padgettpilatesTrailblazer and Inspiration, I was introduced to Kathy Grant’s life and legacy during my comprehensive training at BASI. To have even a 5 minute conversation with her would be priceless. A mentor I wish I had. Have you ever been asked… If you were given the chance to have dinner with one person, who would it be? Although I will never get the chance to meet Kathy, her legacy will live on forever through her life and teaching.
Kathleen Stanford Grant (August 1, 1921 – May 27, 2010) was a dancer and first generation Pilates instructor. She is one of only two people certified to teach Pilates by Joseph Pilates himself.
Kathy was met with prejudice and racism throughout her career. A talented Black woman, who was often turned away or looked past for jobs and education. “She was required to take her own personal/segregated ballet classes as a child at the he Boston Conservatory of Music.”- KGD Studio.
Reading about her life and learning that she decided to move to Europe “a place that made her feel free” I think of James Baldwin. Fleeing from ‘The land of the Free’ to be able to live and create.
I have to show up and work hard no matter how I feel, or what’s happening. This is my life– and I cannot opt out as wonderful as it is to be with you all
— Kathy Grant
Kathy was a take charge woman, not letting anything or anyone stand in her way. Highlights from her dance career include:
- 1945 Chorus girl at New York’s famous Zanzibar Club
- 1947 Finian’s Rainbow (Known to be the first integrated show on Broadway)
- 1956 Performed in Donald McKayle’s Her Name is Harriet
- 1970 Administrative Director at the Dance Theatre of Harlem
She danced with Arthur Mitchell, founder of the Dance Theatre of Harlem, in Kiss Me Kate. “They were the only two African American cast members and thus were partners in every scene because mixing races on stage was controversial at the time.”- Jennifer Durning
Success? You may be lucky if the stars line up and you are in the right place at the right time. But if you’re not disciplined, loving your work and prepared for those moments, yeah well…so, don’t make that a primary goal.
— Kathy Grant
In 1957, Kathy found Pilates after suffering 2 knee surgeries. On a recommendation by a fellow dancer, she went to see Joseph Pilates. After just a few years, she began to teach at Carola Trier’s studio and then later ran the Pilates program at Henri Bendel’s Department Store. Often teaching some of NY’s elite at the time.
In 1988, she began to teach at the Tisch School of the Arts. She trained students, professional and retired dancers, and non-dancers. It was at Tisch where she developed her vocabulary for students to learn about and strengthen their bodies before doing the Pilates work. This later became known as Before the Hundred. – Pilatesanytime.
Tribute + Autobiography
Ways to contribute and carry on the Legacy of Kathy Grant
BASI Pilates Kathy Grant Scholarship
The Heritage Training
Learn from Kathy
Thank you Kathy for your hard work and dedication to your craft. Paving the way for so many of us today 🤎