BIOGRAPHY: Gemma began studying Pilates in 1997. She is a graduate of the Teacher Certification Program at Body Precision Pilates Studio in Rosemont, PA, which she entered in 1999, and joined the staff as a full-time teacher in 2000. She is comprehensively certified to teach on all Pilates apparatus, having completed a 700+ hour training program. She is also a member of the Pilates Method Alliance, and achieved Gold Certified status as one of the first 250 teachers certified by the PMA in 2005. Gemma received her initial exposure to movement as a teenager, studying classical ballet and modern dance with the Lori Ardis Ballet Company, in her hometown of Media, PA. Subsequently, she pursued training in theatre, and holds a B.A. in Theatre from Allentown College/De Sales University. Later, this was followed by post-graduate study, in the Professional Actor Training Program at Brandeis University. In addition, she studied acting, speech and movement for many years, with local theatre schools. She was a member of the Voice and Speech Trainers Association, and is familiar with a variety of vocal and theatrical movement techniques. Shortly after beginning Pilates, Gemma resumed studying dance, and took teaching workshops in the Vaganova Ballet Technique with John White, of the Pennsylvania Academy of Ballet. She also began studying gymnastics for the first time as an adult, stemming from her fascination with human movement potential. An avid yoga practitioner, Gemma began taking classes in 2001. Major styles she has focused on are: Kali Ray TriYoga with Kali Ray and master teachers, Iyengar Yoga with Joan White, and traditional Ashtanga Yoga with Amy Gordon. In addition, she has studied the Bikram method of yoga, and taken numerous workshops in various yoga techniques. In 2006, she was certified in Kali Ray TriYoga, and is a Registered Yoga Teacher and member of the Yoga Alliance. She also teaches Ashtanga Yoga. In 2003, Gemma became a Certified Body Rolling Instructor, studying with Yamuna Zake, in New York. At that time, she began offering this technique to her students, as well. In 2006, Gemma resumed horseback riding, a childhood and teenage passion. Beginning with hunter training and now focusing on classical dressage – another classical movement technique, she has also studied natural horsemanship. She believes riding has added a whole new dimension to her movement training, and now has trained animals, in addition to people. In 2004, Gemma opened her own private Pilates and movement practice, and is currently teaching at Privately Pilates in Ardmore, PA. She is motivated by her commitment to quality movement training of the highest standards.
|
