I was classically trained in ballet, modern and tap and contemporary dance. I was attracted to a new course in Dance Movement Therapy which developed & broadened my interest in making dance accessible to all.
I qualified as a Dance Leader and as a teacher in Further Education delivering adult education courses for 6 years. I’ve worked with a variety of ages and abilities in many different settings, including taking my work to India.
I began taking Pilates classes to complement my dance work, training with Polestar to teach this Method in 2007. This led to the development of 'Pilates in Paradise' specialist holidays in India, where I combine two of the great passions in my life.
I'm currently based in SW Cornwal delivering classes & private tuition to a range of abilities including those in rehabilitation, post operation or injury. My youngest client began her training with me prior to receiving an offer to study with the UK's premier ballet company & become a 'Royal Ballet Junior Associate'.
I'm continuing my professional development this autumn by studying in London with Polestar Pilates UK to teach the Pilates Studio repertoire.
I hope you’ll want to join me in discovering this safe and effective exercise form.
TESTIMONIAL
'I studied Pilates with Emma for several months in Goa, India in the year 2009. From the beginning she was very specific with my wishes and needs in regards of my practice with her, which were to have a more toned, balanced and strengthened body with good co-ordination. I had not done Pilates before but as a yoga teacher I realised after the first class how good this technique is for the body and it's structural well being.
Although it was only after moving to another place and having attended classes with different teachers that I understood that it is not just Pilates but the style of Pilates that Emma teaches that makes the real difference. In the private classes it was possible for Emma to really pay focus on my alignment helping me with long term problems such as a long lasting neck pain and a twisted hip.
As an acupuncture, shiatsu and yoga therapy practitioner I recommended my clients with injuries to go and see Emma to learn a tool that can save them from years of pain and expensive visits to various therapists, just by strengthening the core of our own body and so easing up the work that the rest of the body does. It's not surprising that ice hockey players, dancers, footballers and athletes have taken up Pilates to enhance their performance.
Emma's aligning eye is spot on and through the quality of her delivery, her love of Pilates is apparent and whether it is therapeutical, health or visual aspects that one is after, I wouldn't hesitate at all in sending my clients and friends to go and see her or take classes with her myself if ever the chance comes up again!'
Jenni Saukkonen
Natural Health Therapist
'As a hairdresser I’m standing all day and Pilates has made me much more aware of my posture and positioning. It’s had a dramatic effect on my shoulder, which after under going an operation was left weak, with considerable discomfort. I now have more strength, movement range and less pain, not only in my shoulder but also in in other parts of the body, like my knees. After ten sessions I’ve noticed a measurable difference - I’m loving it!'
Sarah Checkley - Salon owner.
'Pilates has helped me to reverse the effects of sitting for 6 months after my accident. It has stretched out my hip (flexors) and has worked on strengthening all the muscles my legs as well has teaching me core stability. Emma’s teaching has been invaluable in learning the exercises and I will now be able to continue them for myself.'
Kari Ronningsbakk – Rehabilitation after a fracture to the knee.
'I have attended yoga and keep fit classes for over 5 years in order to keep at bay the lower back pain that I suffer from due my 20 years in the construction industry and being an innapropriate shape for the job I do.
All of these classes have driven me mad with boredom until I started attending private sessions of Pilates with Emma. I had about 4 or 5 months of 1-1 lessons and then moved onto a 1 hour class once a week. The only time I experience pain now is when I don't attend class, something that happens at least once a month but I still feel welcome at the lessons and I'm not treated as an outcast because Pilates is not my whole life(this was often the case at various yoga classes).
As well as the health benefits I really appreciate the VERY well structured 1 hour lesson early in the evening.
I see these classes as swapping a small amount of time and money for good health, a bargain.'
Karl (The Rigid Roofer)
More comments from students:
'Training with Emma has not only allowed
me to be excited about exercise for the first time in
my life, it has also changed my entire body shape,
posture and attitude towards my health.
I cannot recommend her enough.....'
Helen Knox - PA to Touring Artists
'I suffered with severe back pain for the first
time in my life last year and thought that I
was going to have long term problems.
Emma tailored a Pilates exercise routine which had
immediate beneficial effects. Now I feel stronger in
my lower back and feel no pain from the injury.'
Steve Russ - Surfer
'As an older exercise fanatic & tap dancer I find that
Pilates gives me core strength & protects my lower
back. Emma is calm & understanding of my needs,
tailor making the sessions to my abilities.
I really enjoy her classes.'
Val Pilling (67)
'In my 1:1 sessions with Emma I noticed an
immediate improvement in my core stability,
pelvic floor & general muscle tone. A year after
having my baby daughter I now feel inspired to
continue weekly Pilates sessions as a means of
returning to full physical fitness.'
Michelle Gaskell - Professional dancer & teacher