What is Pilates Umbrella?

Pilates Umbrella is a workshop company. We offer a range of continuing education workshops and masterclasses appropriate for professional movement teachers – most of whom are Pilates teachers.

What Pilates Umbrella is not

Pilates Umbrella is not a Pilates studio (as it had been from October 2004 – 2006). We do not see clients. We are not a Pilates teacher-training company. Our focus is on continuing education workshops only.

Who attends our workshops?

Pilates Umbrella events are open to the whole Pilates teaching community, no matter where one has done their training. While most of our clients are professional Pilates teachers, the workshops are open to anyone for whom the material is appropriate and of interest. We have had yoga teachers, dance teachers, massage therapists, physiotherapists, osteopaths, and other bodywork and movement teaching professionals attend our workshops. If someone feels that the workshop content is of interest, and that it will enhance or extend their professional practice, they are welcome to attend. Occasionally there are prerequisites to attend a given workshop – please check the workshop description to determine whether or not there are any restrictions based on prior training.

There is nothing to join – you simply book for the events you wish to attend.

Why is continuing education relevant and important for teachers?

For one thing, attending workshops provides the movement teacher with an opportunity to receive feedback and inspiration – whereas normally they are mainly giving feedback and inspiration to others. Having a chance to receive – to be nurtured, motivated, and stimulated by new ideas and information – can be invaluable to the hard working teacher who may become drained and depleted over time by constantly giving to their long list of clients.

Further, movement teachers and bodyworkers, like any highly skilled craftsmen, have at their disposal a range of tools to be used for a variety of purposes on a variety of materials. These tools must be maintained, cleaned, sharpened and replaced over the years. Sometimes an amazing new tool becomes available that you’ve never heard of before! Movement teachers must also make sure that their tools are sharpened, honed, and working properly, in order to be as effective as possible in creating change and learning in others.

On a practical level, many Pilates teachers need to undertake continuing education hours to maintain their certification. Pilates Umbrella can be used as a source for these continuing education hours.

What else do I need to know?

Pilates Umbrella is interested in creating community and inclusiveness. We view our events as opportunities not only for practical learning, but also to create friendships and have a good time sharing with like-minded people in a safe and supportive environment. We always extend a warm welcome and we hope you’ll have fun!

Anything else?

Yes!

Living Abroad

Director Elizabeth Anderson now resides in Miami, Florida. However, she is still programming and marketing Pilates Umbrella events, assisted locally by Pilates colleague Gaby Dempsey in London, and Claire Sparrow in Leeds. Most London events are now held at The Light Centre, Belgravia.

How did our name come about, and what does it mean?

We liked the concept of the ‘umbrella’ as a cover that extends over and encompasses many similar elements – in this case, Pilates teachers coming from a range of different training schools. We also extended the idea of the ‘umbrella’ to include the idea that we can offer Pilates workshops, but also a range of other workshops that complement the practice of Pilates – this can include communication skills, anatomy studies, and other movement techniques as well as subjects like how best to deal with taxes as a freelancer.

Finally, our name was inspired by Director Elizabeth Anderson’s friendship with Val Bourne, CBE, Founder and Director of London’s ‘Dance Umbrella’ festival from 1978 – 2006. This annual London festival ranks among Europe's leading international dance festivals and the organisation is recognised as one of Britain's most adventurous dance promoters presenting an annual festival as well as regional tours from overseas companies. We admire them and what they stand for, as well as all they’ve achieved. We were delighted that Val gave her blessing for the name ‘Pilates Umbrella’. Pilates Umbrella recently supported Dance Umbrella’s production of ‘Ocean’ by the Merce Cunningham Dance Company at the newly refurbished Roundhouse (10/06).

Where are we located?

As of 2007, Pilates Umbrella will offer events in a range of London venues. Always check the details for each event to find out its location. As we no longer operate a Pilates studio, there is no need for us to maintain one. Many of our events simply need a vacant studio space with no equipment, and when we need a fully equipped Pilates studio, we hire one for the occasion.

We do have a central London address where we receive post and faxes. This is for administrative purposes only – please do not go there! We won’t be there!

The details are:

Pilates Umbrella
145-157 St. John Street
London EC1V 4PY

Tel: 0870 246 1800
Fax: 020 7788 3429
Email: info@pilatesumbrella.co.uk

How do I book a workshop?

See our workshops page to find out more!