BIOGRAPHY

Rika’s first and enduring passion in life is movement. Rika discovered Pilates as a young dancer in the UK, following diagnosis with scoliosis. She later moved to New York City to study classical ballet, where she began to implement regular Pilates classes into her training, recognising it’s potential for injury prevention and body conditioning. Rika danced professionally over the following years with Atlanta Ballet and Oklahoma City Ballet. Upon retirement from her ballet career, Rika returned to the UK and began her first certification as a Pilates Instructor. She was subsequently driven to attend the BASI CTTC, which she regards as one of her best life choices.

The experience of living with scoliosis has given Rika a unique insight into the deep workings of the body and movement. Pilates has been a tool of empowerment for Rika, enabling her to gain control of her condition and improve symmetrical balance around a spine that is inherently asymmetrical. Rika found true inspiration when she began teaching others with scoliosis. She was further able to observe the immense value of Pilates and the potentially transformative effects that it can hold for those with scoliosis. This lead her to research the topic extensively, and ultimately to create her own Advanced Education course, Pilates for Scoliosis.

Rika is honoured to be BASI Faculty, teaching alongside the phenomenal BASI UK team at The Pilates Clinic (Wimbledon). She is continually grateful to be part of the amazing BASI community worldwide.