Ballet, Balanchine, and Balance
As a native New Yorker, I was lucky to have a girl’s rite of passage of attending New York City Ballet’s coveted annual production of The Nutcracker at the great Lincoln Center. As the first few notes of Tchaikovsky’s perfectly paired overture began, I instantly fell in love with the Ballet. Like so many young girls before me and long after me, I promised to be on stage at the David H. Koch Theater one day.
Yet another city girl perk, I studied at some of NYC’s small yet highly respected ballet schools until the day came when I finally had my chance to audition for the School of American Ballet (SAB). The first step in my magical journey at SAB was the dream of walking into the building and setting foot onto one of their many Marley-covered studios. Making it through the audition process was a once-in-a-lifetime experience, but being selected as a student was a dream come true. The bustle of the halls between classes. The groups of young dancers dressed in their respective class leotard colors. Pink tights and perfectly executed buns shared their love for ballet and ballet at SAB. Everyone there knew how important this time in their life was, regardless of age.
When it was time for Garielle Whittle to open the doors for Nutcracker tryouts or placements, the yearning to be a part of it was the highlight of every year. There were so few spots for the roles everyone was vying for, and I remember the excitement of learning what role you may be lucky enough to get. Being cast in the party scene my first year felt like such an honor. The countless rehearsals never became tiresome, and every day in class was accompanied by excitement.
As time went on and I grew with SAB, I spent one of their summer seasons in Saratoga, NY, as part of the young cast of Coppélia. During this time in Saratoga, I had my first introduction to injury. A simple ankle twist. Then, some months later, a back injury after a rather large back port de bras. Yet you forge ahead and continue. As all dancers do, we push through any injury. It was part of the craft you were introduced to when you were finally old enough to work on point.
As a recommendation from the staff at SAB, I ended up in a physical therapy office with Pilates equipment. It was the first time I had ever been on a Reformer. Not only did my work on the Pilates equipment help me overcome my ankle and back injuries, but it also became a staple in keeping my body well-conditioned. I eventually stepped away from the ballet world but found solace in Pilates.
Now, in my 50s and having been a Pilates instructor for over 18 years, I still have the opportunity to dance when I am on every piece of equipment. I am forever grateful to SAB for placing me in a rehab center with Pilates equipment. If it were not for that, I would not have the incredible career I have today. The level of strength, flexibility, and balance Pilates has given me has kept my body healthy, mobile, and injury-free, but has also allowed my ballet background to stay in the forefront and deepen my timeless connection to SAB.
Niki Kramer is a passionate fitness professional and former ballet and modern dancer who has dedicated her career to advancing wellness through movement and education. A fully certified Pilates instructor since 2007, she joined the Equinox Pilates Management Team in 2013, overseeing seven private studios in New York and Los Angeles. Her leadership has earned multiple Noxie Awards, including Pilates Turnaround Club of the Year (2017), Pilates Manager of the Year (2023), and Pilates Studio of the Year (2023).
In 2024, Niki became a Pilates Educator with the Equinox Teacher Training Program, mentoring the next generation of classical Pilates instructors. Since 2018, she has also served as Equinox Barre Ambassador and Master Barre Educator, blending science, anatomy, and artistry to inspire both members and instructors. Beyond her management and teaching roles, she has contributed to seven Equinox Group Fitness signature formats, enhancing the Pilates and Barre experience through innovative content creation.
With her unique combination of artistry, expertise, and leadership, Niki empowers instructors to grow as professionals while nurturing their passion for movement.
