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About Andrea and why she’s great with Dancers!

My name is Andrea. I grew up in Austria (Australia minus two letters), where I completed my Physiotherapy undergrad degree. In Austria I worked one year on a surgical and intensive care ward before I got the chance to work for an insurance scheme, which is very similar to a Physiotherapy outpatient department of a public hospital.

After working there for five years I wanted to further develop my skills and I decided to come to Australia to study a Masters at Curtin University. It was very exciting to learn advanced assessment tools and manual techniques and also the importance of psychosocial factors impacting on pain. Despite missing family and friends I really enjoyed Australia and my studies. I also happened to meet my now Aussie husband.

Once I finished my degree in 2009, I moved back overseas for one year. Then I decided to return to Australia and completed my full Australian Physiotherapy registration, which required a series of exams and lots of patience.

My strong interest in dance has led me to train and perform as a professional dancer. I started dancing at the age of 5 and completed formal dance training in Vienna in 1999. My training experience was in Austria, London, Cologne, San Francisco and New York in different dance styles. In 2005 I was part of a dance group that won the International Dance Challenge in Las Vegas. I have performed in many musical and opera productions in professional Austrian theatre and on television. To re-engage with performing, I started choreographing shows in community theatre in 2013 and have choreographed productions such as Godspell, Phantom of the Opera, Oliver! and Mary Poppins. I have also over 20 years of dance teaching experience.

I love working with dancers as a Physiotherapist, which combines my profession with my passion. It is very special to be able to share my knowledge and help young dancers reach their potential. I am currently looking into expanding these skills, including education for dance schools offering dance anatomy, injury prevention and dance specific Pilates training.

Why Pilates

Pilates is not a big thing in Austria, but when I decided to move back to Australia, it was a must have skill. I fell in love with Pilates straight away, for the similarities with dancing, the flexibility and strength required. Within the first months of training, my back pain from years of extensive dance training improved and later resolved completely. Currently, I am going through my APPI Pilates training and qualification to expand my Pilates knowledge.

My Strengths

• If I have a goal in mind I keep working to achieve it.
• I like to help people and genuinely care for their well-being and therapy outcome.

My Weaknesses

• Impatience.
• Always having too many things to do, which means not enough time for everything.

Favourite Pilates Exercises

• Feet in straps on the reformer – I love the stretch and hip freedom you feel.
• Jumping on the reformer – I enjoy the time  to work on alignment, technique and posture.

Least Favourite Pilates Exercise

• Hanging into bridge on the trap table – After so many years of dancing my body does not appreciate excessive back extension any more.