We recently connected with Liz Dilley and have shared our conversation below.

Liz, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I was a dancer and actor before starting my own Pilates and MELT Method business (Radiant Pilates Northwest). I’ve always loved movement analysis both as a performer and instructor. My love of movement and my keen eye for alignment help me unravel clients tension while finding more ease, balance and strength in their bodies.

I found Pilates in college when I was pursuing my BFA in Dance at Cornish College of The Arts (2003). I was having back trouble and had compensating patterns which made walking troublesome. Pilates helped me strengthen and stabilize, but I wish I would have found MELT at this point. It wasn’t until 2011 while teaching Pilates in NYC that I found MELT. I had stopped pursuing dance at this point due to pain which seemed to have no cause and was focused on acting and Pilates. MELT took the pain away, it took some time, but consistent self care and application of the 4 R’s of MELT (Reconnect, Rebalance, Rehydrate and Release) freed me from my pain cycle. One of many goals for Radiant Pilates Northwest is to bring MELT to young dancers, giving them the tools of self care before pain takes root.

I work with all sorts of people and bodies from the seasoned mover or athlete to clients with chronic pain or injuries. I believe movement heals and no matter what state your body is in you need to find a safe way to keep moving.

I love what I do and nothing beats the feeling when a client is in disbelief that they aren’t in pain or that they feel lighter, taller and less bound. My goal is for clients to walk out of the studio in a better relationship with their body, whether that’s less pain, more ease and stability or body acceptance as we build back movement after trauma, neglect or misuse.

Liz holds a BFA in Dance from Cornish College of the Arts, a Certificate in Performance from the Laban Center of London, a Diploma in Theater Arts from The American Academy of Dramatic Arts, a Comprehensive Certificate in Pilates from Core Pilates NYC, a certificate in Pre and Postnatal yoga and Pilates and is a certified MELT instructor.

Putting training and knowledge aside, what else do you think really matters in terms of succeeding in your field?

What matters the most to me in this business of working with people’s bodies, this fitness industry, is helping clients feel and move better. But the question has always been how do I build a following and create a community of people I can help and who are interested in learning from me? I find connections and networking with fellow body workers to be the most helpful in building business. My clients are often people who have multiple body workers in their circles and their personal references are invaluable. Finding referral partners who know my approach to the body and clients feeds my business. Our medical system is broken and patients graduate out of coverage for physical therapy with much work still to be done. I often find myself as a stepping stone from physical therapy to functional life and freedom of movement.

If you could go back, would you choose the same profession, specialty, etc.?

If I could go back I would still choose to work with clients and movement. I had a choice at one point to go to medical school or to study acting. I’m a performer deep in my bones so I didn’t become a PT and I’m okay with that (maybe there’s still time, wink wink). I have found my way to work with and help people and I feel like I’m doing what I’m meant to do… although the stage still beckons.

Contact Info:

• Website: RadiantPilatesNW.com
• Instagram: @radiantpilatesnw
• Facebook: Radiant Pilates Northwest
• Yelp: Radiant Pilates Northwest

Image Credits
WEDGEWOOD PHOTOGRAPHY