The official Momentum Fest schedule was released, and it is a good one! It is filled with fun and interesting ways to MOVE YOUR BODY!

Below, get to know some of the teachers who will be presenting at Momentum Fest this year. Check out the full Momentum Fest calendar here.

You can also hear from some of the presenters on the @pilatay Instagram TV channel (more). Some of them joined us to talk about their classes and teach us a few moves!

INSTAGRAM LIVE INTERVIEWS ON @PILATAY

AMY TAYLOR ALPERS

AMY’S CLASSES AT MOMENTUM FEST: CLASSICAL MAT PILATES

I chose to present at Momentum Fest because I love this little local event. It’s such a lovely vibe. Everyone is so supportive and open.
People are surprised to learn that I also have an MA in Dance History. I love research and history. I worked in the Dance Collection at the Library and Museum for Performing Arts at Lincoln Center in NYC for many years.
This year, I hope to get back on the road. I was traveling to teach Pilates all around the world right up until the pandemic. In fact, I’d just gotten back from Russia!
You can find me on Insta as @amyalpers and on FB as Amy Taylor Alpers; and follow The Pilates Center as well. Or come visit us in Boulder, CO.

ANDREA MITCHELL

ANDREA’S CLASSES AT MOMENTUM FEST: BREATHWORK AND COLLAGE AND THE BODY AS AN INTUITIVE TOOL

I chose to present Breathwork and Collage at Momentum Fest because I believe in the power of non verbal healing.
The first time I tried Breathwork I thought “What the F**k was that! It was so powerful I knew I needed more of that in my life.
I fell in love with Breathwork immediately. Collage has always been something I have done since I was a child.
When I am not practicing or teaching Breathwork and Collage, you can find me painting, doing magic and somewhere in nature.
My true love is my daughter. My second love is art.
This year, I hope to travel
You can find me in NYC and on Zoom (sigh). Andreamitchellwellness.com or on Instagam at @andreamitchellwellness

BEVIN MUGFORD

BEVIN WILL BE TEACHING RESTORE YOUR ENERGY AT VIRTUAL MOMENTUM FEST

I chose to present "Restore your Energy" at MomentumFest because this last year of isolation in pandemic has taken a toll on our energy reserves - and it's time to refill the tank!
The first time I was introduced to energy management 7 years ago, my mind was blown by the revelation that we don't just have one type of energy that fuels our lives.
I fell in love with energy management when I dug into all the nerdy research and science behind the practice.
When I am not researching or presenting workshops - I can be found moving my body - grinding it out in my weekday CrossFit sweat sessions, slowing it down with weekend yoga/pilates practice or on the trails hiking the mountains of New England (really just little hills by CO standards!)
Besides my love for teaching energy management, I also love to present on Internal Strengths Training (this topic just might pop into our energy conversation at MF too!)
People are surprised to learn that I also research, write and present on grief. I lost my son 3 years ago, and since his death, I have used my voice to help shine the light on the taboo topic of death so people can learn how to offer support and comfort to someone walking a loss journey.
This year, I hope to make more soulful (and sparky!) connections with people across the country through a return to in-person workshops and conferences.
You can find me @bevin.mugford

CHANTILL LOPEZ

CHANTILL’S MOMENTUM FEST CLASSES: WORDS MATTER AD INVITING POWER BACK

I chose to present "Inviting Power Back Into Your Life" at Momentum Fest because because I believe that there is more to accessing our potential that pep talks and cheerleading and generally we're not teaching to that potential. And because there is a way to impact our nervous systems in a profound way that opens us up to taking risks and experiencing not only more empowerment in our bodies but our lives. Going upside down, beginning to trust ourselves, our strength, and our gut is a game-changer. And "Words Matter" because...well, words matter. What we say to ourselves and to our bodies and to others shapes our entire experience. WE, and only WE, can change the story and it starts by understanding how words impact us.
The first time I experienced words and movement I… I have no idea ;) I've never presented Inviting Power Back before, ha! But the first time I presented at MF I was terrified... but that's what I tend to do best...step into the unknown. I drank whiskey, sat on the floor, read something inspirational, took notes on a napkin, and had a pow wow session with my beloved Deb Kolwey and watched her interact with my then 5 year old daughter. It's always scary and always worth it. As for Words Matter...the first time I offered this program (which was originally a 3-month online program I new I'd come full circle and I was beyond excited. As a journalist it was pretty damn fantastic to see my two passions, writing and movement, come together in such a powerful way.
I fell in love with words and movement when… I've just always known that the two most powerful ways I could express myself, my deepest, truest self, were through words and movement.
When I am not doing words and movement, I can be found…riding my motrocycle, with my hands in the dirt, or road tripping with my two little people (or not so little at 15.5 and 7.5).
Besides words and movement my true love is...adventuring with my kids or handful of other beloveds, being in the world, learning, exploring, dancing in the streets, doing unexpected things and loving it.
People are surprised to learn that I ride a motorcylce and have ridden across the country, up and down the west coast, and all over the place...
This year, I hope to finish writing my second book "Teaching (Movement) Matters".
You can find me somewhere ;) but sometimes in Sacramento.

DANICA KALEMDAROGLU

DANICA’S MOMENTUM FEST CLASSES: HIPS DON’T LIE

I chose to present (whatever you are teaching) at Momentum Fest because...
Because when my hips get tight everything else follows. I see it in my clients all the time. We gotta keep them rolling cuz that's what a ball nd socket does!
The first time I tried Pilates, I got mad at how Arthur has taken residence in my right hip due to compensation and misuse.
I fell in love with Pilates when… I'm a mover. I love it all!
When I am not doing Pilates I can be found “Momming.” It's a verb.
Besides Pilates, my true love is dance. Has been always will be. Truth. Pilates was a fallback cuz dance didn't love me back.
People are surprised to learn that I can see your sacrum through your cloths but can't read a street sign cuz my eyesight is terrible.
This year, I hope to get a nap. A whole undisturbed nap. I was busier than ever during covid and I'm long overdue.

ERIKA QUEST

ERIKA’S CLASSES AT MOMENTUM FEST: GET YOUR CORE OFF THE FLOOR

I chose to present my class at Momentum Fest because fun, functional ways for us to train ourselves and clients NOW and forever!
I created it, so it’s kinda always shifting based upon my creative brain.
I had the NEED to get my active aging clients training strength and power strategies safely, functionally and with joy.
When I am not doing Pilates I can be found in my studio in Laguna Beach, traveling and/or teaching livestream education via LevelUpMVMT.com
Besides Pilates, my true love is being outside, hiking, running, with my husband and dog.
People are surprised to learn that I love to cook and would love to have a cooking show one day!
This year, I hope to meet and enjoy new people, continue scaling my educational platform and traveling the world teaching.
You can find me on Instagram: erikaquestLevelupmvmt.com anderikaquest.com

GRACE HURRY

GRACE’S CLASSES AT VIRTUAL MOMENTUM FEST:SPINE WAVE ON THE REFORMER AND PILATES FOR BACKBENDS

I chose to present Spine Waves and Back Bends at Momentum Fest because I love how moving your spine in a Pilates session can take you from ‘stiff as a board’ to ‘floating on air’! It’s magic!
The first time I tried Pilates I was an 11 year old ballet student.
I fell in love with Pilates firstly when I realised how much it was assisting my dance training, and then I fell in love again, in a different, gratitude filled way(!), after having a c-section last year.
When I am not doing Pilates I can be found being a mum at the beach!
Besides Pilates, my true love is anything with sugar in it (unfortunately!).
People are surprised to learn that I don’t live in ‘New Jersey’, I just live in ‘Jersey’, which is a tiny island off the north coast of France!
This year, I hope to see my family more.
You can find me @gracehurrypilates on IG and FB, or if you ever fancy a trip to a random tiny island in the English Chanel hit me up!

JAMIE ISAAC

JAMIE’S CLASSES AT MOMENTUM FEST: MAGIC CIRCLE AND PILATES FOR SURFERS

I chose to present at Momentum Fest because it's an amazing festival with an incredible community feel and feels like a celebration of movement. Love this!

The first time I tried Magic Circle, I found myself a dripping pool of sweat on the floor, with abs on fire and it totally confirmed that this Pilates thing was truly awesome!
I fell in love with Pilates for surfers workouts when… I discovered the powerful effect Pilates had on my surfing. I wiped out less, caught more waves and felt so much more connected to my movement.
When I am not doing Pilates, I can be found… at the beach, either surfing or playing with my awesome kids!
Besides Pilates, my true love is... the ocean. Every time I jump in for a swim, surf or paddleboard, it feels like I'm renewed and ready to go... kind of like after a Pilates session, right?!
You can find me… In North San Diego county, in my studio, Fluid Life Pilates, or on instagram @thepilatesman.

JILL HINSON

JILL’S CLASSES AT MOMENTUM FEST: LET YOUR LYMPH FLOW AND JILL HINSON METHOD FOR BREAST CANCER

I chose to present “The Jill Hinson Method for Breast Cancer” class and “Let Your Lymph Flow” at Momentum Fest because I am excited to share ideas for working with someone who is currently battling or has battled breast cancer. In researching for my book, I began to dig deeper into the lymphatic system, and the importance of the lymph system to assist in healing and staying healthy. I’m excited to bring an enjoyable movement class exploring this research to Momentum Fest! We should all be working our lymphatic system!
The first time I tried worked with someone who was battling breast cancer I felt lost which led to my journey to learn more! In playing with lymphatic movement my body felt refreshed!
I fell in love with my work with breast cancer while building relationships with the women I would teach. I wanted to do all I could to help them, then I wanted to do all I could to help teachers understand how to modify for them. My class is an introduction to my book and a small taste of my teacher training workshop.
When I am not doing teaching at my studio or working on Core Compassion Project you will always find me at the beach!
Besides teaching, my true love is my family. I am married to my husband Hoss. I have two children in college and one in high school. They are my world.
People are surprised to learn that I have been to Honduras 9 times (or is it 10 now?) and plan to go as long as God allows. I am passionate about the people there (my second family!)
This year, I hope to take time for myself, spend more time outside, purge my house, spend time with my family, and travel to Honduras.
You can find me… Instagram: @jill_hinson @corecompassionproject. Facebook: Jill Hinson Pilates Website: jillhinson.com www.corecompassionproject.org

KRISTIN DIMICELI

KRISTIN’S CLASS AT MOMENTUM FEST: PLANK YOU VERY MUCH

I chose to present “Plank You Very Much” at Momentum Fest because planks are so flipping effective, we should all be doing them!
The first time I tried Pilates, I fell in love! It isn’t the only workout I do, but it sure is my favorite.
I fell in love with doing planks … wait, I’m not sure I LOVE planks, I just feel like there are some fundamental tips to doing them effectively, making them super versatile and -dare I say- fun?!?!
When I am not teaching at Garage Pilates, I am driving the track team carpool for my kiddos, hanging with my family or spoiling my fantastically lazy pug, Chili Dog.
Besides Pilates, my true love is pizza. I’ve never met a pizza I didn’t like.
People are surprised to learn that although I have lived in OC for 20 years, I grew up in a small farm town in rural Missouri.
This year, I hope to travel. It’s not just a “hope”, I will definitely do it! I’ve been known to plan a road trip to a city solely to visit an awesome Pilates studio!
You can find me on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/garagepilates/ and on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/garagepilates.net and on the beach.

ILARIA CAVAGNA

ILARIA’S CLASSES AT VIRTUAL MOMENTUM FEST: JUST FEET AND STRETCH IT OUT.

This year at MF I chose to present two classes that are very dear to me. One is “Just feet”: the work on the feet is a big part of my approach to teaching; and “Stretch it out”, also very important for injury prevention and to help the body stay “hydrated & young”.
The first time I introduced “foot-fitness” to my clients I was surprised to see how many people get nervous about it because they feel they can not do certain movements: they are afraid to get cramps, they don’t like to show their feet and they think those movements are IMPOSSIBLE. Nothing is impossible. I started using psychology when it comes to the feet, and if those exercises are properly and slowly introduced, those same clients will see how much they can improve! Not just at the feet but other movements, other exercises or maybe that annoying knee pain starts fading away…. and they are hooked!
I feel in love with the feet when I was a gymnast and a dancer. Then I realized how little the feet were included in almost any workout (Pilates and Yoga are exceptions) and I wanted show those runners, golfers and people in general how much they can improve their health and performance by focusing on the feet for just a few minutes a day: Not an extra workout, just a lifestyle change. As easy as brushing the teeth.
When I’m not teaching FEET-NESS I’m doing 200 other things! Juggling being a partner and a mom and running a business. It’s a lot but I’m not alone! lately when I’m not teaching on zoom I can be found at my sons’ school playground (sometimes with the laptop)
In normal times, traveling! I used to travel a lot when I was dancing professionally with the company that I used to dance for (based in Italy) and one of my motivations for moving to NYC was the melting pot of cultures and people that you can find here in NYC. Until I start traveling again for teaching engagements NYC is like “traveling staying still”
People are surprised to learn that I’m Italian and can not cook :-)
This year I hope we can go back to traveling for vacations and events
As of now you can find me in my son’s room! From his room I zoom for privates, classes and workshops! Always from his room I do most of the backend work and the Membership Video prep… The apt is small and in the beginning it was quite a challenge but we got it now :-). @feetness_edu

LABRIECE OCHSNER

LABRIECE’S CLASSES AT MOMENTUM FEST: TRAINING MEN

I chose to present about training men in Pilates because it is my passion and mission to get more men back into Pilates and helping other instructors hone their teaching skills to make it more attractive to men. I do this both when I teach Instructor Trainings and through my Pilates mentoring program that starts this May.
I will be teaching the Chair of Champions class because I LOVE the Chair and how athletic it is. It’s a wonderful apparatus to cross-train athletes on and to train men (and women of course too!). I’m all about spring settings on equipment and how it can create success for our clients.
Teaching my son Pilates from age 8 to present (age 22) and cross training for his main sport baseball, has been a big part in shaping how I train men, as he turned into a very tall individual that required both larger equipment to accommodate his height as well as much different spring settings than the typical woman. This is when the extreme variance from the spring settings that I originally learned became apparent to me. As well as the importance of understanding the nuances of springs to teaching a successful session to people with larger bodies.
I fell in love with teach gin men because it is often the case that we enjoy sharing something with our spouses. When my husband, an avid weight lifter and gym-goer learned to love what Pilates did for his body and how it made his other sport training and fitness training more effective, I knew I could get other men hooked. I love this about Pilates!When I am not teaching Pilates I can be found living the Swiss Life and relaxing at home with my three children.
Besides (whatever you are presenting), my true love is baking and eating. Food is very very important to me. We went vegan as a family four years ago and it’s awesome to feel the physical advantages of the vegan whole-food diet.
People are surprised to learn that I Speak Swiss-German fluently and that I originally learned the Pilates Method in the German language and originally taught only in German, even though I was born and raised in Berkeley, California.
This year I hope to run a successful Pilates Mentoring Program to help other instructors train men more effectively! I think it is so important to share our knowledge and insights with others.
You can find me at my studio in Biel, Switzerland, the Pilates & Bodhi Authorized Training Center for Balanced Body in Switzerland as well as online at ThePilatesMentor.com. I’ve taught virtually for years since many of my clients are located outside of Switzerland, across Europe and in the USA. IG: @labriecepilates

LAUREN GEORGE

LAUREN’S CLASSES AT MOMENTUM FEST: BARRE FOR CARDIO JUNKIES AND BARRE FIGHT

I chose to present barre at Momentum Fest because I love sharing how fun a great barre class can be with others!
The first time I tried barre I was hooked from day one. The shake, the burn, the flashback to my dance days, and the muscles it turned on were like nothing I had ever experienced before.
I fell in love with barre when I really started to see how fun and inclusive it could be for all ages, sizes, and fitness levels! Everyone is welcome to the party at my barre!
When I am not doing barre, I can be found at sporting events with my husband and two girls!
Besides barre, my true love is the outdoors. Nothing makes my heart happy like a great hike (in cool weather)! :)
People are surprised to learn that I don't like big crowds. Feeling stuck with no clear exit path makes me very nervous. I love music, but for this reason, concerts are not really my jam.
You can find me on Instagram and Facebook @LaurenGeorgeFitness, LaurenEGeorge@gmail.com, or laurengfitness.com

LESLEY LOGAN

LESLEY’S CLASSES AT MOMENTUM FEST: HUNDRED HUNDREDS AND IF THESE WALLS COULD TALK

PHOTOS COURTESY @LESLEY.LOGAN PHOTOS BY @GIRLSQUADINC

I chose to present two different Mat workouts one on the 100 and one using the wall because both are often under-loved.
The first time I tried the Hundred I fell in LOVE! Oh my, it literally was my first Pilates session, it was the first exercise and I loved how much I could feel. And after that I was HOOKED on Pilates.
I fell in love with The Hundred when I started it. Class #1! I changed my entire work schedule so I could go to class every single day!
When I am not doing Pilates, I can be found walking my dogs listening to podcasts.
Besides Pilates, my true love is supporting others' businesses. Absolutely love helping people create a business that works for them.
People are surprised to learn that I am not a dancer, don't cook, and can't sing.
This year, I hope to get back to leading retreats. Or do breathwork training.
You can find me on IG @lesley.logan in Las Vegas or in a few weeks wherever you get your podcasts.

MARIMBA GOLD-WATTS

MARIMBA’S CLASSES AT MOMENTUM FEST: WHAT’S UP / BALANCE POINT

I chose to present at Momentum Fest because I love the community and the electric energy we all generate.

The first time I tried Pilates, I felt like the breathing was the hardest part to get right.
I fell in love with Pilates when I realized that the precision translated directly into my dancing (I was a dancer at the time). Now that I am retired from dance, it is the awareness and connection to my body that I am in love with.
When I am not doing Pilates, I can be found at the park with my son or at the farmers market.
Besides Pilates, my true love is dance, and of course my family.
People are surprised to learn that I can't remember the names of songs, singers, authors, or books to save my life even though I am constantly reading and listening to music.
This year, I hope to reopen my Pilates studio in NYC.
You can find me on Instagram @articulatingbody, articulatingbody.com or facebook.com/articulatingbody.

MYCHELE SIMS

MYCHELE’S CLASSES DANCE AND PILATES YOGA FLOW REFORMER

I chose to present Dance and Pilates Yoga Flow Reformer Classes at Momentum Fest because these are my favorite things! Momentum Fest is a celebration of movement. This year will showcase more movement practices and I am super excited about doing all the things!

The first time I tried Zumba was in 2011 and it was a less than stellar experience. I knew I could teach a better class because of my dance background. I am a ballet, jazz, modern and hip hop dancer/teacher.
I fell in love with movement since birth! I have always been a flexible acrobat and dancer. As a young Mychele I loved every opportunity to dance and do gymnastics.
When I am not dancing or doing pilates, I can be found at the spa recovering!
Besides movement, my true love is tacos (it's a problem ...or is it?).
People are surprised to learn that I work full-time in the criminal justice system.
This year, I hope to show up more in meaningful ways so people can see someone who looks like them!
You can find me at my pilates studio in Downtown Los Angeles, the web at www.Get2Werk.com and on IG/Twitter @get2werk.

NANCY CASTIGLIONI

NANCY’S CLASSES AT MOMENTUM FEST: CONTEMPORARY TO CLASSICAL AND PILATES HIIT

IMAGES COURTESY NANCY CASTIGLIONI. PHOTOS BY @JOTAPTY.

I chose to present "Pilates HIIT" at Momentum Fest as it is a class I created and truly love. It brings together the best of both worlds, the efficient calorie and fat burning plus increased lung capacity from the High Intensity Interval Training and the strength, flexibility, posture and natural toning (amongst many other things) that we benefit from with Pilates. It's a fun, challenging movement class that I believe everyone is going to enjoy! I'm also presenting "From Contemporary to Classic", a Pilates Mat class where we will work on flows and transitions. We will explore the Classical Matwork with some fun, new Contemporary twists done "my way".
When I am not doing or teaching Pilates, I can usually be found with friends and family enjoying nature, food, music, reading.
People are surprised to learn I have already lived in 8 countries!
This year, I hope that I can travel again!
You can find me on instagram under @nancycastiglioni, my platform NancyCastiglioni.com, in Panama City, Panama at Classic Pilates or (when times go back to some kind of "normality"), teaching my workshops and classes around the world.

NIKKI NAAB-LEVY

NIKKI’S CLASSES AT MOMENTUM FEST: KETTLEBELL AND CORE AND LOW-IMPACT CARDIO AND TABATA

I chose to present a kettlebell workout at Momentum Fest, because I think strength training is a great compliment to Pilates and it's been so beneficial for myself and my clients.
The first time I tried kettlebell swings, they were part of a strength training program I had bought online and I was in the gym. I felt like a giant spaz and hoped no one was watching.
I fell in love with strength training when I realized I was in dramatically less pain and physical tasks and exercises that used to be hard suddenly felt really easy.
When I am not teaching Pilates or fitness I can be found podcasting or reading vampire romance novels.
Besides Pilates and fitness, my true love is coffee...and my corgi...but I love my husband too. ;-)
People are surprised to learn that I don't want to spend my free time learning more hardcore science. I would rather watch bad reality TV.
This year, I hope to leave my house and see people.
You can find me via my email list (naablevy.com/newsletter) or on my podcast Results Not Typical.

TASHA EDWARDS

TASHA’S CLASSES AT MOMENTUM FEST: “BECOMING MORE THAN OUR BODIES” AND “THE CORE IS THE COMMUNITY”

I chose to present “Becoming More Than Our Bodies” and “The Core Is The Community” at Momentum Fest because I wanted to combine my love of groups, mindfulness and movement. I feel like this is my space, a way for me to share how I see Pilates and the community around it. There are so many pieces to this puzzle and I just wanted to contribute from my heart.
Besides groups and movement, my true loves are music, poetry and books.
People are surprised to learn that I am a big time introvert. It is so easy to just withdraw from the world and into myself.
This year, I hope to kicked doors open on the “exclusive clubs” we often find in movement spaces. I am here for the work; physically and socially. I am here to hold up the “Welcome” banner to anyone who wants to take part. This year, I also hope to receive a random million dollar check.
You can find me at the grocery store, behind the scenes, the coffee shop or on Instagram at @hiphealthychick. I also plan to get back to blogging at hiphealthychick.com.

TRINA ALTMAN

TRINA’S CLASSES AT MOMENTUM FEST: PILATES DECONSTRUCTED AND PILATES DECONSTRUCTED

I chose to present yoga at Momentum Fest because I love finding inspiration in multiple movement modalities to design creative and flowing sequences.
The first time I tried yoga, I loved it, because we had permission to play as adults.
I fell in love with yoga when I realized how much it helped my mental health.
When I am not teaching, I can be found eating dark chocolate.
Besides yoga, my true love is traveling with my husband.
People are surprised to learn that I was a fashion designer in a past life.
This year, I hope to travel again.
You can find me on my website https://trinaaltman.com/

Meet the Momentum Fest Presenters