For those curious about where it all began, let me take you back to 1997—a time when what’s now considered commonplace in the movement world was, back then, downright radical.
I began weaving my dance background into the yoga and Pilates classes I was teaching in the late 90s and early 2000s—long before “fusion” was trendy. And believe me, it wasn’t celebrated. In fact, it was often misunderstood. I wasn’t well-liked for it. But I couldn’t ignore the truth of what I felt in my own body: that dance, with its rhythm and release, belonged right alongside the stabilizing, strengthening techniques of Pilates and the grounding discipline of yoga.
I persisted because I loved it then—and I love it now. Especially as I age, this approach continues to be my anchor and my joy. Today, dance-based movement has blossomed into a powerful methodology, offering not just physical strength, but also a profound connection between body, mind, and spirit.
When these disciplines meet, something magical happens. The precision of Pilates collides with the expressive freedom of dance, creating a dynamic practice that challenges the body, sparks creativity, and awakens joy. It’s not just about building strength—it’s about cultivating self-expression, resilience, and a sense of aliveness.
And let’s not forget the mental health impact. Studies, including one from the University of Derby, show that dance-based movement can reduce anxiety by up to 20%. Participants leave not only stronger, but more empowered and uplifted.
For me, it has all come full circle. What started as a personal passion—misunderstood and unconventional—has grown into a recognized and beloved approach to movement. What was once considered “too different” is now celebrated. For that, and for every soul who has embraced this way of moving, I am deeply grateful.


About Amber

Amber Joliat is an embodied movement artist, somatic healer, and believer that movement is magic. She is the founder of misfitmethod, a transformative practice that blends Pilates, dance, yoga, and art into an approach where strength and expression become pathways to healing.
Her journey began in 1997, when she first began weaving her dance background into yoga and Pilates. What was once considered radical and misunderstood has since become a beloved methodology recognized for its creativity, resilience, and power to reconnect people with their bodies and spirit. Over the past two decades, Amber has taught worldwide—through studios she founded, international festivals, global retreats, and teacher trainings—holding space for thousands of people to move, release, and awaken.
Her classes are more than exercise; they are immersive experiences. Loud music, ritual elements like palo santo, and carefully curated movement sequences create environments where people can feel safe to soften, expand, and discover new layers of themselves. She calls this the art of being moved—a practice of untangling what is stuck, awakening what is alive, and embodying what is real.
Amber’s work has touched countless lives. Students describe her classes as life-changing, a place of belonging, and a catalyst for transformation. With an emphasis on both physical vitality and emotional resilience, she invites participants to move in ways that foster joy, empowerment, and deep self-connection.
At the heart of it all is devotion: “I live as an embodied movement artist, somatic healer, and believer that movement is magic—this is my life’s work and my deepest devotion.”