Today we’d like to introduce you to Tehran Roberts.
Hi Tehran, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I’ve always been inspired to move my body. I started my training in Ballet, Jazz, Tap, and Modern Dance at 7 years old. I trained at my local studio and had the opportunity to attend summer intensives such as The Alvin Ailey School and the Martha Graham School. I proceeded to continue my education at The Hartt School University of Hartford receiving my BFA in Dance Performance. While at Hartt I always knew the career of a dancer is short lived and thought about what my next career would be. I really connected to kinesiology and anatomy and thought about being a Physical Therapist after my dance career was over.
I had the privilege of touring with Lula Washington Dance Theatre as a lead soloist touring internationally. While touring with Lula I also had the opportunity to do commercial work as well. My dance career has afforded me the experience to work in many different places and absorb knowledge and find a knew perspective.
Alas the many years of intensive dance began to weigh on my joints and I sought to transition out of my dance career. I worked as an aide at a physical therapy clinic in Beverly Hills. It was there that I was introduced to Pilates as a form of rehabilitation. While there, my PT Philippe Pollioux believed in my strength as a teacher and graciously loaned me the money to receive my Pilates certification. Since receiving my Pilates Certification in 2017 I have returned to school and received my Associates in Science in Physical Therapy.
I am now a Master Instructor at Mighty Pilates Santa Monica. As a Master Instructor I have the privilege of instructing Mighty Pilates Teacher Training program. It’s such a great position to be in as I’m so inspired from my past dance teachers, Physical Therapist I’ve worked under, and the amazing teachers here at Mighty.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Ha, if only it were smooth sailing. Any time you try to level or change your position in life you will always be met with resistance. I’ve consistently had to challenge myself and it is something that looking back on I’m proud of. I’m so thankful to the Physical Therapist that loaned me the funds to get certified in Pilates. I’m also thankful to my amazing husband that supported me through PT School and helped me to see the light at the end of the tunnel. Returning to school after many years out was intense, and at times I wanted to quit. I’m so glad I finished and can use the knowledge I’ve learned in school to help my clients.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I’m a Master Instructor at Mighty Pilates Santa Monica. I also oversee our Teacher Training program and write content for our Training Manuals and test materials.
I think clients would say that my teaching style is challenging, athletic, and accessible. I really try to design my classes in a way that is reminiscent of my dance training with progression of a singular theme of class. I’m very focused on creating a direct link between what muscles are driving the movement. I’m checking form always, and giving slight hands on adjustments. I love music and I would think that I have a wide range of musical taste. In class I will play anything from The Beatles, to Marvin Gaye, to Rema. I try to play to the room and I love the moment in class where clients connect to a song and it sends them to that place in time. Whatever it is I’m playing, I hope to create a vibe.
As an instructor I am always chasing knowledge. I don’t know everything and that is great because it gives me a place to grow. I’m always looking to understand more and go one layer deeper. I think this is a personality trait that I’ve come to admire in myself. I’m currently creating a picture in my minds eye of where I want to progress from here. Once that picture is clear, I will continue into the next phase of my development.
What matters most to you?
I am so blessed to have the ability to live my life with honesty. Honesty in my words, honesty with my work, and honesty with doing things that align with my inner self. While honesty is beautiful, it also carries weight. To say or do “the thing” that is difficult but necessary. The weight of it has seen me be cut from experiences both in my dance career and professional life. These experiences have shown me that I have to be in alignment with what I’m doing and need to have a why I am doing something otherwise it won’t work. I sincerely do try to move in a way that is always coming with good intentions.
Pricing:
- Single Class $42
- 3 Class Pack $117
- 10 Class Pack $370
- Private $135
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.mightypilates.com/santa-monica/
- Instagram: _urbanballet
