My Journey: From Dancer to Fletcher Pilates Teacher
My path from the dance stage to the Pilates mat wasn't a straight line. It has been a messy, honest, and incredibly rewarding process of unlearning and rebuilding.
A candid moment from an impromptu photo shoot. Sometimes the best things happen when you just go with the flow. This reflects my journey as a teacher, learning to embrace the unexpected.
This is a memory from 2020, practicing Fletcher Barrework online in the middle of the night. It was challenging, but it reminded me of the joy of exploring incredible movement material just for the love of it.
This photo was from the very first Pilates class I taught in 2017. I was full of self doubt, and only two people showed up. But over the years, I have learned to trust my skills as a teacher, and that has been my biggest success.
A short, playful video showing my love for movement, both in the studio and at home. It is a little hello to everyone and a re-commitment to sharing my practice.
Moving together with a friend and fellow teacher. We both love to teach, but sometimes it is tough to keep going. Coming together to move helps us remember why we started.
A behind the scenes look at a content shoot with two of my most consistent online students. I loathe shoots, but they made the day so much fun and it was wonderful to bring our virtual connection into a physical space.
"Pilates is complete coordination of body, mind and spirit." I translated this famous Joseph Pilates quote into Hindi and Kannada because I believe this practice should be accessible and understood by everyone.
About this collection
When I taught my first class in 2017, I had exactly two people show up. I was terrified I didn't know enough, and that I'd fail. That taught me that teaching isn't about being perfect, it is about connecting. If you are looking for a teacher who will actually explain why your body moves the way it does, rather than just shouting cues, that is where I come in.
My shift into Pilates started when I was injured. I was a dancer, and suddenly, I couldn't move the way I used to. Finding Fletcher Pilates in Arizona changed everything. It wasn't just about 'getting fit' or hitting specific aesthetic goals; it was about the Fletcher lineage, percussive breathing, and understanding how the spine actually works.
Returning to India, I felt like an outsider. Most Pilates studios here were focused on other methods, and I was the only one teaching Fletcher. I spent years doubting myself, wondering if I knew enough, and struggling to run a passion-based business. I have had workshops canceled and classes with a single student, but those moments forced me to refine my teaching.
I stopped trying to sell weight loss or 'perfect bodies' because that isn't the truth. My classes in Bangalore and online are for people who want to understand their anatomy, improve their posture, and find strength in movement. Whether you are a dancer, a yoga teacher, or someone who has never touched a mat, I am here to help you connect with your body on your own terms. We will work on the tiny muscles, the alignment, and the breath—the stuff that actually helps you feel better in your daily life.
Akshata Joshi
I am Akshata. I am not a fitness guru or someone who has it all figured out. I am just a dancer-turned-Pilates-teacher who believes movement should feel good, not just look good. My classes are a place to figure out your own body, messy bits and all.
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