Amahl Van Halsema, called "Van" as a short nickname for her Dutch last name, has been teaching Pilates since 1992. While growing up in more than 50 countries, Van became fascinated with body movement in different cultures, watching everything from whirling dervishes to Russian ballet. Van learned Pilates while working as a model in Europe during the 1980s, then became an instructor in the early 90's while living in NYC.

Amahl's teachers have included Jillian Hessel, John Geary, Maria Leone,Kathy Grant, and many others. Her certifying school, Physical Mind Institute of NYC, is one of the oldest Pilates schools in the world, (started by women who lived with Joseph Pilates and his wife, Clara). Van also enjoyed 2 years teaching Stott Pilates with a Stott Master Trainer.

This increased her knowledge of teaching Pilates golf, pregnancy, andathletic conditoning. Van enjoyed teaching private clients at her home studio on Fifth Avenue in NYC and in the Hamptons until her move to Los Angeles, which brought her to Malibu and happily, to ACBK and Marie Jose!

I have never been exposed to Pilates, however, I have worked out at convention gyms doing weight training and aerobics all my adult life.  I am 67 years old and I find pilates a totally different program, which I find stimulating and energizing.  I am working with Van 3 days a week and am learning about the kinetics of movement that I find new and extraordinarily helpful in every day life.  I am grateful for this new experience.  Try it!!!!!

- Sydney Hirsch

 

Van is fabulous and I feel so much stronger and encouraged by all her expertise touching all aspects of the mind-body connection.  A gem of a teacher.  Van, I don't know where I'd be without you.

- Karen