My Journey Through Movement and Pilates

I Found My Ground: My Personal Journey with Movement and Pilates

I have moved a lot on my journey through this world—both physically and personally. Born in France, I moved to Canada at the age of three, where I spent much of my childhood. At 14, I relocated to Germany, and after completing my schooling and training in physical therapy, I moved to Switzerland to study dance art and Eurythmy.

In the midst of my studies, I embarked on an adventure that deeply shaped me. With a small, determined group of two other women, I moved to Egypt to be part of a transformative project working with children, pedagogy, and artistic stage work. It was a bold step, driven by my desire to immerse myself in creativity and movement. However, life led me back to Europe, where I was determined to complete my dance studies. This brought me to The Hague in Holland, but due to unforeseen circumstances—the illness of my main teacher and financial struggles—I had to interrupt my studies. I needed to work, so I returned to Switzerland 21 years ago and began my professional journey as a physical therapist.

Discovering Pilates: A Turning Point

It was in Switzerland that my path took an unexpected and life-changing turn. A client of mine, suffering from a disc hernia and back pain, handed me a book on Pilates. Instantly, I was intrigued. As I read about the method, I felt a deep curiosity and an undeniable pull toward it. When I applied for a new job, I boldly told my future employer, “I just want to let you know—I want to be trained as a Pilates teacher.” One month later, December in 2004, I began my training, and my journey with Pilates officially started.

Movement had always been the foundation of my life—through physical therapy, where I focused on healing, and through dance, where I explored space, expression, and rhythm. Whether performing solo or moving in harmony with others, my body had been my instrument. Yet, despite my deep connection to movement, the many transitions in my life—changing countries, cultures, languages, and surroundings—left me feeling ungrounded. I tried to adapt, to please, to belong, to be accepted and loved. The constant striving took its toll, and by the time I reached 30, I was teetering on the edge of burnout.

Finding My Center Through Pilates

Pilates offered me something invaluable: a way to reconnect to my body and, in turn, to myself. Through its principles, I found my foundation again. I rediscovered the connection between my lower body—my legs, my pelvis—and my upper body, aligning myself from within. As a therapist, I was always giving, always in contact with others, often depleted by the energy I extended outward. Pilates gave me the tools to draw energy back in, to cultivate strength from within, and to realign with my own center.

Not only did it reshape my approach to movement, but it also changed the way I engaged in other physical activities. I had always been active—running, cycling—but Pilates taught me how to move with deeper awareness. I strengthened my pelvic floor, improved my digestion, and became more attuned to my body’s needs. Most importantly, Pilates helped me stay centered rather than losing myself in external demands.

Sharing the Gift of Movement

Today, after nearly 19 years of teaching, I remain deeply grateful for this method. Pilates is more than an exercise system—it is a practice of self-discovery, empowerment, and healing. It has shown me the incredible intelligence of our anatomy and the transformative power of mindful movement. Now, I am honored to share this knowledge with others, guiding them to reconnect with their own strength, balance, and vitality.

Movement has been my constant companion, my teacher, and my source of renewal. Through Pilates, I have truly found my ground—and I hope to help others find theirs too.

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