Get To Know Joanna: Elixr Pilates Instructor
How long have you been practicing Pilates for?
I have been practicing Pilates for 19 years, and teaching Pilates for 16 years.
How were you first introduced to Pilates?
Pilates was beneficial for reducing injury and maintaining strength when I was a professional dancer. Rachel Crompton actually introduced me to Pilates. Rachel and I met in 1999 at the Moulin Rouge audition in Sydney. We spent 6 months dancing together in Paris and have been friends ever since.
How were you introduced to Elixr?
Rachel had been teaching at Elixr for some time and invited me along to class. I loved it! As a dancer, the Pilates movement really resonated with me. I was nearing the end of my dance career and so I began my Pilates studies.
What were the most exciting things you achieved in your dance career?
I was very fortunate to achieve many wonderful moments in my dance career. A highlight was dancing the Can-Can in Paris at the Moulin Rouge, the audience loved it! It was really quite magical. Prior to working in Paris I also lived in Japan in my early 20’s touring with a dance company which was incredible. I then went on to work on a cruise ship which literally travelled the world. My dance career afforded me many wonderful moments!
What style of dance did you enjoy the most growing up?
I really enjoyed all styles of dance, except hip-hop. I wasn’t built to move that fast! I found classical ballet and contemporary the most enjoyable. I don’t dance anymore except for the odd occasion when I bust out a few moves in the lounge room with the kiddies.
What do you love about teaching at Elixr?
The members. I have worked at Elixr for 16 years. Many of the members have become friends. We ask about each other’s families and talk about our kids. It is the members who make up the wonderful Elixr community and make it really enjoyable coming to work.
What do you love to do in your spare time?
I have two kids; Harper my daughter who is 10 and my son Finn who is 8. So there is a lot of ballet, soccer, karate, swim lessons and social engagements. I don’t have a lot of spare time but we love going to the beach and going for bike rides. We usually spend some time at the park with friends on the weekend.
What’s something we may not know about you?
Something you all wouldn’t know about me… I met my husband when I was 21. I’m 46 so I think that’s impressive!
