ILKA dance Pilates

Ilka started her academic training at the Flemish Dance Academy in Bruges (Belgium) and moved on to Rotterdam (Netherlands) to continue her study at Codarts, University for the Arts. Here Ilka earned her Bachelor degree in Dance Education in 1997. Ilka went on to Chicago and New York City (United States) to specialize in Jazz and Tap Dance. She received several scholarships from the Gus Giordano Dance Center and learned from the legendary Master Teachers Gus Giordano, Matt Mattox and Frank Hatchett to name a few. Her performing credits include various musicals, modern/theatre dance productions, films, television and industrial shows. Ilka works nowadays also as a devoted teacher and choreographer. In addition she specialized in Pilates and became a fully certified Pilates trainer through Power Pilates in New York City. In 2012 Ilka became a PMA® Certified Pilates Teacher and was invited to become a Teacher Trainer for Power Pilates and Vbarre. Ilka truly understands the art of teaching and knows how to communicate with her students. She passes on her knowledge in an uplifting and nurturing, and at the same time, challenging way that helps her students to develop their skills and know-how. Ilka is bringing her experience, creativity, passion and humour to this profession, by doing so she inspires many in the dance and Pilates field. She is on the faculty of different schools, academies and travels as a guest teacher. Pilates Classical Pilates that honors the integrity of the original method developed by Joseph Pilates. A system of exercises designed to progress in a seamless fashion advancing from one movement to another on all pieces of apparatus: Mat, Reformer, High Chair, Wunda Chair, Cadillac, Barrel, Magic-Circle and Ped-o-Pull. This total-body conditioning exercise system uniformly stretches, strengthens and heals the body through proper movement. Focusing on strengthening the core, specific movements are performed against and with the assistance of spring tension, gravity or both. Utilizing the six principles you will transform your body and mind.