The Archival Breaststroke as Inspired by Romana Kryzanowska's Film Footage

Joe archived the Breaststroke in one film as he spotted Eve Gentry, in another film as Clara Pilates spotted a male student, and in film footage of Romana and her male workout partner performing it without spotters. Achieving Romana’s dramatic back extension in the Breaststroke without someone spotting my ankles has always eluded me and I felt frustrated as I tried to recreate this archival variation. But then something incredibly special happened. After quite a few experiments changing my body placement on the Box and playing with other adjustments that weren’t improving the execution of the exercise, I told myself to relax and just let Romana guide me (I actually said this out loud). Then I tried it again, which is the moment captured in this video. As I moved, I honestly felt Romana’s presence in the room and everything came together. I felt so powerful as my fists reached toward the sky and I felt a lightness with my waist lifting off the Box in a way I had never been able to achieve without a spotter prior to that day. But mainly I felt joy. I’m sharing this because I believe Pilates is so much more than exercise. Pilates, whether it’s at the beginner, intermediate, or advanced level, can lift one’s spirit. So, I may not have a visible smile on my face in this video, but let me assure you, my heart was smiling as I lifted it toward the sun and felt Romana so close to me. And I have taken this as a sign that Romana approves of the work I am putting into Open Access Pilates Archives.