We welcome your call: 516-767-8109
2-8 Haven Avenue Suite 225
Port Washington, NY
The Studio & Our Instructors
About the Studio
Pilates in Port was established in 2000 at Inspiration Wharf by former professional ballet dancer, Tricia O'Donnell, and former modern dancer, Susan Brilliant. Pilates was such an integral part of the co-owners lives, they both decided to get classically certified by Romana Kryzanowska, protege of Joseph Pilates.
The ability to see clients transform in front of their eyes mentally and physically has inspired all of the instructors at Pilates in Port. High quality instruction and emphasis on the client, are the foundation of this highly successful Pilates studio. Now located on Haven Avenue in the heart of Port Washington, Pilates in Port has created a community of dedicated clients who strive for the ability to keep the "spring in their step", allowing for a strong yet flexible body. It's easy to understand why our clients continue to come year after year after one has experienced the spirit and intelligence of our staff and studio. All of our instructors have completed an established and respected 600 hour certification program.
Pilates in Port continues to grow stronger
Tricia Dean O’Donnell had spent eight years climbing the ranks of the ballet world when her career suddenly ended. She was a solo dancer for Pennsylvania Ballet in Philadelphia when she sprained her ankle. Had she known then what she knows now, she could have continued her career as a ballerina. But the injury effectively ended her career as a dancer.
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Tricia Dean O'Donnell
Owner, Pilates In Port
As a student of the School of American Ballet, I was told I did not have the legs of a dancer. "They were too bulky." I was told Pilates would help develop the correct muscle groups, essential for creating the long line for ballet. After less than a year, I could see major changes in my body and my technique.
I graduated from the School of American Ballet in 1985 and joined the Pennsylvania Ballet to become a soloist in 1987. I toured with New York City Ballet stars Heather Watts and Wendy Whelan on a "Tribute to Balanchine" tour along with other principals from New York City Ballet in 1993. After 8 years of a short career, I retired due to an ankle injury. I was reintroduced to Pilates as a form of rehabilitation. Little did I know the important role it would have in the next chapter of my life.
Our Instructors
Alyssa
Alyssa was first introduced to Pilates by Tricia O’Donnell during her first semester at Adelphi University. During her junior year she was fortunate enough to travel abroad and study Gaga, Ballet and Flying low at the London Contemporary Dance School. After consistently practicing mat work for a few years, her interests grew deeper and she was then introduced to the reformer. She graduated from Adelphi University with a B.F.A in Dance and decided to became pilates certified through Bob Lieken’s program; The Pilates Standard. Alyssa is proud she was able to be apart of the first graduating class in the United States of this amazing program.
Jan
A few months after moving to NYC in 1980, to pursue a career as a dancer/choreographer/ videographer, I began studying Pilates with Kathleen Stanford Grant. Kathy was a genius in her own right, known for her innate creative ability to heal. She was always very careful to credit Mr. Pilates for his work and differentiate it from her own inventions. She was one of only two teachers that Mr. Pilates certified. At the end of Kathy’s tenure at Henri Bendel, I documented her work. I also began studying Kinetic Awareness in the early 80’s, with Elaine Summers. KA is a mind/body system that uses small rubber balls for support, for release, and for self-discovery. I use balls when clients come in stressed or in pain, when they have lost proprioception from illness or injury, or to teach a specific concept. My work is also informed by the practice of Feldenkrais, Alexander, and Ideokinesis. I have been inspired by work with Andre Bernard, Irene Dowd, Aileen Crow, Mary Bowen, Brook Siler and many others. I have certifications from the PhysicalMind Institute, and the American Council on Exercise. I have studied anatomy FAMI, Functional Anatomy for Movement and Injuries and with Zoohoric systems. (I modeled for its founder, artist, John Zohoric). My choreography has been supported by Dance Theatre Workshop, Women Make Movies, and the Colorado Council on the Arts. I earned a BFA from Empire State College in Performing and Visual Arts and studied over three years in Mexico at Universidad de las Americas.
Kayleigh
Kayleigh is an Adelphi Dance major graduate. She was certified by The Pilates Standard in 2024 under the mentorship of Tricia O’Donnell and Gina Papalia.
Jana
Jana was certified by The Pilates Standard in 2024
under the mentorship of Tricia O'Donnell and
Gina Papalia.
Tali
My name is Tali. My Pilates journey began when I was 10 years old. I was a pre-professional dancer, and began taking Pilates to improve my dancing ability and build up my core strength. After eight years of doing Pilates, I decided to become a Classical Pilates instructor. Over the course of my college career, I completed my 600 hour Pilates certification at Real Pilates in New York City. I graduated cum laude from Bryn Mawr College with a degree in Dance, and then I completed a post graduate certificate program in Dance Science, while living in London. In 2024 I received my Pilates prenatal/postnatal certification. I am passionate about helping people learn how they can feel better and move better by doing Pilates.
Suzanne
SUZANNE has enjoyed a 40 year career as a professional dancer, singer, director, choreographer and stage manager for regional, international, touring and Broadway companies. She had the honor of being the dance captain of the original Broadway company of 'Cats' for 13 years, as well as being a performer and stage manager. She has directed and choreographed many shows around the country and has taught several styles of dance at schools including NYU's CAP 21 and the American Musical and Dramatic Academy.
As a health, wellness and lifestyle coach, Suzanne is a certified yoga instructor (including pranyama and meditation) massage therapist, nutritional counselor, personal trainer and group fitness instructor. She developed a "Stretch and Balance" class which focused on clients with scoliosis and parkinson's, which she taught at Chelsea Piers Sport Center in Manhattan. Her greatest passion, however, is Pilates. Suzanne studied with Bob Liekens and Susan Moran at Power Pilates beginning in 2008, received her advanced certification, and has added many specialty continuing education certifications along the way. Suzanne truly believes movement heals!