Specializing in

Pre-Pro/Professional Dancers

& Post-Rehab Pilates

A whole-body approach to restore function and enhance performance, so you can feel amazing doing the things you enjoy most!

BIRD ON A PERCH PILATES

Hi, I’m Monica Bondi, former dancer turned Pilates Instructor, mom of 3 and founder of Bird on a Perch Pilates.

At Bird on a Perch Pilates, I pride myself on providing exceptional private Pilates sessions tailored specifically for dancers. Combining over 30 years of movement experience as both a dancer and Pilates Instructor and countless hours of continuing education in Dance Science, Anatomy, and Pilates from world renowned leaders in these fields, I am known for effective, rehabilitative techniques and extensive knowledge that will elevate your dancing, reduce injury risk and enhance your performance. Working with dancers ranging from pre-professionals to the Principal Dancers of the Houston Ballet, I strive to make every interaction with my clients both supportive and empowering.

FIND BALANCE | TAKE FLIGHT

I am here to help you find healthier and more functional ways to move while strengthening what’s weak and lengthening what’s short. Training your body in a balanced way will have you feeling lighter, more connected, energized, and stronger in your daily activities whether it’s getting through a 4 hour rehearsal or picking toys up off the floor. Find balance and you will take flight.

Schedule Now

Client Testimonial

“Monica is an absolutely excellent instructor! I am an older professional dancer with a collection of injuries old and new, and I have been seeing Monica for the past year and a half. Monica's attention to detail is incredible and her vast knowledge and personable manner makes the sessions both challenging and accessible. I have seen many Pilates instructors over the years - and Monica's expertise, kindness and care has made her my favorite. Highly recommend to the experienced mover as well as someone looking to get started in their movement journey. Bird on a Perch is fantastic!” -Jessica K.

“She loved her time with you and walked out saying she ‘already felt so different!!!’. You are AMAZING, and that was a phenomenal session to witness. As well as I know Phoebe gained so much already, and is looking forward to the next one!!! Thanks again so very much for being so brilliant at what you do!!!” - Mom of a Pre-Professional Dancer

Private Pilates Sessions

Pilates for All

My ultimate goal as a Pilates-based Movement Specialist is to help my clients move better, feel better and empower them by helping them get to know their bodies and what they are capable of. My decades of movement experience allows me to work with the person that’s in front of me and meet them where they are emotionally, physically, and energetically on any given day. I’ve helped clients reach their health and fitness goals and get out of pain with conditions such as chronic low back pain, hypermobility, disc herniation, scoliosis, osteoporosis, total hip and knee replacements, shoulder Injuries, and Diastasis Recti.

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PIlates for Dancers

Enhance performance and reduce the risk of injury by conditioning with Pilates. It wasn’t until a career-ending injury, that I took the time to really understand how my body works . Throughout my PIlates training, I constantly find myself saying, “I wish I knew this when I was still dancing.” I coach dancers on how to become even more intelligent movers by working on neuromuscular reeducation, improving proprioception and helping them find strength, stability and mobility in the areas that need it most. I keep dancers moving while they are out of class and rehearsal from injury. I help dancers feel more centered and empower them with the movement knowledge they gain during our sessions. I’m also on the Health and Wellness Team at Houston Ballet.

Clients include dancers from:

Professionals

Houston Ballet (Corps de ballet - Principals)

Houston Contemporary Dance Company

Pre-Professionals

Houston Ballet Academy (Upper School/Professional Program)

HSPVA

Feijoo Ballet

Bayou City Ballet School

Institute of Contemporary Dance

*Discounted rate for full-time Professional dancers!

Meet Monica

Client Testimonials

“When it comes to moving your body - being in your body - with strength, flexibility and grace there's nothing like Pilates. I can't imagine a better instructor than Monica. She's trained in the science of body movement and gifted in understanding what works best for you. She's a former dancer so I thought I was crazy when making my first appointment. But I loved it so much it became by far my favorite hour of the week.”

-Susan W., 4-year client of Bird on a Perch

“Monica is the absolute best! She is unfailingly patient and kind, but she also misses nothing and makes sure you do each exercise in the best way to get the very best results. She is extremely knowledgeable about body mechanics and physiology. I am an older client (now age 70), and she was always very careful to respect my limits while at the same time supporting me to make sure I continued to make advances in my fitness and strength.”

-Carolyn S., 7-year client of Bird on a Perch