James D'Silva

Personal History: I was born and raised in Goa, India, before moving to England to train in classical and contemporary dance. As a professional dancer, I performed, choreographed and taught all over Europe and the USA. Throughout my career, Pilates and Body Conditioning were an integral part of my training routine. Over the years, I added Yoga, Gyrotonic, and influences from Feldenkrais and Alexander Technique to my repertoire -- I fused the different methods into a unique, holistic and integrated style of movement and exercise. Ten years ago I opened my own Pilates studio in London – Bombay Gymkhana.

Workout Philosophy: My philosophy is focused on form, breath, fluidity and the dynamics of movement -- catering to all age groups and abilities to allow everyone to find joy in exercise and expression. I believe that all exercise should be performed mindfully, as movement without awareness is wasted energy.

Success Story: Madonna referred to James as a ‘genius’ when he helped her to recuperate from a serious horse riding accident and to recover the necessary fitness to cope with the demands of a demanding world tour only weeks later. She told Tatler Magazine: “I used to be a freak about doing yoga, but I had to do a lot of Pilates to rehabilitate my shoulder joint and get the use of my arm back. James D'Silva, my Pilates instructor, is a genius. Now all of my girlfriends go to him and we're fighting to have appointments."