Today we’d like to introduce you to Kimberly Padgett.
Kimberly, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
As a farm kid growing up in Southern Maryland, I never could have dreamed the path my life would take. I found my first passion at the age of three and always knew dance would be apart of life. While earning a B.S. in Electronic Media and film from Towson University, I won four NDA titles with the Towson University Dance Team. My first dance job was with the Knicks City Dancers. I spent five years with the team, my last being a team captain. I’ve been blessed with an eclectic dance career over the years. From morning shows “Live with Regis and Kelly” to Late shows “Late Night with Jimmy Fallon, to Live performances including 2 NBA All- Star games. Most recently, I booked my first tv show, Sherman’s Showcase. Check it out, we just premiered a Black History month special on Juneteenth!
As every athlete knows, injury comes along with the territory and I’ve experienced my fair share. Last year I had hip surgery (labrum tear) that sidelined my career for almost a year. Unknown to me at the time, an injury common to dancers. The crazy part is, with a little education and proper training, this and most injuries can be avoided. Just before surgery, I found Pilates. Although I’ve been a fitness professional for over five years, Pilates offered something different. Pain relief, Pain management, Education and Balance! Yes, Pilates did all of that! What quickly became key to my rehabilitation, also became a passion.
Currently, I hold a Mat certificate and am studying my way towards a comprehensive certification with BASI. My focus is to help people move better, feel better, and understand their bodies; create injury prevention programs for dancers, so that they are able to have long-lasting careers. While Pilates is inclusive in the way of exercise, its not so much in the way of diversity. I was one of the few POC in my program. My goal is to create awareness and an environment of inclusion. A space of self love in the Pilates and dance communities alike.
Has it been a smooth road?
My first professional dance job was with the Knicks City Dancers. As if navigating New York City wasn’t hard enough at the age of 21, I was also doing it on a dancer’s salary and benefits. I suffered my first major injury just before the end of my first season with the team. No job meant moving back home to heal. I spent months going from doctor to doctor trying to figure out what was even wrong with me. Then, I didn’t know much about the body or how it worked. This was also before we had a trainer to guide me. I was basically left on my own to figure it out. To make this part of the story short… I did figure it out, just in time to sit and watch auditions. Yes, I had to watch while hundreds of girls auditioned to take my place. We had to re-audition every year. I am still eternally grateful for making it back on the team for my second season. I had knee surgery at the end of August, October was preseason! I rehabbed while I practiced. With hard work, was ready to go by the season opener. Welcome to world of being a professional dancer!
So, as you know, we’re impressed with Padgett Pilates – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of and what sets you apart from others.
What I’m most proud of and what also sets me apart from most people is empathy. The silver lining of my injures are just that. I know what it’s like to be in chronic pain and the demands an athletic profession places on the body. Trust and understanding are huge parts of any wellness program. I always strive to create these relationships.
Let’s touch on your thoughts about our city – what do you like the most and least?
What I like best about LA is the food and dog scene. Meeting and talking to people who are pursuing their dreams. What I least like about LA … traffic, high cost of living, exclusion.
Pricing:
- Online group class – $10.00
- Online private session – $40.00
Contact Info:
- Website: www.kimberlybpadgett.com
- Phone: 443-624-3629
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: kimberlybpadgett
Image Credit:
Robert Padgett
Michael Moriatis
Hal Banfield
Suggest a story: VoyageLA is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
