfect Form Physiotherapy in Sydney came to Singapore for the first time in September! It was a good 3-day workshop - reminder of how crucial the fundamentals are, as well as learning some other tools and exercises from a Physio perspective.

Concluding the year with one final workshop by Karen Clippinger. I flew across the globe to BASI Pilates studio in Costa Mesa, CA in November. Her textbook Dance Anatomy and Kinesiology which was released in 2007 has been used by many universities.

I loved her repertoire of exercises - from Matwork with Thera-bands, on the Fitball, and across various Pilates apparatus! The exercises looked deceivingly simple and easy, but they certainly are meant for dancers - improve their range and strengthening!

The benefits of good posture - Murat Dalkilinç

Here we are, this animated video on why optimal posture is good.

This is why and where Pilates is one of the recommended methods to for improving our posture and alignment. The other benefits include:

1. Increased/Improved body awareness and coordination.

2. Improved core stability and strength.

3. Improved muscular strength and balance

Hence, this resultant improved muscular balance reduces muscle tension. Moreover, we move more efficiently from walking during our day-to-day activities to while participating in sports and/or dance related activities.


Have a fabulous start to August everyone!

Man doing Pilates on the Reformer "The Art Of Control"

Recently, I've posted short video clips of myself doing Pilates on the Reformer on Instagram and Facebook page. However, we don't often see or have videos on men doing Pilates.

So, here's one - showing strength, control and flexibility in all the movements, by Bluebird Pilates Munich. Enjoy!

Happy Sunday everyone!

'Body in mind - the role of the brain in chronic pain'

A physiotherapist explains how our perception of pain - chronic pain, is shaped by prior experiences and previously held beliefs, than actual tissue damage.

He explains it using storytelling, injected with some hilarity. Take a listen.

Pilates Mat Trial class at SMU

If you have been wanting to try Pilates and have not got to it. This is your chance! Come for this Pilates Mat Trial session that I'm conducting at my alma mater on April 13th, 7pm!

The dates and time for the subsequent series of 8 classes will be in the months of May and June, on Thursday evenings at 7pm.

The 8-session programme is a good introductory to allow yourself to experience how you might improve your body awareness and learn the basics of core conditioning.

For more information and registration, you may go to http://smu.sg/pi by 9 April 2015