There’s not much to say about Ching Ching Wong.
Just kidding.
There is SO much to say I almost need to write a novel! One one of the world’s most highly regarded dancers, Ching Ching won the Princess Grace Award for Dance in 2015. She is founder of international touring dance workshop, The Experience and Project Salamat, a global dance-based outreach program. She is Assistant to famous Swiss choreographer Ihsan Rustem, and, with all this, she has the tiniest ego and is the humblest, sweetest soul you’ll ever meet! To top it all off, she’s a graduate of The Pilates Center, Boulder! Of course! All the best people are!
Hi Ching Ching, how are you today? Where are you right now and what are you up to?
It’s morning time. I’m sitting in front of a fire as a guest in a beautiful home with a host family in Boise, Idaho and I’m about to walk to rehearsal!
Where did you train and when did you graduate?
I trained at a TPC host studio, Hanu Pilates in Portland, Oregon
Do you teach at a studio? If so, where and can you tell us a little bit about it?
Not right now. I did when I lived in Portland and was a recent graduate of The Pilates Center, Boulder. I taught private and small groups at Hanu Pilates. While I’ve been touring abroad and throughout the US, I have been taking Pilates with me in my teachings of dance. For example, I’m teaching company class this morning and we are going to do mat and a revised version of chair with stationary chairs. Adaption is key!
How did you find out about TPC?
Through Carey MacNaughton, owner, and my host TPC teacher, at Hanu Pilates.
What was your motivation for learning to teach Pilates?
I have always taught dance alongside my performing career. When I first began studying Pilates it was more in curiosity of how I could incorporate this method into my own body. Could Pilates help me get stronger, more balanced, keep me injury-free during strenuous and stressful rehearsals?
What was your reason for choosing to train with TPC?
I first fell in love with my Pilates classes. I was learning about all these new exercises and machines. Also I was taking class with my best friends (also dancers), so it was a bonding experience. When Carey approached me about TPC training, it was a natural next step to learn more about Pilates and DO more Pilates. I was ready for MORE!
Why do you think TPC is the best option for people wanting to become Pilates teachers?
The community! The Pilates Center, Boulder graduates, studios, and students are all over the world. How cool to be connected! Very similarly to dance training, Pilates has a pulse and a home with teachers. You build trust and a relationship with your teachers. Your teachers want the best for your body.
What was / is your favourite thing about TPC’s teacher training programme?
I loved getting to practice teach on my friends, many of whom are dancers and cannot afford private lessons. I was able to practice on them and they in turn had the chance to add Pilates as a tool to their physical practice tool kit. I felt like I could give them a little gift from what I was learning.
What do you think your experience at TPC has given you most?
Knowledge: so simple but so powerful. I can take my TPC experience all over the world. Every dance room, every class, hotel rooms, poolside, mountain-top..! I can reach into my pocket and pull out Pilates and use it whenever I need it. And, I can share it!
What would you say to someone who is considering training with TPC?
Take from a TPC teacher!
What’s your fave piece of equipment and why?
I love reformer. Also, I love mat with a towel on the side to help with certain exercises.
What is your fave memory of training at TPC and why?
Amanda Brooks. Hands down. Changed Pilates for me. Working with her made me realize it was more than just exercises. There was a way to practice and think about movement differently. She gave very personal-to-my-body suggestions and visualizations. I was able to practice more deeply, more easily, and with more space. She is magic.