A glass of champagne is an unusual prop in a Pilates class – many toasts and lots of laughter were had at our 22nd anniversary Champagne Mat class, led by Dan at our Raffles Place Pilates studio! We picked up our glasses from the floor and rose into Swan for a sip. During Saw, we passed a champagne bottle around as we rotated. Sure enough, there were a few spills and plenty of laughs, but beneath the fun was a thoughtfully sequenced, full body Pilates class. We moved through exercises lying down, seated, weight bearing and standing, exploring different planes of movement along the way in full Polestar fashion.
After class, we gathered for cake, food, more champagne and the chance to catch up. Dan thanked the clients, instructors and wider community who have shaped Focus over the past 22 years, and shared some exciting news: our new studio is opening just next door!
Some of you have moved with us for more than a decade; others have only recently found your way here. Today, our community spans six generations. Our most senior clients are in their 80s, attending physiotherapy and Pilates to stay strong and mobile, while our youngest is just 4.5 months old and comes for gentle physiotherapy to support her posture and movement.
We’re proud to welcome people of all ages through our doors and to help each person find movement that feels meaningful to them.
What ‘Pilates for everyone’ means to us
When we say movement is for everyone, we mean that people should be able to find a way into it that respects where they are today.
For one person, that might be an Active Ageing group class that helps them keep moving with confidence in their daily tasks. For another, it might be a physiotherapy or rehabilitative session as they work through pain or return to activity. Someone else may be ready for a faster paced group class or a private Pilates session that challenges their strength, coordination and control at a more advanced level.
These sessions can look very different, but they share the same foundation. We consider each person’s needs, teach with care and sequence movements with a purpose. Pilates can be adapted without losing the principles that make it valuable.
That matters especially to someone who wonders whether they are “fit enough” to begin. You do not need to arrive to your first group class flexible or familiar with the Reformer. You can start where you are, ask questions and build your understanding over time. Equally, if you have years of movement experience, there is always more to explore.
A studio where people feel they belong
Pilates has become more visible in recent years, often through trending aesthetics and a particular image of who practises it. We hope our community shows a wider picture: people of different ages, backgrounds and physical capabilities, each finding something meaningful in movement.
We saw that spirit throughout our anniversary evening. The Champagne Mat class brought everyone together through a shared challenge; the after party gave us time for wonderful conversations and new connections. Seeing someone enjoy the company at Focus and feel at ease here means as much to us as seeing their progress in a session.
To everyone who celebrated with us, and everyone who has been part of Focus since our beginnings: thank you. You have helped make our Pilates and physiotherapy studio in Raffles Place a place where four generations can move, learn and belong.
Here’s to the next chapter, and to finding more reasons to celebrate together!
Check out our 22nd Anniversary promotions here
More moments from our Champagne Mat Pilates session & after party:
