Get to know our Pilates Instructor Felicity McGee

When did you start Pilates and why? 

When I was 15, Linda Gamblin, who is now Sydney Dance Company’s Head of Conditioning, came to my ballet school and taught me Pilates whilst I was recovering from an ankle surgery. She recommended I go to a Pilates studio that she knew. The instructor I saw became something of a mentor and really helped support me in my dance training, making it possible for me to successfully audition for schools overseas.  

 Why did you decide to become an instructor? 

I was passionate about understanding why my chronic ankle injuries had endured despite my dedication to rehabilitation with my physiotherapists and Pilates instructors. I sought out as an instructor, determined to have a deeper understanding of chronic pain and ended up working for a Breath and Posture Physiotherapist where the focus was on teaching people how to embody efficient movement and posture in their day-to-day lives.  

Working with non-dancers forced me to recognize that many of my habits as a dancer were not only inefficient dance-wise, but also in my day-to-day life. I felt I had an epiphany about all my training and was so excited when the opportunity to work with young dancers came up. It meant I could utilize all my personal experience and knowledge in an impactful way. I also really enjoy working with non-dancers as it consistently challenges me to think differently and relay the beauty of movement into everyday living.   

What is your favourite thing about instructing? 

Making people feel heard. Chronic pain can feel extremely isolating and something that I understand personally. It’s an honour to be able to listen and guide people towards freedom of movement. 

What is your favourite exercise to teach? 

It’s always changing based on things I discover with each person. Right now, it’s an exercise on our Trap Table called ‘Swans’. It basically releases the back. Some people are so locked up in their upper bodies that they find it really difficult to isolate their lower abdominals and lower glute muscles which are some of the most important connections to find for efficient movement and to progress your Pilates program. This exercise helps make that connection possible for many different bodies. 

What do you like doing in your spare time? 

When I’m not trying to fit in my own exercise routine I’m normally cuddling with my house-trained rabbits! My partner and I adopted them about 2 years ago and they are the cheekiest, sweetest things. I would also really love to try a new dance style like hip hop or JFH so I might try one of Sydney Dance Company’s intro courses.