See Joseph Pilates in Rare Film Footage!
This 70 minute video/DVD will give you an excellent example of the early years of Pilates exercise and of the teaching style of Joe and Clara. A bonus is included of Ted Shawn, the famous modern dancer, exhibiting enormous strength and facility.
Pilates is shown teaching both group and individual lessons in his New York studio as well as at Jacob’s Pillow where he taught for many summers. So influential is Joseph Pilates to the dance world that he is honored as a founding member of Jacob’s Pillow, the world-renown modern dance school and summer performance venue.
In the 1930’s the method had a more gymnastic look. Joe and Clara refined it over the years. Pilates is continually evolving as knowledge increases about the body’s biomechanics. This is a fascinating and rare look at a true master in action!
To view samples of the video click here.
History of the DVD
At the opening of Mary Bowen’s gym, a long time personal friend of Joe and Clara Pilates, Evelyn de la Tour, gave Mary a gift.
Joe and Clara had bequeathed to Evelyn reels of their private film collection taken over a 13-year period between 1932 and 1945. Evelyn in turn bequeathed the films to Mary – 2 large boxes of old reels. These reels were edited into this video/DVD.
Mary Bowen is one of only five remaining Pilates teachers who studied directly with Joseph and Clara Pilates.
“This is a special treasure, compiled from personal films of Joe and Clara made between 1932 and 1945. They were entrusted to me in 1981 when I opened my larger, Your Own Gym studio, in Northampton, Ma.” – Mary Bowen
The DVD or video is $64 (shipping & handling included) in the US, and $67 outside the US. To order click here.
I have not reviewed this video of early film footage of Joseph Pilates teaching one of his earliest students and famous modern dancer, Eve Gentry. Eve became an influential Pilates teacher. Her legacy is now carried on by a school of Pilates known as Core Dynamics.
I will be reviewing this in the near future. In the meantime the video can be purchased here.