About

HISTORY

Shonda Bradford, a classical ballet dancer and instructor, has brought her contemporary, results-oriented method to Manhattan and the Hamptons. Her Pilates-inspired classes offer a balanced mix of exercises to improve strength, endurance, flexibility, posture and alignment and maintain a feminine yet defined figure.

“Forget about mindless leg lifts or zoning out on a spin bike, this workout speeds by and helps improve awareness about your body. Results are geared to gaining a dancers’ aesthetic and not bulking up,” says Bradford.

Bradford, who trains many private and celebrity clients, holds two Pilates Certifications and has been teaching ballet and Pilates for over twelve years including Master Classes at the prestigious Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater in New York. Her interest in dance and fitness started at the age of 9 when she discovered her love for classical ballet. She was a member of Dance Theater of Harlem, New York Theater Ballet and was a ballet instructor on staff at The Ailey School, teaching inspiring young students as well as the company. Bradford honed her Balanchine-style dancing and teaching and this continues to influence her approach to fitness.

Shonda Bradford is proud to be the first instructor and studio to bring the Garuda Method to the US. Conceived and developed by James D’Silva in London, personal trainer to Madonna, Gwyneth Paltrow and Trudie Styler, the Garuda Method encompasses the principles of the Pilates method, the breath and asana practices of yoga and the grace and athleticism of dance. Garuda is an exciting addition to the Bradford Method, which includes Shonda’s Fluid Motion apparatus and technique designed specifically for her studios and her method.

PHILOSOPHY

I understand the importance of finding your strength while moving the body as a whole not breaking it down into separate pieces. Integrating Pilates, Yoga and Dance feels very natural to me since I’ve studied them my entire life so, Garuda is the perfect compliment to my method. My method is an intense, non-stop, fun-filled, sweat-inducing workout.

I offer Private training and small group classes so that each student gets personal, hands on attention. Each lesson is specifically designed based on the clients needs. My Fluid Motion Tower is where I sculpt and build lean muscle. Instead of heavy weights, I use springs, cables nd bands that allow the body to stretch while being strengthened. Your whole body is constantly in motion and so you’re increasing cardiovascular endurance while toning. My clients say it’s the smartest, hardest workout they’ve ever done.