The History of Pilates and its contribution in Contemporary Dance

by

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

I would take this opportunity to thank my research supervisor, family and friends for their support and guidance without which this research would not have been possible.

DECLARATION

I, [type your full first names and surname here], declare that the contents of this dissertation/thesis represent my own unaided work, and that the dissertation/thesis has not previously been submitted for academic examination towards any qualification. Furthermore, it represents my own opinions and not necessarily those of the University.

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ABSTRACT

This research discusses the Pilates' method, describing the history of the exercise and where it originated from. Furthermore, the research has explained six major principles of Pilates' method: concentration, centring, breathing, controlling, precision, and flowing movement. the research also provides literature over the Pilates' method and opinion of different authors over the impact of this exercises. Adopting the qualitative method approach, this study analyses the contribution of Pilates' method in contemporary dance. Furthermore, it examines the impact of Pilates' method on the contemporary dancers.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTII

DECLARATIONIII

ABSTRACTIV

CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION1

Research Background1

Research Aims and Objectives1

Research Questions1

CHAPTER 2: LITERATURE REVIEW3

Pilates Introduction3

History of Pilates4

Principles of Pilates6

Concentration7

Centring8

Breathing8

Controlling9

Precision10

Flowing Movement10

The Pilates Method11

Contemporary Dancers13

CHAPTER 3: METHODOLOGY19

Research Method19

Data Collection Procedure19

Literature Search19

Data Analysis20

Ethical Issues21

CHAPTER 4: DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS23

Benefits of Pilates23

Pilates Contribution in Contemporary Dance24

CHAPTER 5: CONCLUSION28

CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION

Research Background

Pilates recognized that motor functions of the brain control the mobility and stability of the body, which activates particular muscles in a functional sequence at a controllable speed and emphasizing on precision, quality and movements control. Regular practice should lead to improved body and self-awareness, relaxation, uniform development of muscles, proper control of mind, enhanced basic stability, posture and coordination, and reduced stress level. People of all ages and levels of conditioning may benefit from Pilates, however, confirming research is lacking. The effectiveness of Pilates is dependent on the instructor's training.

Research Aims and Objectives

The main aim for this research is to analyse the contribution of Pilates technique in contemporary dance form. This aim is achieved through following objectives:

To explore the history of Pilates

To examine the principles of Pilates method

To analyse the benefits of Pilates method

To analyse the role played by Pilates in contemporary dance

Research Questions

The research is based on following research questions:

Where did Pilates come from?

What are the principles of Pilates method?

How Pilate contribute to contemporary dance form?

CHAPTER 2: LITERATURE REVIEW

Pilates Introduction

The method of Pilates' exercise has been increasingly becoming popular because of the profound impact it has on both the injured as well as healthy bodies (LaTouche, Escalante, and Linares, 2007; Bryan and Hawson, 2003). The research studies on Pilates' method considering it as a therapeutic treatment has shown positive results for the patients having back pain and for the people suffering from orthopedic conditions (Bryan and Hawson, 2003; Rydeard and Leger, 2006; Gagnon, 2005; Donzelli, DiDomenica, Cova, Galletti & Giunta, 2006). There are a number of schools of thoughts related to Pilates' method available and easily accessible to trainers and clinicians. The Stott Pilates' method of exercise was developed in 1980s and was explained ...