Meet Olga Roberts

We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Olga Roberts a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Olga , we’re thrilled to have you sharing your thoughts and lessons with our community. So, for folks who are at a stage in their life or career where they are trying to be more resilient, can you share where you get your resilience from?

My resilience comes from a deep respect for discipline and movement. Ballet gave me structure from a young age—the alignment of the spine, the strength of turnout, the patience of repetition etc. . Pilates refined this foundation, teaching me how the smallest, most precise adjustments can transform both body and mind.

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?

My journey has always been about movement—first through ballet, and later through Pilates. Ballet taught me artistry, discipline, and the importance of alignment. Pilates, in turn, showed me how to strengthen, restore, and sustain the body so that artistry can flourish without being hindered by injury. Bringing these two worlds together has become my life’s work.

Professionally, I focus on helping dancers, athletes , teachers, and everyday movers develop resilience, balance, and strength through movement that is intelligent and mindful. What excites me most is seeing the transformation in people—when they begin to move not only with control but also with freedom, when they discover that strength and elegance can live in harmony. I am thrilled to announce that I will be opening a new Pilates studio in the heart of downtown Austin.

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?

1. Discipline and Consistency
Ballet taught me early on that progress comes from daily practice. Discipline isn’t about perfection, but about showing up, even on the days when it feels difficult. For anyone at the beginning of their journey, I would say: build small, consistent habits. Over time, those habits become the foundation for strength, artistry, and resilience.

2. Anatomical Awareness
Understanding the body—its mechanics, its strengths, and its vulnerabilities—was transformative for me. Pilates deepened this awareness, giving me tools to prevent injury and support longevity in movement. For those starting out, I recommend being curious about how your body works. Learn anatomy, kinesiology and alignment; it will give you both power and protection.

3. Adaptability and Openness to Learning
My path has been shaped not only by tradition but also by evolution. Embracing Pilates alongside ballet allowed me to expand my practice and reach more people. For anyone new to their journey, I would encourage you to stay open. Be willing to explore new methods, to learn from different Master level teachers, and to adapt your approach as your needs change.

Alright so to wrap up, who deserves credit for helping you overcome challenges or build some of the essential skills you’ve needed?

No one’s journey is ever truly a solo effort, and mine has certainly been shaped by the generosity and wisdom of others. My ballet teachers instilled in me the discipline and artistry that became the backbone of my work. Later, mentors in the Pilates world—particularly those connected to the legacy of Joseph Pilates and Master Teachers such as Jenny Colbourne ( she was a 2nd generation Pilates teacher under Jerome Andrews). Jerome Andrews worked with Pilates more than 10 years. Dreas Reyneke—showed me how to integrate strength, precision, and care for the body into my practice.

Equally, my students have been some of my greatest teachers. Each time I work with someone overcoming an injury, refining their technique, or simply discovering joy in movement, I learn something new about adaptability, patience, and the human spirit.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: Olgaroberts_pilates

Image Credits

Olga Roberts