About
Ariel R. Cohen is a certified Pilates instructor, movement practicioner, and dancer based in Berlin since 2010. Her experience includes 22 years as a professional dancer, teaching Pilates across the US and Germany since completing her certification through Ellie Herman in 2004, and 5 years as a movement therapist in a chiropractor’s office in the U.S.. She worked as an adjunct professor of dance and anatomy/kinesiology at Smith College, Amherst College, Mount Holyoke College and Keene State College in the U.S and has taught movement to actors and dancers at State Theaters throughout Germany. In Berlin she teaches at an array of studios and with clients privately in their home.
As a teacher she is interested in refining alignment in the body and discovering the small muscles that support larger movement. Her lessons are safe for all bodies, of all ages, at all times in life. Everyone is welcome!
Education:
Smith College, MFA Dance, 2007;
Amherst, BFA English Literature, 2000;
Ellie Herman Pilates Studio, Pilates Certified Instructor, 2004;
Amherst School of Massage Therapy (300-hour massage course); 2005 Ellie Herman Pilates Studion (100-hour Rehabilitaiton Course); 2003 Ellie Herman Pilates Studio (50- hour Rehabilitation Course), 2009.
The Method
Stability, Ease, Grace
Drawing upon and fusing her knowledge of a wide array of physical and somatic practices, Ariel R. Cohen’s method creates strength and flexibility by working with the idea that healthy muscle tissue must be able to easily fully engage when called upon and completely relax when not in use. By refining alignment in the musculoskeletal system (muscles and bones), the body’s natural movement pathways open up and an ease of movement is achieved. Combining techniques of Pilates, massage and her experience as a dancer, the body’s natural alignment is restored and not only does pain dissipate, but the body gains strength and flexibility previously unimaginable. This work is wonderful for those who want to become stronger, longer and more flexible. It is perfect for people who have back/neck/hip and other joint pain, are prenatal or postnatal, have ligament injury, osteoporosis, osteoarthritis, as well as professional athletes and dancers.
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The Lessons
It’s all about the client. Every private, duet and group lesson is tailored and adjusted specifically for the needs of the client and is delivered with the utmost care. Transcending the constraints of classical Pilates and calling upon her experience in contemporary dance, massage and rehabilitation, Ariel R. Cohen’s lessons are planned but with room for improvisation to adapt to any client’s needs, with safety always a priority. Because the lessons are bespoke, they are ideal for all bodies and for all ages, through all times of life. Whether in a Berlin Pilates studio or in the client’s home, on equipment (Reformer, Cadillac, Wunda Chair, Barrel) or on the mat,
whether in person or online (private lessons on Zoom), Ariel’s lessons leave the body stronger and more relaxed, the mind at ease and the spirit lighter.
What Clients Have to Say:
"Ariel used her magic to repair my very broken body after my daughter's birth. When I started working with Ariel I was in incredible pain in my lower back due to weak and imbalanced hip and stomach muscles - aggravated by pregnancy and giving birth via c-section as well as intense shoulder pain made worse by carrying my daughter and breastfeeding. She quickly developed an understandable plan to rebuild and realign my lower body while empowering me by teaching me about how the different aspects of my body work together. On a personal level, she is just the balm my soul needed during this difficult postpartum period. I would highly recommend working with Ariel to anyone in physical agony due to the growing, carrying or breastfeeding of a child - or any other pain of daily life. She is incredibly knowledgeable about how the body works and even just a few sessions can give you the tools you need to help you help yourself."
-H.E
"Thank you for the WONDERFUL class. Enjoyed, smiled and laughed during the class as well as after it. Thank you!!! The attention, the focus, the speed, transitions, accuracy of instructions and corrections, the attitude. Hopefully you also train new instructors. Thank you!"
- J.E.
