Hello, I am Dorothy Piper
I feel so lucky to have found such passion in my work. It brings me much joy to work with an array of clients and be able to adapt my teaching skills to meet their learning styles. I honor that each individual has unique needs, challenges, and goals. I always strive to push clients to build strength in a fun, creative, and shame-free way.
Dorothy
My approach
I love Pilates. The sequence, history, equipment, and just how good it feels. No, not just after it's done, but during the session. When you pay attention to all the little details (and let's be real, there is a lot!) you are forced out of your head and into your body. It is easy to slip into a state of flow. It's both efficient and effective and has all the best characteristics. It's reliable without being dull. It's creative without being confusing. It's challenging without being dangerous. It's supportive without being overbearing. And it's so much more.
Let's be honest, the fitness industry can be toxic. In many classes, we are encouraged to move faster, use more weight or get more reps in. We are just waiting for it to be over and left feeling like it was never enough and that we aren’t enough. But it doesn’t have to be that way. When you find something that truly enjoy you'll keep doing it.
It is so refreshing that Pilates focuses on quality over quantity. For example, you don’t need to do 20, you just do your best to do five well. Research shows that the way teachers speak to students can impact their self-perception. Choosing an instructor that supports and challenges us is so important. Coming from a HAES background I consciously choose my language, cueing, and sequence to be inclusive and neutral. I encourage clients to check in with sensations as they arise. This promotes mindfulness and helps cultivate body awareness.
Although I am a total Pilates nerd I recognize the prevalence and impact of toxic wellness and disordered eating. Working at a residential eating disorder facility was eye-opening. Becoming an Intuitive Eating Coach has made me more sensitive, supportive, and inclusive in my teaching. I highlight success and de-stigmatize modifications whilst using intentional cueing that promotes curiosity and self-worth.
PS-
I am thrilled that you are here.
And you are here for a reason. The time is now. The person is you. You got this.
Cara
Cara grew up in Central Oregon. She moved to Portland at an early age to pursue her formal dance training at Oregon Ballet Theater, and continued her training at Pacific NW Ballet in Seattle. As a dancer in her teens she discovered Pilates while rehabilitating from a knee injury. She found the full body/mind movement system to be truly beneficial in recovering from injuries but also in enhancing strength and coordination in life. Cara believes Pilates is a great foundation for movement of any kind. She loves bringing awareness to each individual’s body alignment in relationship to everyday movement patterns. Helping people find a connection to their core, while building strength and flexibility throughout the body, makes her happy. She also strives to make each class and lesson fun and approachable, and knows that ANYONE can benefit and heal through Pilates.
Cara is PEAK Pilates certified in mat and apparatus equipment. She is also certified in MAMALATES, a mom and baby pre-natal and postpartum based program. Cara has taught Pilates mat/equipment, barre, and movement classes at studios throughout the Portland area for the past 8 years. She enjoys dancing, music, yoga, traveling, hiking, swimming, laughing and relaxing in the beautiful NW with her family and friends. Cara is also an astrologer and energy/spiritual healing coach, which she incorporates in her daily life and movement practice. “Keep the body and energy moving ” is Cara’s motto!