Nancy Scher

I began my professional life and career as a Contemporary Modern dancer in the 1970’s in NYC. I attended The Juilliard School and Suny at Purchase NY. While at Juilliard, I had the privilege to study with Dr. LuLu Sweigard, a pioneer of the term and method known as ideokinesis. I danced with The Juilliard Dance Ensemble, and worked with modern dance legend Charles Weidman in the company formed for the 25th anniversary of Connecticut College. I also performed in the companies of Barbara Roan, Meredith Monk, and Jude Bartlett, as well as choreographing my own works. After moving to The West Coast, I began to branch out into cabaret, musical theater, and rock and roll; touring with the notable Country Joe (of Country Joe and The Fish.) I’ve been on TV and in movies, done voice-overs, and stand-up comedy.

While dancing in a show I sustained a stress fracture, had foot surgery, and then lived with chronic pain. I massaged, wrapped, iced, heated, and whirlpooled, all the while teaching my own blend of stretch and dance-movement-exercise privately and at Bally’s Total Fitness, where members began approaching me asking if I taught Pilates. Curious, I began my research of local Pilates instructors, and began practicing Pilates in 1992, with an emphasis on re-hab for my foot. I was impressed with the concentration Pilates required and the beautiful principles of fluidity, breath, and control. My foot began to feel stronger and more stable. The simple act of walking improved. I began my studies with The Method from Physical Mind, and then continued with instructors certified by Marie-Jose Blum. After moving to Oregon, I trained at Pacific Northwest Pilates in Portland, and was certified by STOTT PILATES® in 2008. While living in Corvallis, I taught group mat classes at OSU for Faculty and Staff, at Hewlett-Packard in their fitness facility, and at Timberhill Athletic Club.

Always a student as well as an educator, I have continued to take workshops and add other modalities that enhance my teaching. I am a longtime meditator, yogini, an avid researcher of how the brain and body work. I am currently in the last year of the 4 year Professional Feldenkrais program, and am an Authorized Awareness Through Movement® teacher. By no means a Classical Pilates instructor, I draw from my rich varied background, committed to waking up your body’s innate intelligence. I stand on the tradition and philosophy of Joseph Pilates while honoring his spirt and creat