Following Pilates’ death in 1967, his wife, Clara, penned a now-famous letter to the studio’s noteworthy disciple, Ron Fletcher. In this letter, Clara Pilates wrote, “There is far to go with this work – this work is in your blood and you are the man to create and develop it from this point on. Go and do!”
Although Fletcher declined Clara’s subsequent offer to direct the original New York Pilates studio – opting instead to open his own studio in Los Angeles – he has done far more than just carry the Pilates torch. Obviously, Joseph Pilates’ vision for and development of his work ended when he died. And loyal as she was to her husband’s talents, Clara Pilates steadfastly insisted “This is just the tip of the iceberg” and “Just stay true to the A-B-C’s.”
A gifted dancer, choreographer, and teacher, Ron Fletcher kept that notion foremost in his mind as he continued to lend his own vision, sensibility and genius for movement to the original Pilates method.
Fletcher Pilates® evolves directly from the original method taught to Ron Fletcher by Joe and Clara Pilates. Combining the principles and precision techniques of classic Pilates with his extensive modern dance background, Ron Fletcher developed an organic, flowing and artful series of movements – deeply engaging the body, mind and breath – that are as challenging to perform as they are satisfying to master. While staying true to Pilates’ origins, Fletcher developed his own innovative Fletcher Towelwork®, Fletcher Floorwork®, Fletcher Barrework™ and Percussive Breathing™ techniques creating an even more comprehensive movement experience.
Movement should be approached like life –
with enthusiasm, joy and gratitude –
for movement is life, and life is movement,
and we get out of it what we put into it.
Ron Fletcher
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Jacqueline Ethier, Pilates Space Co-Owner, had the privilege of studying directly with Ron Fletcher for a decade before his death in December 2011 at the age of 90. Jacqueline’s studies with Ron had a profound effect on her teaching and on her growing success in business. Ron chose Jacqueline, among a select few, to be a disseminator of his work. Jacqueline is proud to pass on her knowledge to the next generation of teachers. She keeps Ron’s work alive in Canada with the support of her husband and studio Co-Owner Charlie Ayoub and their dedicated staff of teachers.