Lawrence Hayward Legacy Project

Unedited Version below; Full Copy Editor version available soon.

Lawrence Hayward Interview Questions

Answered by Dale Matzkow, Lawrence Hayward’s chosen last apprentice whom he requested and deeded his entire life’s personal work and Contrology Legacy to.

It is with honor and integrity that Dale continues to “always remain a student” while dedicating herself to teaching and sharing Lawrence’s work along with Joseph and Clara Pilates Contrology , as Lawrence requested of her to share with the world on a daily basis.

1) How did you first hear about Lawrence Hayward?

I initially had heard about him in Toronto while I was there for work and doing Pilates. He was a bit of an “urban myth” or “urban legend “ once back in NYC his name came up again while I was doing research in 2009 online. .

2)What was your first impression? (be honest)

My first encounter with him was via a phone call I was overwhelmed, I had never met anyone that had trained with Joseph Pilates. He was abrasive but answered my questions about Joe and Clara. He said Yes he had been there, Yes he taught Pilates, but he was indeed a little rude.

After a brief introduction of myself, My name is Dale and I’m a pilates instructor in NYC I would love to come and take sessions and be your apprentice. He actually said “I’m not interested. “ and proceeded to tell me anything he saw that they were teaching in NYC was not Contrology. With that he hung up the phone on me. .

I immediately called back and begged him to agree to accept me with I too am Canadian! I just want to learn from you. He proceeded to ask me where I was from in Ontario. We discussed the small town I was originally from followed by him pausing and saying he was “thinking briefly about it “ then he said “Ok I’ll take you on as my final apprentice but forget what you’ve learned and do exactly what I say. I imagine you’ll have A-LOT to unlearn”

3) What was the first thing he taught you?

The first lesson he gave me was to learn to Knit. He said I was “too wild” and this would help calm my brain. “ keeping your hands busy will settle your mind” He was an avid knitter himself.

4) What surprised you the most from his stories?

His stories were so vast, varied and incredibly colorful. He had such a wide range of knowledge and so many different subjects. He was a teacher, dancer, artist, painter, qi gong master, published author, poet, musician, knitter, massage therapist, reflexologist, gardener and lover of all animals.

He was a true renaissance man. Pilates was such a very small part of who he was.

5) What was your happiest memory with Lawrence.

Our conversations about life, his laughter and his little impromptu guitar song phone calls (often at 2or3am) or to share with me a memory or story he thought I’d enjoy. Our greatest conversation had nothing at all to do with Pilates., always about life. I will always cherish our friendship and heartfelt connection always. He was truly one of a kind human.

Lawrence Hayward Legacy Website