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Dianne Sheppard

In August of 2006 Dianne became certified by Power Pilates in New York City. Power Pilates, the standard in Pilates education, is world famous for their dedication to the classical style of teaching Pilates. Power Pilates instructors are devoted to maintaining the integrity of the system of body conditioning that Joseph Pilates developed and presenting it in a systematic and integrative way. Many organizations will hire only Power Pilates instructors for that reason. Dianne is proud to be a part of the team at Blackbird who adhere to those principles. Power Pilates is considered by many to be a college for Pilates instructors who know that certification is only the first step in their education. Firmly believing that the learning never ends, Dianne travels often to New York City and around the country to study with the senior instructors at Power Pilates and other leaders in the industry. She is an active member of the Pilates Method Alliance and often attends their annual international conference

Dianne has also been practicing Bikram Yoga and Baptiste Power Vinyasa Yoga for a number of years and sees Yoga and Pilates a match made in heaven.

In August of 2008 Dianne completed Baron Baptiste’s Level One Teacher Training as the first step into a journey of life long learning with the Baptiste staff and community around the world. The Baptiste School also strongly encourages continuing education and offers much in that department.

Dianne has been teaching private Pilates sessions on the equipment and group Pilates mat classes in Ithaca for over 3 years. She has worked very successfully with clients with back pain. She has also worked with yoga instructors, athletes, dancers, and postpartum moms. Dianne firmly believes that Pilates is for everybody. She is intensely interested in the yogic roots of Pilates and is excited to share what the method has to offer with the yoga community. The precision of Pilates core work is great for anyone who wants to deepen their yoga practice. It can foster stability and enhance flow.

Dianne is now also teaching a Power Vinyasa class at Blackbird.