Our History

Wallis' initial movement instruction was with the former The Riderwood School of Dance. Established in 1994 in location at Riderwood Elementary School, the original offering was classical ballet instruction using the Royal Academy of Dance syllabus.

In addition to classes at Riderwood Elementary, Wallis taught Creative Movement and Classical Ballet at The Baltimore Actors' Theater Academy for the 97-98 school year. She also taught for several years on location at Hunt's School, and The New Hope Academy.

A parent of a student at the Baltimore Actors' Theater Academy was a key administrator at the Pickersgill Retirement Community. Her husband was a professional ballet dancer. Ms. Cooper, valuing Wallis' instruction technique offered use of space at the Pickersgill Community for the simple fee of a half-hour stretch/tone class for the residents on the days she was teaching, and free advertising in the community's quarterly and monthly newsletters. The immediate response was, what time do you want me there?

In January, 1997 The Riderwood School of Dance moved to The Pickersgill Retirement Community where classical dance instruction was offered including Ballet, Irish Step, Jazz, Modern, and Flamenco dance. Classes were morning and evening Monday - Friday. Performances were twice annually. 

Irish Step instruction was taught by Heidi Kulas principal dancer of Footworks Percussive Dance Ensemble. Modern, and Jazz Dance Instruction was taught by Lindsey Bauer.

Later in 2002, with the two primary teachers retiring from teaching and moving out of state - Heidi accepting a full clogging scholarship in the south east US and Lindsey off to graduate school out west, and Pickersgill closing the activities room where we danced so to rebuild it - the opportunity was utilized to immediately transition into a pilates studio. Wallis had been involved with pilates instruction since '98 and was quite passionate about it.

A perfect opportunity presented itself to progress movement teaching to include injury prevention and recovery, strength training in alignment, posture - all while maintaining a sense of artistry, purpose, balance, and life integration.

On March 13, 2002, STUDIO 1 Pilates n Movement began. In the first year, classes were held at  Meadowbrook Swim Club until acquiring the suite in Ruxton Towers which opened for classes on June 1, 2003.

Although we now only occasionally offer a weekly group ballet class, we do offer private and semi-private, and small group instruction and coaching. Our work is for dancers, swimmers, artisans, competitive athletes, golfers, cyclists, rock climbers, all athletes - people.

Thank you Pickersgill Retirement Community for hosting the Riderwood School of Dance.

February, 1997 - June, 2003

Enrichment in movement, Enrichment in spirit - Let Movement Give You Life!  

 "The Riderwood School of Dance offers children classical ballet in a warm, nurturing environment. I can't speak highly enough about Ms. Mason, whose love for children is obvious.... My child has become poised on stage, has learned to love music and moving to music, and best of all, her self-esteem has skyrocketed....if you want your child to become graceful .....and grow in self confidence, send her to Ms. Mason." PAT MOCHEL, Mother.

Thank you, Everett Arconti, for your help & instruction with the computer, with performances, web creation, and best of all - for being my son.

riderwooddance.com published 3/23/03 - 2014.