You have probably already seen this video but if you haven’t,
watch it right now!
Well, I would like to introduce you to my first follower! Susan Willrich who was the
very first person to believe in TDM enough to want to have a studio of her
own - the one who made me feel like I wasn’t out there dancing alone!
- Jill
How did you first learn about TDM?
My friend Tracey told me that I HAD to come try this class. She knows me pretty well and was sure that I
would like it! She was right and soon I was finding my way out to Jill’s class
in Marin 3 x a week—I just knew that others would love it as much as I did and
that I needed to bring it to Oakland and Berkeley, which I co-own with my
amazing partner Kerry Corcoran.
What was it about the class that drew you in?
I have a dance, gymnastics and yoga background so I really liked
that TDM contained the elements of so many other disciplines that I love and
rolled them into one class—and then the great music sucked me in. After a few
weeks I began noticing changes in my body that made me feel great. Nothing gave
me the dramatic results that I quickly and efficiently gained at TDM. I found
it very empowering, and I was hooked!
What’s the vibe at your studios?
We have always wanted to maintain a welcoming, supportive environment
for everyone, and I think the fact that we have such a diverse clientele means
we have been successful. We work really
hard at making sure our classes are fun and challenging while at the same time
focusing on safety and alignment.
How has owning a Dailey Method impacted your life?
I know it sounds a little cliché, but I
really do feel like I’m “livin’ the dream.” This is the perfect job for
me. I am making a living doing what I
love, have really been able to find a good life/work balance and am both
fulfilled and grateful. It’s so rewarding to watch clients transform themselves
from the inside out. Almost every day a client will approach me with her (or
his!) unique story of how TDM has brought their strength & self-confidence
to a whole new level. It’s so gratifying to find those positive and authentic
connections. Of course everything isn’t always perfect, but I’ve learned how to
“lean into” the challenges of running a business. It has helped me to embrace
growth and change, which has ultimately been good for both me and my business.
What is a perfect day in the neighborhood?
Summer is here, any great book recommendations?
Yes, I loved Anna Quindlen’s memoir Lots of Candles, Plenty of Cake. Aside from having a great title it is a poignant, funny and
ultimately uplifting memoir on career, marriage, motherhood and
friendships. I find it so inspirational
that she’s found life in her fifties to be the best time of her life. She feels
like she’s finally arrived at her most authentic self. I hope to be able to
embrace “maturing” in such a thoughtful and positive way.
I’m sure you are asked all the time for nutritional advice, what
is your food philosophy?
I generally make a variety of fresh, colorful organic fruits,
vegetables and whole grains the cornerstone of my diet. I love to enjoy a great
meal with friends and it’s pretty easy around here to find local food that is
healthful as well as delicious. However,
there are times when I eat things that are less that ideal! When I do, I don’t
worry too much about it and just make sure that my next choice is a healthier
one. Doing the Dailey Method has also
helped me to take better care of my whole body and that includes wanting to
fuel my body with real, unprocessed food that is high in nutritional value and
keeps me energized.
What have you found to be the most gratifying aspect of owning a
Dailey Method?