Bend Contemporary Fundraiser

Pilates with Ali Risdon

Class Description: Come enjoy a Pilates class suitable for all levels. You will experience a fun upbeat flow of exercises targeted to strengthen and lengthen your body. Concentrating on breath and abdominal specific exercises you will feel a better sense of alignment and posture. Joseph Pilates said “ This method is not just about great posture and a rock hard core. It is more than just a physical exercise, and can radically enhance mental, emotional and spiritual well being too.”  Look forward to seeing you on the mat!

About The Instructor: Allison first studied the work of Joseph Pilates with the distinguished Diane Diefenderfer while attending the University of California Irvine, and began intensive study of the Pilates method with master trainer Tracy Fitzpatrick of Aline Studios in Newport Beach, California, upon her graduation with a BFA in dance in 1997. Her subsequent career dancing professionally with Anaheim Ballet, Ballet Pacifica, Metropolitan Ballet and then Nannette Brodie Dance Theatre, where she was a principal dancer for 15 years, has enhanced her work as a Pilates instructor. Ali enjoyed performing through Europe, Mexico City and the States while teaching and continuing to grow as an instructor. In 2000 she began managing the first Pilates studio within a Yoga Works, in Laguna Beach, California. In 2006, Ali and her husband opened their very own studio, Fluid Pilates, and enjoyed running the business until moving to Bend.

Since moving to Bend in 2011, Ali can be found teaching Pilates, Barre and Ballet classes within the community. In 2022 she began dancing with the local Bend Contemporary Dance company. She is also certified in BBarreless, Barre Above, and is involved  in a Pilates/Barre platform with professionals such as Tracey Mallett, Erika Quest and John Garey.  Ali enjoys drawing on her applied knowledge of dance and Pilates to help make a difference in the lives and bodies of all her students!