About Top Hat Pilates

Top Hat Pilates was started in 2004 when Kelly Recktenwald began teaching her own clients in Los Angeles. She brought the business to Hillsboro, Oregon in 2006 and has been teaching private lessons and mat classes ever since.

Kelly started dancing at the age of five and ultimately received her Bachelor of Arts in Dance from California State University, Fullerton in 1994. She began having back pain in her teens due to dance injuries and incorrect alignment. In college, she performed many times with her back in spasm. After seeking treatment from chiropractors and physical therapists she discovered Pilates and found a new way of life. With twelve years of chronic back pain behind her, she has experienced a new, stronger body through this wonderful system of Contrology.

She studied Pilates for five years before deciding to become an instructor. Kelly was certified in 2002 by Romana Kryzanowska, one of Joseph Pilates’ most well known protégé’s. Kelly is passionate about classical Pilates and committed to staying true to the original method. After all, that is what healed her own body and improved her quality of life. In addition to relieving her back pain, she credits Pilates for helping to rehab her knee and recover from major abdominal surgery as well as two full-term pregnancies.

Kelly’s start was in theatre and she loves the vaudevillian era and anything vintage 1930’s. She chose the name Top Hat Pilates to give a taste of her personality and appreciation for the classics.

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