Life & Work with Amy Taylor Alpers

Today we’d like to introduce you to Amy Taylor Alpers.

Hi Amy, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today.
It’s been 33 years since we opened, so there’s a lot to tell. We launched our business in 1990. My sister and I had been dancers and dance teachers in NYC, then moved into Pilates. We were lucky enough to study at the source – Romana Kryzanowska, our teacher, was the direct heir to Joseph Pilates’ work.

We pride ourselves on our connection to the history and lineage of this work. We have been offering Pilates private sessions and small group classes on all the Pilates equipment ever since. In addition, in 1991 we established the very first formal comprehensive teacher training program in Pilates. To date, we have over 1000 graduates teaching around the world.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
The entire world of business and Pilates has completely changed since we began, so the learning curve has been non-stop. When we started, we were still writing correspondence on stationery and sending it with stamps! All our record-keeping was done on paper.

We have had to redesign everything slowly over time with the advent of computers, email, online scheduling, payment, texts, websites, and now, social media. In addition, this has led to an international component, since we could then teach lessons and teacher training around the world online simultaneously.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
Both my sister and I were ballet dancers from a very young age. She has now retired from our Pilates business, but I continue to run both the local client-based studio in Boulder and the international teacher training programs.

I attended The Juilliard School for Dance and then completed my BA and MA at NYU. I have a Master’s in Dance History. I danced and taught dance in NYC, then transitioned into Pilates, which is the perfect second career for dancers.

Risk-taking is a topic that people have widely differing views on – we’d love to hear your thoughts.
My entire company was created through a challenge to change the world! Our mission is to heal the world by empowering to transform their health and “Return to Life” through Pilates.

And through our commitment to this larger-than-life goal, we have created a worldwide network of clients and graduates. It was one huge risk. I never viewed myself as a risk-taker, but starting and owning your own business is nothing but risk-taking. It pushes you way past your comfort zone over and over again.

Pricing:

• Private sessions – $80-$105
• New Client Special Packages – vary
• Classes – $22 – $27

Contact Info:

• Website: www.thepilatescenter.com
• Instagram: @thepilatescenter
• Facebook: @thepilatescenter
• Youtube: @the pilates center, boulder

Image Credits
Eleanor Williamson