For the last couple of years I have taken pilates classes with various teachers both here and in San Francisco (where I live) – and Dianne and Tori are really the best there is!

Adore Rodriguez

After trying almost everything that was recommended for chronic and debilitating back and neck pain, I finally found Pilates, which literally gave me back my body and my life. I have worked privately with Dianne for 4 years and really appreciate her great understanding of pilates and trust her intuitive grasp of what will work for me and what may compromise my well-being.

Dianne and Tori have years of training and are always expanding their pilates experience with workshops and advanced training, which they use to keep the classes challenging – and fun! The Blackbird Studio is one of Ithaca’s hidden treasures.
Barbara Davidson

After herniating 2 lumbar discs last year working one on one with Tory Jenis helped me gain strength and a new body awareness I had not known despite having a very physical life. The process restored my body confidence by giving me a way to work with my back issues that increased rather than restricted my safe activity level. Progressing to mat class with Tory’s oversight was a thrill. Pilates is the kind of hard work that brings me immense satisfaction and vitality without fear that I am causing harm.
Kristin Stevens

I have worked with several strength trainers, but Tori is a perfect fit for me as a woman in her forties. Her exercises are well-chosen, the routines are a total-body workout, AND she is a fantastic teacher, emphasizing form, strength, and working at a level that suits me. I feel great after my sessions – like I have done something wonderful for myself and my body. Since working with Tori, I feel stronger, my muscle tone has improved, and (of course) I look better.
~ML

It has been close to four years that I have been doing pilates with Tory Jenis. The journey has been transformational….When I started I barely knew I had feet!

I have never been connected to my physical body, not since I was a child. When I was five I had a disease that prevented me from walking for 6 months. It was very painful and I was carried everywhere.I think that was when I chose to ‘check out’ of my body.I’m 52 now. Tory is an excellent teacher. She is funny. She distracts you when you’re moaning. She has high expectations. She is always asking you to reach beyond what you think you are capable of while at the same time sensitive to places that you may feel restricted by pain, strength or stamina.

I like that she makes direct contact and is touching you as you workout particularly in 1:1 sessions. This connection for me makes it intimate and relational.I like that. For me this really helps me to ‘feel’ what she is describing. It is Tory Jenis who has inspired me to make physical activity a priority and a part of my weekly routine. I haven’t seen a chiropractor since I started!
Andrea Riddle

Pilates is the first form of exercise I’ve ever truly loved. Part of the reason is that it is constantly challenging and constantly rewarding – never boring! The other part of the reason is working with Tory and Dianne, who are always encouraging, fun and tough!

I have scoliosis, and pilates has really helped me strengthen my back muscles and find better balance. I have found many times that when I leave pilates, I have to adjust my rearview mirror, because I am literally sitting up straighter and taller!

It’s also been amazing to me how many other ways I now find myself utilizing my core muscles – biking, lifting, even just walking. It really helps me keep from overstressing other muscles, instead using my whole body to move. For the first time in my life, I feel my own physical strength, thanks to pilates!
Lisa Swayze