20/08/2025
I am so grateful to be able to carry Eve’s legacy forward over my 30 year career as a pilates teacher. Her philosophy of teaching the person what is best for their body - not being a conveyor belt - has kept me inspired and very grateful for the fulfilment this approach has brought. Plus she’s a fellow Leo! Perfection.
🌿 Honouring Pilates Elder Eve Gentry 🌿
Today we celebrate the life and legacy of Eve Gentry (born Henrietta Greenhood, 20 August 1909 – 17 June 1994), a true pioneer of Pilates and one of our beloved Elders.
Eve’s journey began as a modern dancer and choreographer in New York City, but it was her encounter with Joseph Pilates that changed the course of her life—and the Pilates world forever. After years of pain from dancing, she walked into Joe’s studio and, for the first time in years, left pain-free and “floating.” That moment began a lifelong dedication to the method.
Eve’s resilience became an inspiration. Following a radical mastectomy in 1955, she used Joe’s Pedi-o-Pull to regain her strength and mobility—eventually returning to dance and helping countless women through their own recoveries. She was instrumental in demonstrating the rehabilitative power of Pilates, courageously lending her own story to advocate for wider recognition of its benefits.
Later, Eve developed the Gentry Work—a therapeutic approach that reflected her belief that Pilates was not simply a list of exercises, but a philosophy of movement requiring deep understanding and care. Her diagnostic insight and compassion left a lasting mark on generations of students.
Her words still guide us today:
“Pilates is never going to go out of style… It’s up to us; we are all responsible. It has to do with cherishing, maintaining, keeping alive our heritage, which makes us what we are.”
On what would have been her birthday, we pause to honour Eve’s wisdom, courage, and extraordinary contribution to the Pilates community. Her legacy continues to inspire us all to keep the work alive.
✨ Happy Birthday, Eve Gentry. Your spirit remains with us. ✨
Read the full article: https://www.pilates.org.au/tribute-to-eve-gentry/
Image credit: Core Dynamics Teacher Training
