Ali Townsend

Born in Tunbridge Wells, U.K and trained at Elmhurst Ballet School from age 10. I was awarded the Adelaine Genee silver medal in 1978 and took my first professional dancing contract at the National Ballet of Portugal as a corps de ballet member age 16. I worked my way up through the ranks to perform principle roles with London City Ballet and English National Ballet, taking a year out to dance in the West End in the original cast of Phantom of the Opera. I was known as Princess Diana’s favourite ballerina.

During a successful and privileged 20 year career of gruelling touring around the world I sustained several injuries. Fortunately, early on I was initiated into the pilates method guiding me to understand my body and the importance of intelligent, efficient movement.

I decided to retire at the peak of my profession and use my experiences and knowledge of pilates and the body to work with fellow dancers. I took on a 2 year apprenticeship under the guidance of Hana Jones, my guru teacher, and worked alongside her at her studio in Central London until I moved to Wellington in 1999. I immediately set up a studio at the New Zealand School of Dance and 3 years later I opened The Pilates Studio.

I have had the privilege of working with the dancers at the Royal New Zealand Ballet and the New Zealand School of Dance for 12 years, continually upgrade my knowledge with training from The Pilates Foundation UK and influencers in Australasia. With every new skill and technique learned, I stay true to the pure fundamentals of Joseph Pilates to maintain the congruency and depth required as a teacher.

Pilates is a journey which takes time and requires commitment and discipline. “Pilates is not just a set of exercises, it is a daily practice, a way of life” J.P.