Heather Atkins is a Pilates instructor and dancer based in Durham, NC. She has always had a deep connection and love for dance and movement as she’s studied a wide range of dance forms. Heather’s interest in Pilates sparked several years ago as a means for her to improve on and maintain mobility, strength, and awareness of bodily connection for dance.
Heather completed comprehensive Pilates training through Polestar Pilates, which is a mix of classical and modern Pilates, functional movement, and draws on physical therapy and movement science. Unique to the Polestar training is movement assessment testing. During your initial session, Heather will chat with you about your goals and take you through different movements to assess mobility and function specific to your goals. She will then create a program specifically designed for you so that you can advance in pilates practice and meet your goals more efficiently.
Prior to becoming a Pilates instructor, Heather was a licensed clinical social worker for over 13 years and had worked in several settings including community, mental health therapy, and medical social work. Throughout her social work career and in everyday life, she developed a true passion for teaching, guiding, and connecting with people. “I’ve found my true calling, combining my love of dance and pilates and connecting with people through movement. It is an honor and a responsibility I take seriously for folks to put their trust in me to guide them through movement.”
Heather’s intention in her own Pilates practice and for clients is to experience embodiment, flow, empowerment, and increased physical mobility, strength and overall functionality. She takes a holistic approach and encourages clients to connect with their bodies and their intuition on a deeper level. “I’m always amazed and inspired at the moments I witness with clients when they unlock something deep within themselves, discover they could move in a way they didn’t think they could, or they’ve reached a goal they’ve been working towards for a long time. I’ve seen people heal their physical and emotional connections they have with their bodies through Pilates and I want people to know that Pilates is truly for everyone!”