Martt Lawrence

Pilates first came into my life during ankle‑surgery rehab while I was training at the Houston Ballet Academy. It helped me heal and return as a stronger dancer. Later, as I transitioned from classical ballet to modern dance in the San Francisco Bay Area—performing with Project Bandaloop, Janice Garrett and Dancers, and creating my own work—Pilates continued to support my body. Through every phase of my career and now into middle age, it remains my foundation for balance, strength, and long‑term vitality.

I’m celebrating my 30th year of teaching Pilates. I hold five professional certifications, including two comprehensive teacher‑training certifications from Metropolitan Pilates in Seattle under mentor, Dorothee Vandewalle. I began my training in 1996 with Carol Apel in San Francisco, later deepening my work under Dorothee Vandewalle, with whom I re‑certified in 2005. During that time, I was fortunate to train directly with Romana Kryzsanowska, making me a 2nd‑generation classical instructor. I’ve also studied with respected teachers such as Jay Grimes, Kathy Ross‑Nash, and Peter Fiasca, and remain committed to preserving the classical method.

In 2005, ODC Dance Company invited me to open The Pilates Center of San Francisco inside their new facility. For thirteen years, I ran the studio, mentored apprentices, guided clients, and served as the San Francisco–based teacher‑trainer for Metropolitan Pilates. Before that, I taught at the San Francisco Ballet and Ballet School for five years, working closely with medical professionals on injury rehabilitation. As a former professional dancer with Houston Ballet and Cincinnati Ballet, I bring a deep understanding of movement to my teaching. My work also took me abroad—I taught in Paris in 2004. (Oui, je parle français!)

After leaving the Bay Area, I taught in Portland, including at Oregon Ballet Theatre, and developed expertise in virtual instruction. I now live in Los Angeles, continuing to teach, mentor, and lead workshops throughout California.

I’ve seen how classical Pilates transforms people. I love guiding clients from foundational work to advanced exercises, always honoring each person’s pace.

Come train with me in Beverly Hills at Opus Pilates or at Phoenix Classical Pilates in Santa Monica!