Online Articles
Recommended Books
About Tango Music
Golden Age Starter Kit
If you know of an article or resource that would be of interest to others, please let us know about it by writing to
© copyright Arja Pirinen 2010
"Our interpretation of physical fitness is the attainment and maintenance of a uniformly developed body with a sound mind fully capable of naturally, easily, and satisfactorily performing our many and varied tasks with spontaneous zest and pleasure." -Joseph Pilates
What is Pilates?
The Pilates method is one of the fastest growing exercise methods in the world today. The theory behind Pilates is simple. The proper alignment of the body - head in line with spine in line with hips and knees - allows for optimal health. The goal of Pilates is to allow you to accomplish everyday tasks with ease and mobility, producing functional movement rather than developing strength for its own sake. The exercises focus on strengthening and toning muscles, especially in the center of the body or "core", improving posture, flexibility, balance, and mental focus.
Joseph H. Pilates (1880-1967) developed the Pilates method of body conditioning in Germany about 100 years ago. When he and his wife Clara immigrated to the United States in 1926, they brought the method - originally called "Contrology" - with them. Their studio in New York caught the attention of the dance community, and the Pilates method quickly became an integral part of dance training. Such legends of dance as Martha Graham, George Balanchine, and Jerome Robbins all practiced Pilates and taught it to their students. The method was also used for physical therapy and general exercise.
In the Pilates method, you work the body as an integrated whole; the parts that are not moving are stabilizing. The number of repetitions is kept low, and the emphasis is more on quality rather than quantity of exercise. The idea is that if you perform every exercise using the Pilates principles of breath, control, centering, concentration, precision, and flow, there is no need to do "mindless repetitions" as Joseph Pilates wrote in 1945 in his book Return to Life through Contrology. Instead of adding repetitions and loads as the body adapts, Pilates changes the stress on the body by adding new exercises that require more sophisticated use of the muscles and a greater range of motion.
Pilates and Tango
For years, dancers and athletes have used Pilates to refine strength and technique. Besides improved posture, increased flexibility and proper body alignment, Pilates teaches balance and control, allowing you to initiate every movement from the center of the body. In Pilates you stabilize and mobilize. In Tango, this translates to free legs with a strong axis and good balance, and free rotation of the lower body without disturbing the embrace. The "opposite stretching" principle in Pilates allows you to feel suspended in space, strongly grounded into the floor while still being lifted through the center. Pilates teaches body awareness and better proprioception, knowing where your body is in space and how to efficiently and economically move it through the space. Pilates will enhance your dancing, as well as the everyday activities of your life.
About the Author
A native of Finland, Arja Pirinen currently lives and works in Washington, D.C., where she teaches Pilates, yoga, and GYROKINESIS®, and works as a personal trainer. She has a thirty year span of experience in dance, fitness, and strength training. Arja has been a part of the D.C. Tango community for the past two years. You can reach her at or visit her web site www.pilateswitharja.com.