Erskineville » Dance Directory

The MG in mg Pilates stands for Movement Guidance. Our bodies have an incredible range of movement, and, if trained properly, can truly surprise us. Rarely, however, are they strong, stable, well aligned and optimised to their full potential. Injury, illness, inactivity, childbirth – there are plenty of reasons why our bodies might not be strong enough to achieve what we want from them…

And that’s where we come in. At mg Pilates we aim to teach you how to strengthen and stabilise your body’s spine and joints – with optimum use of your core muscles – by teaching safe, thorough and professional classes that are tailored to your needs.

Studio Opening Times

Monday: 06.30 – 20.30
Tuesday: 06.30 – 20.30
Wednesday: 06.30 – 20.30
Thursday: 06.30 – 20.30
Friday: 07.30 – 12.30
Saturday: 07.30 – 12.30

Roula Kantarzoglou, Pilates Practitioner, Wellness Advocate from MG Pilates
Can you talk to us about your journey with Pilates, when it began and why and how you came to where you are now?
As a professional dancer training in 1986 I discovered a Pilates studio upstairs and stood amazed at how quickly my technique, strength, endurance and flexibility improved. I knew then Pilates would be a major part of my life. In 1999 I became certified in The Pilates Method when Romana Krysanowska, a protégé of Joseph Pilates first came to Sydney. Romana always stated “Pilates is good for the whole body darling“. Throughout the years I studied Yoga, Kinesiology, Alchemy, Chiropractic, EFT, Franklin Method and continue to research the latest science based information on all things alternative/energy medicine. This knowledge and what seemed like a full circle in 2011 when I completed my Professional Diploma in Polestar Pilates, I came to fully understand Romana’s statement in terms of the holistic philosophy of Pilates.
Why do you think dancers have such an affinity for Pilates?
Pilates is all about a holistic approach to movement and quality of life. An injured client can maintain a high level of fitness and most importantly the positive MIND/ BODY – SPIRIT connection and a pain free movement experience that is paramount with any healing journey. We have non-programmed hormones and glands that are waiting for our instruction to affect our bodies with our thoughts and feelings. Mental and physical rehearsals prepare cells everywhere, poised to work together on demand. People finish a Pilates session feeling refreshed, motivated, with changed perceptions and goals achieved. To witness their transformation is inspiring and gratifying.

Are you able to give us some data in early detection of injury and how this affects the rehabilitation and full recovery process?
Pilates unveils faulty movement patterns. All of these patterns are recorded in the nervous system, as it is the central highway of the body, regulating all muscular movement and communication to multiple systems of the body. It absorbs positive and negative information on an emotional, chemical and physical level from our time in the womb, throughout our lives, to our present day. The nerves originate in the spine and all pass through the solar plexus (core). When the body can no longer compensate for these faulty movement patterns, injuries may occur. The injury or imbalance may present in a part of the body but originates in another. No one part can be strained without affecting other parts of the body. This is the creative, intuitive process the Pilates Practitioner, together with the client, undergoes on the road toward full recovery and healing.

A key principle of Pilates is alignment and joint congruency, also breathing, spinal articulation, axial elongation, all of which stimulate the nervous system to fire up correct muscle and fascia movement and bone rhythms. Imagery is another wonderful tool used in Pilates as it is highly efficient in accessing the nervous system where change occurs.

In this environment a Dancer gains a greater awareness of body in space (proprioception) and ways to move pain free in full range that is not always possible due to gravity. There can be a focus on controlled movements slow and fast using different spring tensions, reaching goals of balance, core and overall strength, stability, injury prevention and healing.

Over the last ten years there is a massive increase in Physiotherapists recommending Pilates to their clients. It is now the norm with science and research upholding the benefits. There is continuing communication between Instructor and Physio for the common goal of their client. Many Physios integrate Pilates equipment in their clinics and some are trained as Pilates instructors. It’s all about the “strategy of healing” as Dr Brent Anderson states (one of the founders of Polestar Pilates).

Pilates has a history in rehab. During WW1 Joseph Pilates attached springs and levers to hospital beds which are now the Reformer and Trapeze (cadillac) to rehabilitate injured soldiers. He held mat classes and those who attended did not suffer the outbreak of influenza that hit the camp. When Jo and his wife Clara arrived in New York they opened their studio and the relationship between Dancers and Pilates began. It was frequented by many dancers and Pilates Elders Carola Trier, Romana Krysanowska, Ron Fletcher, Eve Gentry, were among the dancers who attended for rehab. In my mind Dance and Pilates are the perfect match and an essential element to support the quality and life span of a professional dancer for as long as they dance and beyond.

Roula Kantarzoglou: As a dancer, Roula performed on television, in musical theatre and on stage, as well as training and working with choreographers Ronne Arnold, Jane Beckett, Sue-Ellen Chester, Stephen Page among many.