Spotlight on scholarship winner, Em
She lives in a tiny country town in the Riverina region. So, it’s totally fitting that she’s found her calling connecting rural and remote women with her one true love: movement. Put your hands together for the first of our 2022 Teacher Training Scholarship winners, Emily Armstrong.
Hi, Emily. We’re so happy to have you here with us. Can you tell us a bit about yourself?
My name is Emily, but you can call me Em. I am a lover of the land and live in South Western NSW near a place called Carrathool, which is between Hay and Griffith and about 700km from Sydney.
I have grown up on the land and know how hard it can be on your body and mind. It also can feel very isolating at times (Carrathool has a population of 99, if that puts anything into perspective for you). That’s why I created my business Saltbush Stretch – an online yoga and Pilates business, connecting outback, remote and rural women all across Australia together.
I am also a mumma to my 14-month-old son, Ted, husband to my rock and friend to many (near and far), and Insta friends definitely count even if we haven’t actually met, right?
We vote definitely! So, what is it that attracted you to Barre Body?
I have a few friends who have done both mat and reformer Pilates with Barre Body, and they couldn’t speak more highly of the online and in-person training.
I also loved the vibe! The Instagram is so fun, creative and that’s what I think is really important in a Pilates flow. This was a big reason as to why I was attracted to Barre Body.
Fun, creative sequences are our jam. Now, why does the scholarship mean so much to you?
Oh, gosh. This is honestly such a ‘pinch me moment’. Never in my wildest dreams did I think I would win.
But this scholarship isn’t just for me – it’s for all of the amazing outback, rural and remote women who allow me to bring movement into their living rooms, backyards and anywhere in-between.
This scholarship will allow me to expand my skill-set and give myself and these amazing women the opportunity to try something new! I can’t thank Barre Body enough.
Thank YOU. We just can’t wait to watch you thrive. What’s your relationship with movement like?
Movement to me is all about feeling good. We are always rushing around and getting from A to B, but when we mindfully move, whether that be an outdoor stroll listening to a podcast, rolling out the yoga mat and getting some zen, or that booty burning with a fiery Pilates flow, I FEEL GOOD from the inside, out. I’d be lost without movement.
Oh, we love to hear that! What are you most excited to get out of the training?
Learning a whole new skill-set, for sure. I’m also super excited to engage and connect with some other students in the training, and I know this is a massive thing for me. But really, I just can’t wait to dive in and have a crack!
One last question before you dive in. What impact do you hope that your story has on your community?
I really hope it shows people that everyone has a story, and every story is worth listening to. So, if someone is sitting on the fence about doing something in life, just do it! You honestly have nothing to lose. Even if one person from your community reads this and takes an action from it, I’d be stoked.
We’re so excited for you to show Carrathool what you’re made of, Em. Thanks for chatting with us.
Do you want to teach Barre on your terms? Is it your dream to bring mindful movement to your community? Have you experienced obstacles – financial pressures, mental blocks, time restraints -and need extra support? We’ve got you.
Our 2022 Teacher Training Scholarships applications are open and give you the choice of Barre, Pilates Mat, or Reformer Pilates training. We review applicants quarterly, so you can apply right now, next month, or whenever you please.
