Tell us about yourself, Carro.

I'm Carro! A professional contemporary dancer and Pilates studio owner/teacher, born and raised in Stockholm, but I've been in San Francisco/Oakland since 2009. I started dancing at age 4, attended a rigorous national classical ballet school, and, through my love of dancing (and traveling), moved to the States for the first time at age 18.

What do you love the most about practicing mindful movement?

It makes me grounded and de-stresses my nervous system. After practice, I can see and feel things more clearly. Overall, it's such a luxury to make time for oneself and indulge in practice. No matter what's going on, it will always make you feel better.

What do you love the most about teaching?

I primarily teach Pilates, so I will answer from that perspective. I love seeing my students problem-solve on their own. I teach a lot of privates, and it's very satisfying when my students report back that they were able to troubleshoot an obstacle using the tools I've given them. You teach your students a language and then they get to write on their own—thrilling!

What are your favorite poses to practice?

After two decades of practising, so many! Since I like the overall feeling of being wrung out, I'm always a fan of deep twists; however, I'm going to choose the full expression of Utthita Vasisthasan. It makes me feel like a bowstring about to release an arrow. I love the stretch it provides, yet the immense side-body stability. Great for my scoliosis!

From a Pilates perspective, I love Control Balance; it's a very different flavor than the other exercises.

What is your least favorite pose?

I don't enjoy Ustrasana, particularly on my knees, and the main reason is the wear and tear from years of performing.

What is your favorite place to visit OR a place you'd like to go someday?

My partner and I have been wanting to go to Japan for a long time, but are waiting for our daughter to get a little older—currently she's sixteen months old :)

What is one thing people would be surprised to know about you?

A few years ago, I took a challenging Harvard business certificate course because I wanted to prove to myself that I could exercise my brain in a completely different way and understand statistics and problem-solving from a new lens.

Maybe a better "fun fact" is mentioning that my Grandma is almost 102!

What is your favorite quote or your favorite piece of advice?

Growing up, I had Thoreau's quote on my closet wall: "Live the life you've imagined," and even if it's a little simplistic and trite, I genuinely believe that one must chase their dreams to live a happy, fulfilled life. Everything else will fall into place.

What else would you like our community to know about you?

A lifetime of performing has given me a lot of empathy for injuries, aches, and pains. But I also know that the impossible becomes attainable through hard work. Pilates is a mirror to our imbalances, and as humbling as it is to see the truth eye to eye, this is the only way to transformation. I hope to see you in my class!

If you're still curious about me, check out my website.

Nest Community Feature - Carolina Czechowska