Lessons from Libreville: Evolving My Pilates Practice in West Africa
After eight months teaching Pilates in an indoor studio in Libreville—my first return to West Africa since childhood in Côte d’Ivoire—I discovered how reconnecting with my roots, forging community, and blending Classical Pilates with natural movement reshaped both my teaching and my soul.
Jacqueline Martin
Pilates & Movement Teacher
Reconnecting with My Roots & Building Community
Last November, I set foot in Libreville for the first time since childhood in Côte d’Ivoire—and it felt like coming full circle. Walking into that air-conditioned studio, memories of my earliest movement explorations washed over me. Being back on West African soil gave me:
A deep sense of cultural belonging
The joy of reconnecting with traditions that first inspired my love of movement
Inside the studio, I met Gabonese movers, teachers, and clients whose curiosity and generosity created a learning community I’ll carry for life. We celebrated every breakthrough—whether it was a smoother Roll-Up, a steadier Standing Leg Series, or a client’s proud smile after mastering her first teaser. Outside class, neighborhood children mimicked our warm-up crawls, reminding me that play and movement are universal languages that unite us all.
Evolving My Teaching Through Fusion Practices
With so much time and space to refine my approach, I wove complementary modalities into my Classical Pilates core:
Ido Portal Natural Movement: Simple crawl variations and balance drills to spark playful engagement of shoulders and hips before Reformer footwork.
Anat Baniel Neuromovement®: Gentle “mini-movements,” like subtle rib articulations or fingertip tracings along the spine, to free tension and awaken neural pathways.
In small-group and private sessions alike, this fusion sharpened my cueing and deepened students’ awareness. We moved beyond rote choreography—discovering how each drill primes the body for richer engagement, how breath and rhythm become the thread that connects every exercise, and how adaptive teaching honors each individual’s unique potential.
Personal Transformation & Vision for the Future
Teaching daily in Libreville challenged me to let go of rigid expectations and flow with new situations—from power outages to language nuances. That openness grew my resilience and confidence, both as a practitioner and as a guide. I learned that true growth happens at the intersection of roots and wings: honoring where we come from while daring to explore new horizons.
Now, back on Canada’s West Coast, I’m inspired to expand this journey:
Workshops & Mentorships across Africa and beyond
Cross-cultural collaborations that celebrate movement as a bridge between communities
Continued evolution of my Classical Pilates Quest, enriched by natural movement and neuromovement insights
Conclusion
My eight months in Libreville taught me that Pilates is far more than technique—it’s a living, breathing practice shaped by culture, community, and continual experimentation. I’m grateful for every lesson under the Gabonese skies and thrilled to bring this evolved approach to Moving Spirit Pilates Studio in North Vancouver. If you’re ready to explore a practice that honors your roots, expands your movement vocabulary, and ignites lasting vitality, I can’t wait to see you there.
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