Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Diarra Cummings. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Diarra, so good to have you with us today. We’ve got so much planned, so let’s jump right into it. We live in such a diverse world, and in many ways the world is getting better and more understanding but it’s far from perfect. There are so many times where folks find themselves in rooms or situations where they are the only ones that look like them – that might mean being the only woman of color in the room or the only person who grew up in a certain environment etc. Can you talk to us about how you’ve managed to thrive even in situations where you were the only one in the room?
As a pilates instructor, I am often in workplaces that lack racial and ethnic diversity. I have very often been the only person of color on a teaching staff, and most of the clients that I have worked with are not reflective of my cultural identity. It has certainly felt alienating at times, but I have learned to be an effective teacher by presenting myself with professionalism and politeness. I have allowed my skills as a teacher to speak for myself and have never felt the need to prove myself to anyone. Confidence – not perfection – has always been the best road to success for me.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
A native of Brooklyn, NY Diarra Cummings received her high school education at the Professional Children’s School and The Dance Theatre of Harlem School where she studied on full scholarship. She began teaching the Pilates Method in 2008, following a career as a professional dancer touring the U.S. with The Dance Theatre of Harlem, Garth Fagan Dance, Alpha Omega Dance Company, and Sidra Bell Dance. While earning her B.A. at Columbia University, Diarra completed her teacher training through The Fitness Guru Teaching Lab Pilates Apparatus Certification (Lawson Harris) and earned additional certifications in pre/post natal Pilates (Brigitte Arle/Rooted Boston), Complete Clubs (Pamela Warshay/Sage Fitness) and Progressing Ballet Technique (Marie Walton-Mahon). Diarra is also a faculty instructor at Steps on Broadway since 2022.
Combining classical and contemporary Pilates exercises – as well as an understanding of the body gained from over 12 years of working with hundreds of clients – Diarra has developed her unique teaching style based on clear queuing, kinesiology, and visualization in a challenging-yet-judgement free zone. She founded Snatched Fitness NYC in 2018 to help connect all people to their optimal potential.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Discipline – Dedicating hours of attention to one’s craft. Committing to a slow process of learning and always remaining a student. Being new at anything is always intimidating but only time can build confidence and sharpen your skills.
Setting boundaries – Something I wish I had a better handle on early in my teaching career. Setting clear boundaries and enforcing policies shows clients that your time is valuable. Never apologize for standing up for yourself or feel the need to prove your worth. Saying “no” is self care!
Patience – Don’t be in a rush to be the best. Be willing to be bad at something with the goal to eventually becoming good at it. There is no race to the finish line. Your only competition is you.
Alright, so before we go we want to ask you to take a moment to reflect and share what you think you would do if you somehow knew you only had a decade of life left?
I am grappling with the challenge of what the next stage of my teaching career looks like. The physical and mental demands of the fitness industry can be difficult to sustain over time. I am at a stage of my life where burn out is detrimental to my well being and I am still learning how to make choices that will not deplete my energy. I struggle sometimes with feeling like I have to show up and be “on” one hundred percent of the time. I can be hard on myself when I have feelings of just not wanting to do anything. I absorb a lot of other people’s energy and I am not always good about replenishing myself.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://snatchedfitnessnyc.com
- Instagram: snatchedfitnessnyc
Image Credits
Juan Michale Porter II
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