We were lucky to catch up with Carrie Miller Smaczny recently and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, Carrie thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Was there a defining moment in your professional career? A moment that changed the trajectory of your career?
From a young age, I was captivated by movement, a passion that found its true expression when I discovered dance in the 7th grade. Dance became the center of my world, blending the harmony of body and mind, and fostering connections with fellow dancers. As I matured, my aspirations evolved from merely being a student of dance to embracing the roles of a teacher and choreographer. I found profound joy in the studio, not just in movement, but in witnessing the growth and vulnerability of my peers. This passion led me to volunteer at a local boys and girls club in Scottsdale, where I supported their dance program. It was there that my commitment to teaching was cemented.
My journey took me from pursuing a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance at Texas Christian University to running a non-profit dance company, and eventually, to undertaking a Master of Fine Arts in Dance at the University of California, Irvine. It was during my graduate studies that I faced a critical juncture. Suffering from serious injuries and confronting the physical demands of dance, I was forced to reevaluate my path. The realization that my lifestyle and career in dance were unsustainable prompted a profound shift. Despite identifying strongly as a dancer and choreographer, I made the difficult decision to step away from dance and pivot to teaching Pilates full-time, a discipline that had always been part of my training regimen.
This transition marked a significant turning point. Movement ceased to be about performance and instead became a practice of authentic, health-focused embodiment. This was not merely a change in career but a transformation in how I viewed and engaged with movement. Pilates allowed me to honor my body’s needs and advocate for well-being, reshaping my professional identity and guiding me toward a more sustainable and fulfilling path.
This defining moment taught me the importance of listening to my body and recognizing when to pivot. It underscored the value of authenticity over adherence to an identity that no longer serves one’s well-being. From this experience, I learned that true passion encompasses flexibility, resilience, and the courage to embrace change for personal growth.
Carrie, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
My name is Carrie Miller Smaczny, and I am deeply rooted in the movement and wellness space, where I blend my lifelong passion for dance with the healing arts of Pilates, Breathwork, and Sound Baths. Having transitioned from a professional dancer and choreographer to a wellness practitioner, my journey has been one of continuous exploration and transformation.
My entry into this industry was sparked by a profound personal realization. After sustaining significant injuries and facing the physical demands of a dance career, I found myself at a crossroads. It was then that I embraced Pilates, not just as a method of rehabilitation and conditioning, but as a cornerstone for a new career path. This shift was more than a change in discipline; it was a change in perspective, from performance to wellness, from external validation to inner strength and joy.
Today, I offer a range of services, including Fascia Training, Classical Mat Pilates, Breathwork & Sound Bath Group Classes, and Private Sessions. Additionally, I am dedicated to the professional development of others in my field through continuing education for teachers and the Pilates Mentors Online Community Program, which I co-founded. This program embodies my belief in the power of mentorship and community in fostering growth and excellence within the wellness industry.
What sets me apart is my holistic approach to wellness, emphasizing the interconnectedness of body, mind, and spirit. Each session, whether it involves movement or stillness, is crafted to clear energy, enhance strength and vitality, and foster joy in the present moment. My work is deeply informed by my study of fascia and the biotensegrity model, which has profoundly influenced my teaching philosophy and technique.
I am most proud of my ability to integrate various modalities to help students connect with their bodies, minds, and spirits. My goal is to demonstrate that we are far more than just physical beings; we are complex entities capable of profound healing and growth when we align our practices with our deeper needs and aspirations.
For potential clients, followers, and fans, I want you to know that my journey reflects a commitment to authenticity, wellness, and community. Whether through Pilates, Breathwork, Sound Baths, or teacher training, my mission is to offer experiences that not only enhance physical well-being but also nurture the soul and foster a sense of interconnectedness.
In essence, my brand and work stand for holistic wellness, personal transformation, and the joy of living fully in the present. Through my teaching and mentorship, I aim to inspire others to embark on their own journeys of discovery, healing, and empowerment.
We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.
Personal Resilience: A Journey Across Continents
My resilience has been tested through the profound challenges of international relocation and the complexities of motherhood. Shortly after moving to Germany with my two-year-old daughter, I became pregnant with my son. The adjustment to a new country, compounded by the demands of raising two young children in a foreign culture with harsh weather, was a steep challenge. This period was a crucible, shaping my resilience as I faced isolation and the Herculean task of adapting to an unfamiliar environment.
The decision to return to the U.S. did not spell immediate relief; it marked the beginning of another tumultuous chapter. With my husband striving to secure employment stateside and me navigating the logistics of moving our family—including our two miniature dachshunds—five times in a single year, resilience became my mantra. The eventual stabilization of our life in LA, following this period of intense upheaval, stands as a testament to the persistence and tenacity that define my character.
Professional Resilience: Adapting to Global Crises
The pandemic introduced an unprecedented challenge in my professional journey. Relocating to Scottsdale from Thousand Oaks, I was settling into a rewarding role at a Pilates studio when the necessity to homeschool my children and concerns for my health due to an autoimmune disease forced a dramatic shift in my career. Stepping down from my management position, I ventured into the realm of online education, teaching Pilates instructors worldwide about fascia and movement patterns. This pivot, while enriching, underscored my longing for the tangible connection and impact of in-person teaching.
Determined to return to the studio, I faced the daunting task of rebuilding my business from scratch, navigating the loss of established shifts and adapting to the new dynamics in a competitive field. This journey of re-establishment was punctuated by the unexpected takeover of our studio, a curveball that could have derailed my efforts but instead catalyzed my growth as an entrepreneur.
Today, as I balance the roles of entrepreneur and mother, subleasing spaces for my Breathwork, Sound Healing, and Pilates classes, I am exploring the delicate equilibrium between nurturing my business and my family. This phase of my life is marked by a commitment to adaptability, innovation, and the continuous pursuit of harmony between my professional ambitions and personal responsibilities.
Putting training and knowledge aside, what else do you think really matters in terms of succeeding in your field?
In order to facilitate true transformation, we must embrace selflessness, stepping aside to ensure the student’s journey remains the priority. This foundational shift from self to service begins with the art of deep listening—not merely to words, but to the silent narratives of the body and breath. Holding space becomes a sacred practice, requiring us to accompany discomfort without intervention, allowing individuals the freedom to explore their own challenges at their own pace. This isn’t about exerting control or enforcing our agenda but about letting each session unfold naturally, directed by the intrinsic wisdom of the body.
By adopting a stance of guidance rather than governance, we let the body reveal its story, the mind to slow its pace, and the breath to provide grounding. Our responsibility shifts from leading the way to supporting a space where individuals feel truly seen, heard, and understood. In this environment, trust can bloom, vulnerability can surface, and through these, transformation naturally follows.
Creating a transformative experience means letting go of the urge to steer every step and instead allowing individuals to find their own way, with us walking beside them as their empathetic ally. We acknowledge that real healing and growth originate from within, and our role is to shine a light on the path, not to prescribe the route.
At the heart of transformation lies trust, vulnerability, and the bravery to release control. This path requires patience, empathy, and a steadfast belief in the transformative power of presence. Through this selfless approach, we not only facilitate significant personal development but also engage in the profound beauty of human connection and the collective journey toward well-being.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.carriemillerpilates.com
- Instagram: @carriemillerpilates
- Facebook: Carrie Miller Smaczny Pilates
Image Credits
Monica Linda – Girl Squad Media