Feel satisfied and happier through applying principles in the practice of Pilates, movement & the practice of music!
They are part of a healthy lifestyle and an essential for optimal daily functioning. As Simon Rattle would say: ‘It’s a necessity, like the air we breathe and water we drink’*
I’m writing this post in order to share my ideas about the connecting components of a lifestyle in which practice of Pilates and cello are more connected than you initially might think!
The training of both contributes to an important balanced lifestyle something I would recommend pursuing.
I discovered the related elements more and more throughout the years when I practiced both on a daily base. As a professional classical cellist, dance- and theatre director and Pilates
instructor this is a true essential.
Apart from the facts that research has shown that movement (Pilates) and Musical training in old age can help to keep the brain healthy especially as it ages, both music and movement are releasing ‘a feel good chemical’ in your brain which you feel less stressed out, less anxious, and generally happier.
Fundamentally I have discovered that there is a clear connection of the principles of Pilates and practicing the cello.
The exercise system that Joseph Pilates designed in the 20th century was based on a thorough understanding of the workings of the human body. Through this knowledge he managed to develop a very precise and intuitive way of moving that enabled muscles to work in isolation and in perfect physical alignment without any stress or strain.
Pilates is not just a set of exercises but it is about being conscious of the way we use our bodies. It is getting an awareness of your physical body in everyday life and understanding what you need to do to keep it in optimum condition.
Looking at Pilates’ key principles: concentration, control, centering, flowing movements, precision, breathing, imagination, intuition and coordination, we can directly apply them to playing and performing cello.
The precision and detailed work of both disciplines is what especially connects them. Every ounce matters and does make a difference in feeling, appearance and sound!
Working on my body through Pilates, contributes to my posture behind the cello which causes a better sound and a better endurance.
Going more in depth, practicing cello requires you to direct your arms, hands and fingers to the right place and time on a piece of wood. So if you:
– concentrate well to
-keep yourself in balance and flow of the required body movements behind the cello guided by intuition,
– breathe with the musical line and technical action,
-use enough, control, coordination and precision to know which place you will hit the piece of wood and as well imagine what sound and pitch that will cause,
then your work will be rewarded with listening to a beautiful piece of music.
Aafje Franken
Classical Pilates Instructor, Cellist, Dance & Music Director
*quote of Simon Rattle from the documentary “ Rhythm is it!”(2004)