One of my community classes over the past 4/5 years has been teaching at Icknield School with their 16-19 year olds. Initially, when I was asked to help out in an area I had never experienced before, it was quite daunting. Icknield is a Special School in Andover for children and young people with severe learning difficulties. Teaching Zumba Dancefit at the front of the class while they all stood very still and stared at me! Over the next few months they slowly joined in each finding their favourite songs. Then they asked me to expand and teach some Pilates, my initial thoughts were what??? and how???
3 Different Types of Pilates Focus
I started by introducing some easy movement and mobility exercises which they responded to well, allowing me to learn more about how their individual bodies worked. We continued with the mobility theme adding exercises to help them each in the best way needed for their body. The next year group were mostly sporty boys who by the end of the term had learnt 3/4s of the original 34 Pilates Mat moves. It was totally unexpected that I took this direction with them, but they were amazing! They smashed it! This past year, the focus has been on neuro training, including balance training and coordinating opposites with control. Along with exercises for the relaxation of the nervous system allowing them to stretch and open up to create larger movements, again with full control.
Teaching these unusual young people has been so rewarding, it’s been great seeing their improvements whilst challenging my own teaching skills. The diversity Pilates has to offer is mind blowing.
If there are any Pilates teachers interested or looking for a rewarding direction to their career, this could be a good choice. I would be happy to chat and share everything I have learnt, you can get in touch here. I’m sure there are many other schools with special needs or adults who could benefit from Pilates in the same way as the Icknield pupils.
Party Time
The last dance class of the summer term was so far removed from those first classes. There is no longer a class of statues, everyone mingles, teachers included. Always with one or two (or ten) kids joining at the front to take the class alongside me. They have all learned the dance routines so well. Today as I looked around the room during Danza Kuduro (oi oi oi!), it reminded me of being at a party! Late into the evening when everyone’s inhibitions have been dropped and the dance floor is packed with enjoyment! Quite surreal for a Thursday afternoon
I’d like to thank all the awesome pupils and staff at Icknield, you really are amazing! It has been a pleasure. See you again in September.