Meet Elizabeth Szendrody

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Elizabeth Szendrody. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Elizabeth, so good to have you with us today. We’ve always been impressed with folks who have a very clear sense of purpose and so maybe we can jump right in and talk about how you found your purpose?

I found my purpose through the art form of Dance. From the very young age of 3 years old, I’ve been dancing, and I’m soon turning 30. I do remember crying some days that I, “didn’t want to go to dance”. However I am certain that I have always felt better once I am in class or afterwards. I found my way through adolescence with dance. I have learned and continue to learn so much about myself through dance. When I was happy, dance was there. When I was sad, dance was there. It was my passion and my medium to express myself.

These days dance looks different as I am now a professional Dancer in NYC and Dance is now… my job. It started as a passion and has became a job, so the dream glimmers a bit different. Life kicks in, and other things begin to take precedent. But still I move. Through dance I found Pilates, which has become the glue that keeps me together; physically, mentally and emotionally. Dance has always been there, and will always remain a part of me. However, living a holistic/healthy life and teaching others to do so for themselves has become a new passion and purpose.

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?

While I was attending Point Park University for Dance in 2017, I herniated multiple discs in my spine. My rehab and recovery process included Pilates, Physical Therapy and Massage Therapy. Through this, I discovered the power of Pilates.

During the 2019 Pandemic, I trained and received my Classical Pilates Certification through a hybrid program from Real Pilates (Tribeca, NY) and Bodywise Pure Pilates (Utica, NY).

In 2023, I began building my business which is called Dancing With Pilates. It began as Group Pilates classes in Prospect Park (Brooklyn, NY), to teaching Private clients online or in-person, to now having my first official space for DWP in Tribeca, NY. DWP has slowly grown and I am thrilled to announce our Grand Opening of the new space was held on March 1st.

The Pilates space is located inside the Flaweless House, which serves as both an events space and a Coworking Club. We are currently offering Group Classes and Private Sessions. More information can be found on Dancingwithpilates.com.

While I’m focused on growing this business to spread awareness of Classical Pilates, I am also still dancing professionally in NYC and have dreams of dancing at The Metropolitan Opera and on Broadway. I think Dancing With Pilates is special because it started out with a main desire to supplement income and support myself as a dancer, and has evolved into a community with likeminded people who NEED movement in their life. This, drives me.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

Looking back there have been many impactful moments on my Dance career and my Pilates journey. The three things that I believe have helped me most are having an open mind, a mentor/role model, and consistency. If you have an image or goal in your mind, never give up on it. There will be struggles and down hill moments, but those will pass. It’s always harder to see these things when you’re immersed in it.

Who has been most helpful in helping you overcome challenges or build and develop the essential skills, qualities or knowledge you needed to be successful?

This is an easy one, my husband! He has been my number 1 support system and cheerleader every step of the way. Whatever uphill or downhill moment occurs, he is there. That’s not to say, my family and friends have been there as well and without their support, I’m not sure how things would look today. They have all been my practice bodies during my Pilates training, they have attended my classes to fill up the empty spaces and most importantly they have encouraged me that I’m doing a good job.

Regarding my dance career, it would not look as it is without the financial support and sacrifice that my parents made for me in my younger years. The training and exposure that I received was vital and I am so appreciate for their belief in me. I must also mention how current and past Dance Instructors have pushed and supported me in encouraging ways, in order to supply me with all the ‘tools in my pocket’.

It’s so important to surround yourself with people who uplift you. It truly takes a village, and my tribe means everything to me.

Contact Info:

Image Credits

Alejandro Zillow Photography

Dirk Reps Photography

Ballets With a Twist, Nico Malvaldi

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