Giving Thanks
30 years of Fletcher Pilates
To my dearest Fletcher Pilates Family,
Thirty years ago, when I first moved to Tucson, I did so with little more than the naive optimism of youth. But it was an optimism bolstered by the assurance of my mentor and master teacher, Ron Fetcher, that I was fully prepared to take this step.
Through Ron’s transformative Pilates interpretation, I had found my calling. And since southern Arizona had long captured my imagination, I took the leap and moved to Tucson. I could never have predicted at the time just how much they would both ultimately capture my heart. Fletcher Pilates, for the high-spirited evolution of Ron’s vision and the deep wisdom of his infinite inspiration. And Tucson, where I’d arrived as a stranger only to find the desert valley, and its surrounding mountains, whispering to me daily that I was home.
For me, those blessings exist on an order of magnitude bordering on the miraculous. Which may in part explain why I so love November in Tucson. It’s the month of mercy and grace. Mercy for the blessed reprieve from the summer heat, and grace for its formal invitation to acknowledge our blessings. In short (to quote a poem I’ve long admired), November is “an escape into the beautiful.” Or, as Ron would say when his capricious mind had gotten things just right, “now THAT spells MOTHER!”
In the world of Fletcher Pilates it also spells celebration of a unique landmark. I’d launched the original studio, Body Works Pilates 30 years ago in 1993. And the Fletcher Pilates School 20 years ago in 2003. From the perspective of this 20/30 hilltop, it’s both profoundly gratifying and deeply humbling to reflect on all the extraordinary people I’ve been privileged to work with. As well as on the difference Ron’s work has made in the health and wellbeing of the thousands of Fetcher Pilates teachers, students and practitioners around the world.
For all who’ve invested their time and creative energy into our international growth and development, you have my most heartfelt gratitude. That said, at its core, this is now (and always has been) the house that Ron built. And though he’s been gone more than 10 years, the vitality and genius of his spirit remains the engine that drives us. So what better time than in this anniversary year to announce that going forward, Body Works Pilates Studio will become The Fletcher Pilates Studio and it will merge with the Fletcher Pilates School to become a single brand under one umbrella. Since Fletcher Pilates is who we are and what we do, it only makes sense to name it what it is. It’s the right thing to do.
And I could swear as this change was coming into focus, I could hear Ron’s voice saying, “Now THAT spells MOTHER!’
Indeed, it does.
On a personal note, because the world appears to be losing its collective mind, please be good to yourselves. Be kind to your neighbors. Offer a hand where it’s needed. And always, always… remember to breathe.
Blessings upon blessing to you all… with my very deepest gratitude and affection,
Kyria