ABOUTLAURAHICKS
Laura Hicks is an accomplished and fully certified instructor of the Pilates Method. Having studied dance from a young age, she brings over 25 years of training in dance, yoga, somatic practices, and anatomy studies to her teaching. Trained in Vancouver and Santa Fe NM, Laura is certified by master instructor Michele Larsson of Core Dynamics Santa Fe. Laura also spent 5 years as a intern and teacher in training with Canadian master instructor Dianne Miller.
Laura’s background as a dance artist gives her a unique approach to teaching, encouraging each client to move towards his or her own movement potential while emphasizing safety and proprioceptive awareness. Laura currently teaches in TORONTO at Sagrario Pilates and the Integrative Health Institute.
ABOUTPILATES
Pilates is a dynamic system of exercises designed by Joseph Pilates that can be done on the mat or equipment. Pilates is unique from other forms of movement training in that it integrates mind and body, while also focusing on dynamic stability, anatomical alignment and functional range of motion. Pilates is an effective exercise form for anyone – from the elite athlete to the rehabilitation client.
“I absolutely loved your pilates class — it transformed how I think about what pilates even is.” Dr. Yael Harlap – UBC Instructor and Educational Developer.
” I most appreciated Laura’s creativity, her ability as an instructor to respond to the moment, and find the exercise that would “turn the key” and give me a new perspective on how to activate the muscle group.” Caroline Farquhar – Professional Dancer and Dance Officer for CADA/BC.
“From trio sessions with the equipment to mat classes, Laura always sees the whole room. A thorough and insightful teacher, she inspires a true appreciation of pilates and the desire to understand and improve how you live in your body. ” Jane Osbourne, Professional Dancer.
Laura is a strong instructor who fuses her rich background of knowledge and body awareness with intuition.’ Darcy McMurray – Full Circle Pilates Studio Owner, and Professional Dancer.
Taking what works from a variety of approaches, Laura’s teaching infuses her studies and research into a variety of methods including useful imagery and movement theories from: Eve Gentry Fundamentals, Erik Franklin Imagery, Laban/Bartinieff Movement Fundamentals, The Alexander Technique, and Developmental Movement Patterning.
Recognized time and again by her clients for her ability to connect with them as individuals, Laura’s time as a teacher and facilitator of Liz Lerman’s Tool Box and Critical Response Process has had a significant impact on how she interacts with people – working to create an environment where everyone and every body can perform at a high level of expertise regardless of experience or fitness level.
Laura has been an intern, guest instructor, and primary instructor designing personal programs, monitoring groups, teaching private clients and leading both mat and equipment classes at the beginner and advanced level for:
Sagrario Pilates, Toronto ON.
Dianne Miller Pilates Centre of Vancouver, Vancouver BC.
The Pilates Group, Steveston BC.
Boditree Pilates and Healing, Vancouver BC.
Full Circle Pilates and Health, Vancouver BC.
Pilates Unlimited, Vancouver BC.
UBC Recreation, Vancouver BC.
The Dance Centre, Vancouver BC.
Unity Yoga, Vancouver BC.
Laura was able to complete her certification with Michele Larsson/Core Dynamics in Santa Fe, NM with financial assistance from the Dancer Transition Resource Centre.
Photos courtesy of Eric Newby – Newbysplace Photography and Boditree Pilates and Healing.
