Client Spotlight: Gail's Story
Gail Halpern, P10 client since 2003.
Gail has been a steadfast fixture at Pilates on 10th since the very beginning. Anyone who frequents the studio these days would most likely recognize her as a committed member of the P10 community.
What may be lesser known, is that Gail has been an avid participant in a variety of the eclectic movement classes that have defined Capitol Hill (and the surrounding neighborhoods) in Seattle for decades.
A 3rd generation Seattleite, Gail is getting ready to celebrate being 83 years young this March (2025)! She has been passionate about the arts (and specifically dance and ballet) for darn near every single one of those 83 years.
Gail began dancing ballet when she was 6 years old, and even as her childhood dream of becoming a ‘professional ballerina’ faded, she admirably refused to leave her excitement for dance and movement behind.
When did you first hear about Pilates? Tell me the story:
Because I was a ballerina, aspects of Pilates have been known to me from a young age, and then as an adult I started to explore other types of movement. I practiced yoga, took ballet classes at Cornish, and then I met Bill Monroe who was teaching African Dance at Spectrum Dance Theatre. Classes were held down in the old bath house on the water in Leschi. It turns out that Bill had studied Pilates in New York City under Romana Kryzanowska who was a direct protege to Joseph Pilates! Pretty neat.
At some point a friend recommended Metropolitan Pilates to me at some point, and I think that’s when I really first tried Pilates classes. I went there for a while and some of the instructors were very good! But there was a lot of turn over, and I was seeking more consistent connection.
I was working as a dental hygienist at the time that Pilates on 10th was recommended to me—one of my patients I had known for years said I should give it a try! It was new, and right in my neighborhood. I immediately connected with Amie and Melissa who were both Cornish dancers. Having that common background really allowed us to work well together. I also worked with an instructor at P10 that was a yoga teacher, and she helped me realize how well yoga and Pilates complement each other. Finding the studio has helped me connect my present with my past, continuing the history of movement I’ve carried with me throughout my life. I have been hooked on Pilates since the day I started here!
What goals do you have with your Pilates practice, have they changed over the years?
I have always wanted to find a way to maintain the flexibility and strength I developed as a young dancer. When I started Pilates I thought ‘okay, yeah this will work!’ It really is a great system that can support you at any level as you age.
There is a funny story about the moment I knew Pilates was helping me maintain my ballerina body… My love for the arts led me to stay very well connected with the Pacific Northwest Ballet, the Seattle Opera, and other local arts programs over the years. Just recently I invited a friend to join me at the ballet, and as we were standing in the aisle to let the other people file into their seats a man sitting behind us leaned over to ask if I was a dancer! He said I stood like one, and I was proud—my spine was really supporting me in that moment (thank you Pilates)!
Describe your relationship with the studio over the years: how often do you come in, who have you enjoyed working with, do you attend private sessions, classes, both?
I have been attending weekly private sessions regularly for more than 20 years now at Pilates on 10th. I’ve been through a change of scenery when the studio moved into a new building up the block, I witnessed a change in ownership when Kim took over from Amie, and I even survived being a client during a global pandemic. I came back to the studio in person once it was safe after deciding during lockdown that I just couldn't do the virtual sessions.
There have been many instructors that I’ve built a strong connection over the years. I usually gravitate towards those with a dance background, but I’ve also learned a lot from some of them who have different backgrounds as well. A special shout out to Amie who way back in the beginning really fostered my love of Pilates, and then Melissa, and later Alissa, and most recently Chris for keeping me going, and really just understanding what motivates me.
What would you tell someone who was thinking about trying Pilates? Have you ever brought friends or family into a session at P10 before?
Definitely. I have recommended Pilates to my sister, and some other close friends over the years. I always say, “Pilates? You need to try it!” I let them know that I’ve tried a LOT of movement and exercise classes over the years but Pilates is the best for helping you strengthen your core, and build healthy posture. It really gets your body moving and will make you feel stronger and more confident while walking through life.
You’ve seen a lot of changes to P10 over the years. Is there a level of community support that keeps you coming back over the years no matter what?
Yes definitely, the community at Pilates on 10th is so important. When Kim took over and Amiee left I’ll admit I was sad and somewhat skeptical. Change is hard! I was like well, we’ll see… and then she really dedicated herself to keeping the community going. Kim got into it, like 200%. She’s never not excited about Pilates.
I was impressed, and I’ve stayed loyal to the studio through the ups and downs ever since, because watching how Kim handled taking over the studio and surviving through Covid… she made it possible for everyone to continue. And it’s a testament to how much this community really believes in Pilates.
Gail is a shining example of how practicing Pilates helps you live your life to the fullest. Make sure to say hello next time you see her in the studio!
And remember that at ANY age, Pilates can help you discover the power of movement, connect with your community, and bring joy to your everyday life.