The Importance of Honoring our Heritage
By Kathy Corey
Heritage is the linking of the present to its original source. To know where we are today, we need to honor the link to our past. No matter what are our differences, we share the common bond of the man who began the path to the work we all teach today. Through the Pilates International Heritage Congress, we honor Joseph Pilates in his hometown of Mönchengladbach, Germany. The purpose of the Congress is to gather dedicated Pilates practitioners from around the world to celebrate the life and work of Joseph Pilates. This year, the Congress brings together a unique group of presenters who are directly linked to Joseph Pilates – each of them studied with a Master Teacher who was privileged not only to learn directly from Joseph Pilates but also to have Mr. Pilates’ blessing to teach his work. Along with the original work from Joseph Pilates, this year’s Congress presents the work as it was taught to our presenters and the Pilates work as they teach it today.
The Congress began in 2009 when Lolita San Miguel first visited Mönchengladbach and discovered that except for a handful of people, no one knew who he was. It was then that she made it her mission to erect a monument honoring him. As soon as I heard about this project, I called her to say that I would help in any way I could. On May 7, 2011, Lolita’s dream became a reality and the International Pilates Heritage Congress was born. In 2013, Lolita “passed the baton” to me, knowing I shared her mission and would be honored to be the keeper of the flame.
The Congress is much more than a workshop. It is an opportunity to strengthen our Pilates community through social events and ceremonies. The Mayor of Mönchengladbach and city council members will join us at Joseph Pilates’ plaque for an official ceremony. We will present the European movie premiere of the new film, “A Tribute to Joseph Pilates”. There will be a reception and panel discussion with our international roster of presenters on what they learned from their teachers, who learned directly from Joseph Pilates. The conference promotes the exchanging of ideas and international experiences and the connection to our heritage.
The Congress will be held in the Haus Erholung in Monchengladbach. Translated into English, “Haus Erholung” means “house of regeneration.” This could not be more in the keeping with our philosophy of the unity of body, mind and spirit. The beautiful setting of each room creates an ambiance of revitalization so that we are not just doing Pilates but feeling it as well. It is a special place in which we can renew our spirit and embrace our passion for our work.
There are no words to express the feeling of being a part of this event. The stories and history of Joseph Pilates’ life comes alive as you experience life in his hometown. It is a return to his home and an honor to bring his work back to the place where it all began. It is a return to our roots that grounds our foundation as we grow into the future. Joseph Pilates did not receive the recognition he deserved when he was alive. Uniting our communities from around the world in his birthplace recognizes his accomplishments and pays tribute to his genius.
For more information visit our website www.pilates-heritage.com
Kathy Corey is a Master Teacher who began her career with the Pilates Technique in 1979. She has been the leading expert in the Pilates community for over 30 years. She is the Director of Kathy Corey Pilates. The Kathy Corey Pilates Certification Program is taught at locations across the United States and her continuing education programs are taught in twenty countries. In 2004, she designed the innovative CORE BandTM, which is used in studios around the world. The Core BandTM Mat Class is recognized as an enhancement to the traditional mat exercises.