Fletcher Pilates Lineage

WHAT IS FLETCHER PILATES?

evolved from the source

The international Pilates revolution owes much of its momentum to Ron Fletcher. A 20-year student and protégé of Joseph and Clara Pilates, Fletcher’s organic, movement-based approach to the Pilates method has inspired generations of Pilates teachers and practitioners. As Fletcher Pilates continues to grow in popularity, so too grows the demand around the globe for Fletcher Pilates Teachers. Our state licensed post-secondary school satisfies this demand and ensures the consistency and continuity of the Fletcher Pilates lineage.

In body, mind, breath, and spirit we carry on the work of Joseph and Clara Pilates, as articulated by our teacher, Ron Fletcher. We facilitate this legacy through a continuous transformational learning process. We embody excellence and professionalism as we educate and mentor the next generation of Pilates Teachers in the legacy of this work.

Our curriculum derives from the physical conditioning method developed by Joseph and Clara Pilates in the 1920s and expands to include its evolution and interpretation by Pilates Master Ron Fletcher.

Our school provides one of the most comprehensive and definitive international Pilates educational program of its kind and is the only program endorsed by Ron Fletcher.

Ron Fletcher Pilates History

The story of Fletcher Pilates

About Ron Fletcher

It’s hard for me to imagine how I could begin my life as a boy in Dogtown, Missouri, and end up in New York City with Martha Graham and Joe and Clara Pilates as teachers. I think there is a higher power that leads us to our path, and that perhaps, little is left to random chance. I continue to feel that many of my students are drawn to my work by the same higher power that led me to my special teachers.

Ron Fletcher (May 29, 1921 – December 6, 2011) was an American Pilates Master Teacher, an author and a Martha Graham dancer. He was also a Broadway stage, network television, cabaret and International Ice Capades choreographer. Fletcher is identified as a “Pilates Elder” – a “first-generation teacher” who studied directly under Joseph and Clara Pilates.

Originally referred to Joseph Pilates by a fellow dancer for treatment of a chronic knee injury, Fletcher was schooled in the principles of Body Contrology (the name Pilates gave to his fitness and conditioning method) by Joseph and Clara Pilates with whom he studied – in their New York City studio at 939 8th Avenue on and off from 1948 until one year after Joseph Pilates’ death in 1967.

Though Fletcher achieved significant notice in the entertainment industry for his choreography, he is best known in the 21st century for having introduced the Pilates conditioning method, from its home base in New York City, to the American west coast via his Ron Fletcher Studio for Body Contrology, which he opened May 1, 1972 on Rodeo Drive at Wilshire Boulevard in Beverly Hills, California.

Letters to Ron Fletcher from Clara Pilates

JANUARY 26, 1971

Dear Ron,

Several times I have tried to write to you, but it is no use. I cannot write anymore, if I do you cannot read it. Many thanks for your letters. I was very glad to hear from you. Yes, how difficult it is, no one knows better than I. It takes all your strength, willpower and courage to succeed in that business. That you will succeed I have no doubt, because you are the man for it. Just let me know from time to time how you are getting along, that will make me happy and I do hope you will come to New York soon again to talk everything over with me. So far I am all right and also trust that you are in the best of health. Please try to contact Mr. Cy Coleman in Los Angeles. His New York address is 12 East 39th. He was here for a longtime with us years ago. He recently came for visit.

All my best wishes for you Ron.
As ever,
Clara

MARCH 15, 1971

Ron dear Ron,

It will be difficult for you to read this. My eyes as you well know! I just wanted to have written it. Many thanks for your letter to which I have been waiting for. Finally you could set a date and with all the obstacles, an earthquake on top of it. It needed courage on your part to start up but Ron, you have proven to yourself you are the right man. Now go ahead, the way is clear. Joe and I will be spiritually with you. How he would love to be there. Unfortunately he went only much too early in spite of his age. March the 20th will also open another chapter in the book of your life and this I am sure will be the most important one. I strongly believe it was fate, not coincidence that brought you together with The Pilates- we planted the seed, it grew strong roots! You had faith in it and faith in yourself, now go ahead. The work must and will go on. It will not always be easy as you will meet a lot of apprehensions and ignorance but there is no doubt with your fighting spirit you will conquer. Joe always said opposition is the match that lights the fire. And he was a fighter-, as you well know it. You have many friends and the trust and confidence they have in you will always be a great inspiration. You said you are a strong believer so a Prayer in your faith and mine will be a great support and start everything right.

Always,
Clara

APRIL 26, 1971

My Dear Ron,

Just a short note today, and Marie will be kind enough to write it for me. I doubt very much if you could read my last letter, I know you have no time to figure out my writing. My eyes simply cannot focus on it.

Since the 20th of March I have been with you everyday. I know you will succeed- how difficult it is, no one knows this better than I. I just want to thank you for the folder. It is attractive, precise, and speaks directly.

Ron, I know your time is taken, but whenever possible write me a short note.

My love and best wishes are always with you,
Clara

AUGUST 8, 1971

Ron my dear,

Finally the article could be read to me. It sounds great. Written by a great writer- the name Pilates clearly mentioned. The title Body Conscience Society is wonderful. Sounds aristocratic! Reminds me of my Ancestors- All this is a great step ahead. More writers come, then, articles like this are well paid. The work will be hard and somewhat nerve wrecking. It needs courage and, Ron I know you have it. Sorry Ron, to stress your patience again with my writing but it is the only way to keep the personal touch.

God bless you,
Clara

FEBRUARY 8, 1972

Ron dear Ron,

Just a line to thank you for your letter, which assures me that every thing is all right with you. You are well, that is most important. The studio is going fine, that makes me happy, hard work and many hours, do I know that, Hugh? No one wants to work- same trouble here. My eyes trouble me badly as you can see from this letter, it is getting worse. Ron your letter made me very happy because it arrived on my 89th birthday. Friends made the day very pleasant had many flowers, gifts and cards. The corporation gave me a dinner party. So, I am marching in my 90th – a woman should not get that old and working but, I am feeling fine. Thanks to – Pilates System. Now take a day off to read the letter, I cannot.

Loving Greetings,
Clara

NO DATE

Ron dear Ron,

Wish I could write what is in my mind, but my eyes-

Am thinking so often of you, all my good wishes are with you. I know you are doing well, of course struggle and disappointment is part of daily life and must be coped with. Keep that wonderful spirit of yours up and your head high-

Should you come to N.Y. you know that you are most welcome.

Love, Clara

"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

autobiography

The Early Years in Ron's words

It’s hard for me to imagine…

how I could begin my life as a boy in Dogtown, Missouri and end up in New York City with Martha Graham and Joe and Clara Pilates as teachers.

I think there is a higher power that leads us along our path and that, little is left to random chance.

I feel that many of my students are drawn to my work by the same higher power that led me to my special teachers.

I arrived…

in New York City in 1944 and was able to secure a job in advertising at Saks Fifth Avenue. Shorty after, I attended a dance concert by the Martha Graham Company and I knew that this was where I needed to be. Ignorant of all protocol, I presented myself and persistently waited until I was granted an interview with Martha. She agreed to allow me to study. Looking back, I can see that I had natural physical gifts that one needs for the rigors of dance. Still my study had commenced late for a dancer. I did not have the luxury of years of basic dance classes that prepare the artist for performance. The Graham technique is very strenuous and I began to have problems with my knee. Exploratory surgery was recommended. However, this was very risky and could have ended my career. One of my fellow classmates suggested that I should take myself to Joe Pilates. This is how I began the study of Contrology.

Ron Fletcher Pilates History

Ronisms

It takes courage to move

Let the breath inspire the movement!

No stingy breathers!

Get up out of your hips

The breath is the drumbeat

Gather up your leather!

Work the program

The devil made me do it

Fletcher Pilates Equipment

Ensuring the consistency and continuity of the Fletcher Pilates lineage, Balanced Body provides a full line of studio equipment, including the Fletcher™ Reformer, made to Ron’s precise specifications and based on plans given to Ron by Clara Pilates.

Please direct all Fletcher Studio Equipment inquiries to Nancy Tenoglio at Balanced Body: nancy.tenoglio@pilates.com

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