Flying Squirrel Studios
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Flying Squirrel Studios is the best place for pilates in the city. I've been taking classes and privates there religiously since the studio opened in 2018. Because the class sizes are super small, you can actually get personalized attention to master the moves and get stronger. Dani has an expert understanding of bodies and has helped me reach my goals for strength and flexibility.

I love how Flying Squirrel mixes aspects of aerial arts and martial arts into a traditional pilates class. The teachers keep it fresh and never boring. I'm so grateful for Flying Squirrel! I have been doing pilates twice a week with Dani at Flying Squirrel Studio since it opened. It's a beautiful space- open, airy and filled with light.
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Danielle's extensive background in martial arts, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsiu, Muay Thai kick-boxing, acrobatic movement, dance, and current pursuit of aerial arts lends a unique perspective to her teachings and style. BASI educated and a Kathy Grant Heritage Training Graduate, Dani offers a deep understanding of anatomy, physiology and movement theory.
Flying Squirrel is a fully equipped, boutique Pilates Studio located in the heart of the East Village. We offer group equipment classes along with private, one-on-one instruction for individuals who prefer a more tailored workout. Private sessions are also appropriate if you are recovering from an injury or otherwise require special attention.
The Pilates method is designed to connect you deeply to your core structures, build strength and improve mobility in joints that become more vulnerable with age and overuse. Pilates gets its reputation for long lean muscles by bringing attention to the eccentric contraction of your muscles. Both concentric and eccentric occur within the method, but few methods bring such specific focus to this essential component of movement.
Most new business owners carefully plan their ventures, sometimes for years-not me. I didn't have long to think about whether I wanted to become a studio owner. I had been an instructor with Sixth Street Pilates for several years when I found out it was slated to close and I had an opportunity to become the new owner if I acted fast.
This class is designed to introduce you to the basic elements of Pilates and move you through the beginner Pilates exercises. Pilates is an education about what your body is designed to do and how you can take full advantage of it's awesome capabilities. Learn how to flex, extend, rotate and side bend to support your body in almost any situation.
Reviews (9)
Mary Wharton
Mary Wharton
Feb 05, 2022
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I love Flying Squirrel Pilates. The classes are small so you get individual attention, and the instructors are all super knowledgeable. Every class feels different, which helps to prevent “workout boredom” and I always feel like I’m getting a chance to work new and different muscles to keep the whole body toned. The studio vibe is also really welcoming. I’d been away from NYC for a few years and was so pleased to find that this lovely place was still here, with some of the same instructors who remembered me and welcomed me back. It’s a small female-owned business that I’m glad to support
Kristin Derimanova
Kristin Derimanova
Jan 12, 2022
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As a dedicated yoga practitioner, I decided to try Pilates to help with some core strengthening and stability in my shoulders which were feeling weak in some areas of my practice. After working with Danielle privately I have a much better understanding of how to support weight bearing poses on my arms and a better connection to my core in general. I would recommend to anyone with a yoga practice that might benefit from a little help in the stability department.
Elsbeth Hearn
Elsbeth Hearn
Jan 05, 2022
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What a great studio! Was traveling and took a class here with Dani. I was nervous taking a class at a new studio, but she was welcoming and the studio was clean and comfortable. I’ll be back next time I’m in the city.
Jenna Freedman
Jenna Freedman
Dec 21, 2021
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I went to Flying Squirrel for my first Pilates class in possibly ten years and my first reformer class ever. Dakota and my classmates were welcoming and patient, and the workout was stupendous. Despite being challenging, the class was shockingly easy to follow, and I experienced minimum pain the next day--a sign of a teacher who designs a class to stretch but not exceed a student's ability.
I love the vibe at FSS. With only five reformers and springboards, classes are intimate. The only reason I'm giving four stars instead of five is because I wish the prices were lower. I understand that the
Adriana Leshko
Adriana Leshko
Jan 04, 2020
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I’ve been going to this very special, intimate studio for years and was thrilled when one of its most skilled teachers took it over. This is the place I discovered an exercise practice that was compelling, interesting, and engaging and it will always be a “core” part of my NYC routine. See what I did there?
Erina Dempsey
Erina Dempsey
Dec 25, 2019
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The class was great and the staff was extremely helpful. When I told the teacher that I was new, she went out of her way to make sure that I felt comfortable and asked me if I had any questions afterwards. It made me feel at home, as if I had been exercising there for awhile, even though it was my first visit. I also liked that the class felt energetic enough that I had a really great workout, while the atmosphere of the studio was calm and down to earth. I will definitely return soon!
Sharone Katz
Sharone Katz
Nov 19, 2019
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Amazing boutique studio. Small class size and veryexperienced instructors make this both tranquil and challenging.
D. Wilson
D. Wilson
Jul 15, 2019
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Studio and instructor are great! Wish there were more packages offered.
Christine Driscoll
Christine Driscoll
Jan 28, 2019
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This is a really nice, calm pilates studio. Highly recommend taking a class with Dakota. You will feel it the next day... in a good way.