Expert Pilates Trainer
Peter Vaillancourt is one of the original Pilates teachers to work directly with Carola Trier (1st generation Pilates “elder” teacher) and Francisco Moncion, the longest tenured principal dancer at New York City Ballet). Upon completion of scholarship studies at the School of Performing Arts CA., Peter was invited to join both the Martha Graham and Jose Limon dance companies. Peter’s personal experience with a severe back injury, however, led him to study a variety of body therapies and create his own style of treatment.
Incorporating techniques from various body movement methods, as well as massage therapy, Peter has developed and integrated, hands-on approach to addressing structural issues with a goal of treating the causes of pain, rather than just the symptoms.
In addition to his Pilates training, Peter is a New York State licensed myo-fascial medical massage and Shiatsu massage therapist. He has studied cranio sacral work with Robert Jokel, PT, and movement patterning, scoliosis with Marika Molnar, PT, for New York City Ballet.
He has worked with and trained such notables as Jerome Robbins, Sean Lavery, Kyra Nichols and Alexandra Ansinelli (New York City Ballet), Natalia Makarova (American Ballet Theater), Keith Martin, Brenda Anderson (Royal Ballet), Sylvie Guillem (Paris Opera), members of the Cedar Lake Ballet, Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre, Kirov Ballet, Joffrey Ballet and members of Paul Taylor Dance Company.
Peter has applied his skills as a Pilates consultant and has established programs at Buchnell University, Royal Academy Mexico. He has also trained teachers who have become proprietors of their own Pilates studios.
Teachers
About Joseph Pilates
JOSEPH PILATES 1883-1967
Joseph H. Pilates was born in 1883 in Mönchengladbach, Germany. His father, a native of Greece, was a prize-winning gymnast, and his mother worked as a naturopath.
Peter Vaillancourt was trained directly by one of the principal Pilates elders, Carola Trier.
OUR CLIENTS SAY
This is the best thing I’ve ever done for my body. It stretches, strengthens, increases flexibility, relaxes, realigns. By focusing on abdominals, it gives a center of gravity. The movements are dancerly, so it’s aesthetically pleasing, and most amazing – it’s never boring.
Age is no reason to lose your shape. The program has increased my stamina and helped avoid injuries. A few months at my desk without it and Yikes! There goes my back…my neck. Resume the program and it’s gone.
The exercises have been extremely beneficial & enjoyable. It helps me maintain a strong, healthy body to meet the demands of performance & rehearsals.
Joanie has enjoyed a long career in modern dance and has been teaching Pilates for over 10 years. She danced with numerous choreographers performing and teaching workshops in the U.S. and abroad. Her training and teaching Pilates started with Peter Vaillancourt in New York City where she worked with young dancers from School of American Ballet and Alvin Ailey.
Mary brings more than twenty-five years of dance and movement experience, from ballet to musical theatre, to her studio. She truly loves helping others fulfill their physical goals, joyfully guiding them to a healthier way of life. She trained and worked for three years with Master teacher Peter Vaillancourt in New York City.