Although we lost first-generation teacher, the great Ron Fletcher, this past December, his memory will forever live on in the hearts of the Pilates community. Here, some of his students reflect on their time spent with the master visionary.
My Note to Ron
Ron was the real deal. He carved an authentic and true path with his life. As the zen saying goes, “A road is made by someone walking on it.”
You were the master. You were the road. You were the way forward. Thank you for bringing me with you.
Love, Kyria
PASSING THE TORCH
Having been selected to participate in the first Balanced Body University’s Passing the Torch exclusive Pilates mentorship program, I am honored to have studied with first-generation Pilates master, Ron Fletcher.
I was saddened to hear of his recent death. Though, I was so grateful that I had just had a lively phone conversation with him the day after Thanksgiving. We talked about his techniques and concepts. We talked about his life. How grateful he said he was for his full and wonderful life! He humbly acknowledged the work he leaves behind and he spoke of his deepest respect and love for Kyria Sabin, who carries on his message. I told him that most significant to me was the gathering of people from fourteen countries who came to his 90th birthday celebration in May, 2011, as part of the First Fletcher Pilates Conference in Arizona. I described that, as I attended the conference presentations, I would often hear a voice or two speaking another language quietly translating the presenter’s material. However, when I attended the classes, there was no need for translation. Students from around the globe gathered and simply moved together—beautiful movement influenced by him. And you could feel this sense of profound love. It was quite amazing. Ron got excited listening to me on the phone and responded, “Yes! I could absolutely feel the love and joy of each individual in the room! I could feel it!” And I said to him, “Ron, that is because that is what you attract: love and pure joy of movement.” —Anne Willett Curran, Chattanooga, TN
MY EARLY DAYS WITH RON FLETCHER
A lot has been written lately about the late, great, Pilates elder Ron Fletcher. He was an innovator, a charismatic man, a genius and an inspiration to all. But those of us who were lucky to know and work with him in his heyday in Beverly Hills have some fun stories to tell.
It was the early 1970s, and I was the “kid” on the block. Just out of UCLA, I discovered the Ron Fletcher School of Body Contrology through a magazine article, and I fell in love with the work. I did not like aerobics, but I loved to move. Ron was a mover. I loved his classes, his technique, and his philosophy. Although I was not a dancer, I felt like one without being one. Ron was a modern dancer. He incorporated that technique into his studio and classes. Floor classes were his domain, and it became mine as well. The Reformer seemed too static, too rigid. Ron’s floor classes were more flowing, more intuitive. I loved it—and still do to this day.
We had every celebrity of the 70s you could imagine: Katharine Ross, Ali MacGraw, Ann Margaret, Barbara Streisand, you name it. Heck, we were charging $75 for a private session back then! I quickly discovered that being a movie star did not mean living a life without problems, or without having body issues. Ron’s staff made sure the other clients were well taken care of. We loved Ron, we loved the work, but I was always a bit in awe of him.
I am grateful I started with Ron 35 years ago. He will never know, but he gave a 22-year-old, young girl a great life, and “eye popping” experiences. —Risa Sheppard, Los Angeles, CA
The following notes from Pilates teachers around the world flooded Kyria’s inbox, with expressions of sympathy, grief, and, of course, pure awe at a life so well lived.
Thank you, Ron, for passing along your beautiful spirit and joy. It was an honor to have known you and to learn your work. But most of all, teaching me about the breath and the importance of it. You will always have a place in my heart. Rest in peace, Ron. —Brittany Young, Phoenix, Arizona
Ron has completely changed my life. Thank you for sharing your passion with us. Ciao, Ron. —Cinzia Galletto, Rimini, Italy
Thank you, Ron, for teaching this world how to STAND and MOVE. Your SPIRIT will always inspire my BODY, BREATH and MIND. —Jerry Teo, Singapore
I’m grateful and blessed to have known and studied with Ron. His life’s work was filled with courage, conviction and perseverance. But, I will miss most his warm smile and his infectious joy and enthusiasm for movement. It was tangible every time…thank you Ron! —Catherine Anderson, Half Moon Bay, CA
Ron, I will never forget you. I remember the first time I met you. It was a magic moment, as it was each time I saw you. I was pleased to learn and study with you. I’ll never forget. You changed my life. Thank you, Ron. Love you. —Corinne Marinez, Brittany, France
There is a piece of my heart that belongs to Ron, filled with pure joy, a new courage, and most of all, gratitude for having had the chance to learn from this amazing man. Thank you, Ron. —Brenda Lim, Manilla, Philippines
The world will miss the bright light of Ron. Thank you for inspiring so many of us to live and work with joy for movement and life. —Devon Welsch Scheuer, San Antonio, TX
We lost one of the world’s sweetest people. He was an extraordinary teacher, mentor and FRIEND! —Bonnie Grebe, Boulder, CO
Ron was not only a great teacher but a great person, able to convey with generosity, joy and passion, his precious legacy. Ron will always be present in our hearts. —Mabel Cabrera, Madrid, Spain
I am blessed every day by the wisdom and example of this extraordinary man who I am honored to call my mentor. Moving with him in wordlessness remains one of the great joys of my life. I will continue to pass on to my clients the incredible experience of conscious movement. —Susan Salk, Palm Springs, CA
Ron was fortunate to be surrounded by a group of individuals who understand the importance of his contribution to the Pilates community. He passed on knowing that his work will not be lost. Thanks to all of you—a great gift. —Linda Foster, Rome, Italy
For me, he was kind, deeply spiritual and a true artist. I thought he was wonderful and the only thing I could do to show my appreciation was to knit him cozy socks in his favorite color, red! —Alexandra Pennisi, Long Island, NY
May he rest in peace, and dance again in heaven. —Jillian Hessel, Los Angeles, CA
We will all miss Ron. —Ken Endelman, Balanced Body, Sacramento, CA
Please accept my deepest and most sincere condolences on the passing of a dear friend, mentor and great teacher. It is coincidentally my son Elan’s 11th birthday today. This amalgamation of joy and sorrow indeed exemplifies the cycle of life. The youth will continue carrying the flame and passing the torch—as Ron would have wanted it. I will be sure to donate to an animal charity and think of the many wonderful stories Ron shared about his beloved animals. —Rael Isacowitz, BASI International, CA