Hello, I am Dorothy Piper
I strive to create an environment where movement feels challenging and empowering, but also creative, enjoyable, and completely shame-free.
Dorothy
My approach
I love Pilates—the history, the equipment, the precision, and the way it brings you fully into your body. When you focus on the details, it becomes easy to find a sense of presence and flow. Pilates is thoughtful and effective, creative without being chaotic, challenging without being punishing, and supportive without being overbearing.
I’ve worked in the movement and fitness industry for more than 10 years, including in larger group studio settings. Over time, I’ve found that I do my best work in a more intimate environment. Small-group teaching allows me to offer the kind of individualized attention, thoughtful progression, and personal connection that I value most. I want clients to feel known, supported, and appropriately challenged—not lost in the room.
I believe movement should build strength and confidence without relying on shame, pressure, or the idea that more is always better. Pilates offers a refreshing emphasis on quality over quantity, and my teaching reflects that. I’m intentional about my language, cueing, and programming, with an approach informed by Health at Every Size principles, intuitive eating, and my experience working in a residential eating disorder treatment setting.
My goal is to create a welcoming, inclusive space where clients can work hard, move with curiosity, and develop a deeper connection to their bodies. I want Pilates to feel challenging, empowering, and enjoyable—and like something you genuinely look forward to coming back to.
P.S.
I am thrilled that you are here.You're 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!