A Love of Movement: Meet Janet Gilshenan
Elixr Pilates instructor Janet Gilshenan’s love affair with dance started with ballet training at 6 years old and led to an exciting career in contemporary dance. She has performed extensively, both locally and internationally, and co-founded a dance theatre company. She has also been involved with a variety of dance projects, including contemporary dance collectives and physical theatre work.
Janet eventually found her way back to ballet, as both a teacher and a student, and discovered a passion for Pilates in the process. She completed her Elixr School of Pilates Certification in 2009 and has been a member of the Elixr team for the past 8 years.
If you’re a regular in Janet’s classes, here’s your chance to find out more about your favourite instructor!
What do you love most about Pilates?
How good it makes your body feel – stable, mobile and ready for the real world. Pilates can look deceivingly simple to a bystander, yet is incredibly intense for the person doing the exercise.
What aspects of your personality and philosophy do you bring to your classes?
Attention to detail and a love of movement.
You’ve trained through the Elixr School of Pilates. What three words would you use to describe your experience?
Informative, fun and enriching.
What advice would you give to those who’ve just joined a Pilates class?
Listen to your body, it should feel challenging but not painful. Focus on alignment and stability, you may need to move at a slower pace while establishing these foundations. And be sure to let the instructor know if you need modifications for any physical issues before the class starts.
What do you love most about your job?
It’s always a pleasure to come into work at Elixr. The lovely community of members and supportive staff gives me a positive feeling every time I arrive to start teaching.
If you weren’t a Pilates instructor and ballet teacher, you’d be a?
Visual Artist.
What’s your favourite way to unwind?
Walking along the beach, or pathways between the beaches, refresh my body and mind.
What the best thing about living and working in Sydney?
Being close to the sea and having access to so much art, theatre and music.
If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?
I have reached an age where I accept the package that is me! The art (or challenge) is making the most of what I have.
What’s something most of us don’t know about you?
I was in the first team of the Brisbane Broncos Cheerleaders!
What’s your challenge for 2018?
To regain the fitness and flexibility I had as a professional dancer.
If you haven’t tried Janet’s Pilates classes, find one on the timetable and have a go!
