Biography & Class Description

Jon Owen grew up in snowy Buffalo NY, where he was initially trained as a vocalist.  Following his passion for music he moved into the world of music theatre where he began to study movement.  He then moved west where his college career at Baldwin Wallace Coservatory of Music in Cleveland OH, led him to train with some of the most prominent artists of the field, including an apprenticeship at Ann Reinking's Broadway Theatre Project.  Relocating to NYC, Jon explored his performance career, working regionally across the continental USA.  While training in between contracts Jon was dragged... literally dragged into Jeanette Palmer's mat class by a friend who had recently suffered a major dance related knee injury and been referred to Pilates by the New York City Ballet physical therapists.  

Immediately finding a connection not only with the work but with Jeanette Palmer, Jon passionately continued with an intensive study of the mat work.  This practice lead to Jon's training as a Certified Mat Instructor through the LindaFit School. Under the tutelage of Linda Farrell and Jeanette Palmer, he studied the specifics of Joseph Pilates' method and practices.  He now teaches the mat repertoire throughout the island of Manhattan and continues his mentoring relationship with the two female pioneers of the field.  His experience includes private and group classes at Body Strength Fitness, Namaste Yoga Center, 10 Barclay Tower, Penn South, The Metropolitan Montessori School, Columbia Graduate Medical School, The CUNY Graduate Center, and New Dance Group.  

Jon is a proud member of the Actors Equity Association.

Pilates

Throughout the class, participants are introduced to and refine their knowledge of Joseph Pilates' techniques and practices. Sculpting the body and increasing flexibility, the method specifically focuses on strengthening the core,simultaneously maximizing mobility and comfort of the spinal column.  Truly embracing the open class designation, each practitioner works at their own level to achieve a greater sense of physical awareness.  The class engages all ages, body types and special populations... not just dancers and women!  With a focus on the humor in life this 90 minute session moves along with a wonderful pace and a great sense of fun!