About Pilates
Pilates is a gentle and yet challenging exercise method that emphasizes quality of movement over quantity, dynamic alignment with proper load, mind-body connection through breath and awareness for greater movement power and efficiency.
Originally called "Contrology", this systematic exercise method was developed by German-born Joseph H. Pilates (1883-1967) in the early 20th century while in concentration camps during World War I. Contrology was brought to the U.S. by Joseph himself in 1926. He and his wife Clara (who he met on the ship over the Atlantic) opened his fitness center in New York City at an address shared with the New York City Ballet on 8th Ave. There, Joe and Clara worked with dancers, athletes, opera singers, and high society.
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Pilates has been proven to be invaluable not only as a fitness endeavor but also as an important adjunct to all types of physical rehabilitation, physical activities, and professional sports training. The exercises are practiced on the Mat and on a variety of specialized equipment designed by Joe himself such as the Reformer, the Chair, the Tower, the Trapeze Table, and the Ladder Barrel. A regular practice once or twice a week will help prevent injury, improve core strength, posture, balance, coordination, flexibility, joint stability and mobility, stamina, self-confidence, and overall sense of well being.
Our Studio
Essence Pilates is a fully equipped, semi-private studio catering
to anyone looking to achieve great overall health, physical fitness, and well being.
We offer a highly personalized and unique experience for every client in our small group classes, private and semi-private lessons, and specialty workshops.
We believe Pilates is for every body regardless of fitness level and ability. We strive to address your specific needs and goals in a fun, professional, nurturing and non-competitive environment.
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About Dani
Owner and Senior Instructor Dani Lo Feudo has been practicing Pilates
for 28 years and has been teaching since 2010. Dani discovered Pilates
after moving to Park City in 1997 while exploring ways to manage
chronic low-back pain derived from high-intensity activities in her
youth. Unfortunately, back in the day, little-to-no attention was given to
proper form or conditioning. A few weeks into a regular mat practice was
enough for her to notice incredible relief, better posture, improved sleep,
greater movement freedom, and efficiency. As a kinesthetic learner, she felt the need to dive deeper into her personal practice before pursuing training.
Dani received her Comprehensive Training through Balanced Body in 2012 and has worked with clients from all walks of life, fitness levels, and abilities. She strongly believes in the body's intrinsic intelligence and natural ability to balance and heal itself through movement, mindfulness, breath, and a well-regulated nervous system. Teaching is her passion. In recent years, she pursued mentorship from physical therapists and movement specialists whose teaching most resonate with her teaching intention and approach. Dani has also mentored up-and-coming trainees and newly graduates from Balanced Body and Polestar.
Diving deeper is her motto. As such, Dani is committed to keeping up with the latest research on Pilates and other mindful movement practices, and their positive influence on one's physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being. She finds great inspiration in clients, colleagues, and renowned local and international teachers who have been on this journey long before her. When not teaching, studying, or taking classes, Dani enjoys long walks, singing, dancing, volunteering, doodling, drawing, spending quality time with friends, and her dog, Bowie.
​Balanced Body Pilates Instructor
Nationally Certified Pilates Teacher
Pilates Method Alliance Member
About Gretchen
Meet Gretchen Hall. Gretchen's Pilates journey started with what felt like an endless search for alternatives to alleviate the physical toll on her body derived from long-term PTSD. The intentional movement and breath work principles of Pilates greatly helped her reconnect, rebuild, and heal. She found strength where there had been pain, alignment where there had been tension, and a renewed sense of possibility. Now she helps others do the same.
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For over 20 years, Gretchen has helped people reclaim their health through movement. She completed the Comprehensive Pilates Training with Polestar in February of 2025 and is aiming to receive her NCPT credential sometime in 2026. Gretchen brings her background in massage therapy, stretch methodology, and nervous system recovery to her teaching, offering a truly restorative, strengthening, and therapeutic approach to Pilates. Her work is grounded, compassionate, and deeply personalized, designed for those who want more than a workout. When not teaching, Gretchen enjoys her favorite Utah mountain activities (hiking, paddleboarding, and skiing, to name a few), spending time with family and friends, and taking classes.
About Bowie
Bowie joined our practice in April of 2025 after our original studio manager
and greeter, Bella Bean, decided to retire at the age of 17. Bowie was one of
152 dogs rescued from an unfortunate hoarding situation in Weber County.
He has been a wonderful addition to our studio, slowly but surely coming
out of his shell, becoming more confident and comfortable in his new role.
When not bringing smiles to everyone at work, he enjoys wrestling with his
favorite toys (Tweety, Busy Bee, Teddy, Froglet and Lamb Chop), savoring a
healthy chewing stick, sniffing the latest news in his favorite neighborhood park, and relaxing in the sun.
