Wendy Freeman, Pilates

Wendy Freeman has been teaching Pilates for nearly 20 years. Certified through Physicalmind Institute, she brings a wide range of experience to her students. She received a Bachelor of Fine Arts from Northwestern University in Children’s Theater and Speech Education, and a Master in Fine Arts in acting from Boston University. She performed extensively as an actor, singer and dancer in the Artist in Residence Program for the City of Chicago, under Mayor Bilandic. Her television credits include hosting and acting in the CBS children’s television show, “The Magic Door.” She also was a program host, producer and announcer for the Chicago NPR radio station, WBEZ.

Her background in modern dance, theater and education, combined with years of competing in triathlons, enhances her ability to teach her clients joy and strength in everyday movement and to create more fit and functional bodies. In addition to teaching private clients and group classes, she has also trained and certified Pilates instructors. Pilates is part of her family heritage, as her uncle and aunt were students of Joseph Pilates and had one of his first wooden home reformers.

Elizabeth Lapena, Pilates & GYROTONIC®

 Elizabeth Lapena, a native of California, began dance training at the age of 5 years old, ranging from ballet, modern, jazz, and Filipino folk dance. She furthered her classical dance training at the Kirov Academy of Ballet in Washington D.C. where she graduated in 2005. In 2006, she joined Inland Pacific Ballet in Montclair, CA where she danced for three seasons performing classical and contemporary repertoire.

In 2009, Elizabeth wanted to pursue a higher education and explore more of the contemporary dance world. She furthered her dance education at Alonzo King’s LINES Ballet/ Dominican University in San Francisco, CA and in 2011; she graduated with honors with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree. During her time in San Francisco, Elizabeth worked with Bay area choreographers and performed professionally with Project Agora and Dawson DanceSF.

 Elizabeth was first introduced to Pilates and GYROTONIC® through her dance training. She found both movement systems to be beneficial not only to her dancing, but to her overall health and well-being. After an ankle injury, she wanted to share her knowledge of the work and decided to pursue teacher training.

In 2008, she received her Pilates certification through Body Arts and Science International at the BASI headquarters in Costa Mesa, CA. Elizabeth was introduced to GYROTONIC® during her time in San Francisco and trained under the direction of Master Trainer, Debra Rose. She received her final certification in 2011 in Miami, Florida.

 Since moving to Chicago, Elizabeth has enjoyed working with a wide range of populations that include working with people rehabilitating from an injury or realizing movement potential in their bodies. She is inspired seeing other people practicing the art of movement through Pilates and GYROTONIC® and loves seeing her growth through them.

Dara Pogoff, Pilates

Dara was introduced to Pilates while pursuing a degree in Dance and Choreography from Columbia College Chicago.  She soon noticed the benefits, from improving her dance technique to enhanced mental clarity.   She first studied a classical method through FFC in 2013.  She then went to train at Pilates Chicago in 2014, and is currently continuing her studies through the Pilates Center (Boulder) Bridge program. She is also a licensed Massage Therapist, graduating from Cortiva Institute in 2010.  Her approach draws from both Eastern and Western methodologies.  This helps with her awareness of anatomy, posture, gait function, and meridian/energy pathways when assessing clients.  Dara also holds a Personal Training Certification through American Fitness Institute and has taken courses through PTX Therapy, in addition to teaching a variety of Dance styles to both, children and adults.  She enjoys working with a wide demographic of clients and looks forward to continuing the journey.