Hey, we’re Fringe. It’s really nice to have you here.
The Origin Story
I’m really happy that you've made it to this point! I’m Tay (she/her), and I created Fringe to make Pilates more accessible to folks who might have felt left out by traditional fitness spaces. This is especially for those who love and heal on the fringes of society.
Born and raised in Houston, TX, I was honestly never much of an athlete. My cousin asked me to leave the family volleyball team, for reference. After graduating from the University of Texas in 2014 with my BA in Women’s and Gender Studies, I found my way into the world of Early Childhood Education. However, after unhappily trudging through my career, my life took a significant turn when I was diagnosed with Sarcoma Cancer in 2019. It was during that time that I realized how transformative Pilates truly was, and it became a driving force for me even after my recovery.
Pilates had been fun before cancer, but it gave me my life back after it. Ultimately, making the jump from the classroom to the studio felt like a natural decision. I decided to earn my Comprehensive Pilates Certification from Core Pilates NYC, and now I am truly living out one of my biggest dreams - owning and instructing at an amazing studio that cares for people like me!
Aside from all the historical stuff, I really love learning about the body and Pilates, spending time in the sun, getting cozy with my wife and pups, and making memories with those that I love.
I hope you’ll come along for this journey and make some amazing friends and strides along the way. Welcome to Fringe, boo!
Our Administrative Team
DJ Rock
DJ is a Jersey girl who started her fitness journey as a strength coach/personal trainer. She came to Pilates after joining the Fringe management team, and pursued her mat certification through Black Girl Pilates. She then obtained her reformer certification and has taught classes and pop-ups throughout the city. As Studio Manager, DJ oversees the instructor team, manages the schedule, and assists with Fringe marketing, events, and operations. She also subs classes occasionally, so keep an eye on the schedule to see when she’s instructing in the studio.
Studio Manager
Campbell Ives
Campbell assists clients via phone and email so they can worry less about the booking logistics and focus more on their Pilates journey. Campbell has called Flatbush home for the last four years and is overjoyed to be a part of Fringe Pilates mission to create a Pilates space that is inclusive and safe for those on the fringes. When they aren’t assisting clients or handling the studio laundry they are also a freelance dance artist, house manager and labor organizer.
Studio Assistant
Community Partnerships Coordinator
Kimberly Anderson
Kim is a wellness coach with a love for all things wellness, community, and movement. She is passionate about creating experiences that make taking care of yourself feel intentional, enjoyable, and accessible. A Flatbush native, Kim is proud to bring those passions to the neighborhood she calls home. As Community Partnerships Coordinator, Kim plays a vital role in building relationships, curating events, and creating opportunities for Fringe to connect with and serve the local community.
Our Instructor Team
Hillary
I'm Hillary! They say I'm always outside, but in a fairy treehouse sort of way. I'm known for having a million hobbies! Besides teaching pilates, I am an actor, singer, model, director with a passion for storytelling that moves society forward. Pilates and Tennis have helped me to excel in all of my endeavors. I aspire to make it all accessible to my communities!
Kiya
Kiya is a certified Mat Pilates instructor who has been practicing Pilates for over 15 years. After experiencing firsthand how the practice can build strength, flexibility, and a deeper connection to the body, she earned her Intermediate Mat certification through Power Pilates.
Kiya brings a grounded, intentional approach to movement, encouraging clients to tune into their bodies while building sustainable strength and mobility. Outside the studio, she has spent more than a decade working in fashion design and loves art, theater, vintage shopping, and road trips with her pup, LouLou.
My name is Essence Murph. I was raised in Atlanta, Georgia. I tore a ligament in my ACL when I was younger and that intrigued me to pay more attention to my body. Fast forward 8 years later, I took an intro Pilates class and noticed how Pilates helped me with my strength training and everyday life. I used to always bend with straight legs, but now Meg the Stallion ain’t got nothing on me . I love reading and watching anything relating to romance, and I’m obsessed with Grapefruit and Greek yogurt.
Essence
Kimberly Konopka is an A.C.E certified personal trainer and group fitness instructor with twenty five years of experience. She specializes in reformer pilates, mat pilates, barre TRX, trampoline, cardio, cheerleading as well as several other fitness formats. Kimberly’s focus is on both corrective and pre and post natal exercise. Kim is glad to be a part of the Fringe Pilates team!
Kim
Mya
I am a former collegiate athlete who found pilates after years of thinking heavy weight lifting was better. Since then, I have discovered the power of control and intention in movement to help build strength, and I love helping others learn that as well. My style of teaching is rooted in classical pilates with a strong flavor of athletic movement. I program my classes to be challenging, encouraging, and love to include some hints of humor as well! My goal is for people to leave feeling like they learned something new about their bodies, feeling empowered and stronger.
I’m Mako! I am a comprehensively certified, 500-hour BASI Pilates instructor with a deep passion for postural alignment, intentional movement, and helping every client experience a balanced, full-body workout. My goal is to create classes where you can feel strong and challenged while also feeling supported, grounded, and connected to your body.
My teaching is rooted in the classical Pilates method, while also incorporating contemporary movement and creative variations. I love honoring the foundations of Pilates while finding ways to keep classes fresh, engaging, and appropriate for the bodies in front of me. Alignment and form are always important in my classes, but so is creating an environment where clients can enjoy moving, explore their strength, and feel successful in their own bodies.
Whether you’re completely new to Pilates or have been practicing for years, I hope you feel welcome in my class. I can’t wait to move with you at Fringe!
Mako
Imogene
Imogene Williams is a Pilates instructor, artist and somatic movement facilitator who believes movement can be a powerful way to reconnect with ourselves. With a background in dance and years of experience guiding people through movement, she brings curiosity, warmth, and attentiveness to every session. Imogene’s teaching is grounded in Pilates principles while incorporating her understanding of breath, alignment, strength, mobility, and body awareness. She enjoys helping clients discover what their bodies are capable of while creating space to listen, explore, and move without judgment. Whether someone is new to Pilates or looking to deepen an established practice, Imogene meets each person where they are and adapts her teaching to their individual needs. Her goal is for clients to leave feeling stronger, more connected, and more at home in their bodies. She sees movement as both a physical practice and an opportunity for connection, confidence, and joy.
Thea
Thea Dowrich is a Pilates instructor who seeks to make all students feel welcome in their practice regardless of their ability or experience level! She came to Pilates while recovering from an injury while marathon training and appreciates how Pilates can help people feel more grounded in their bodies. Outside of the studio, she is a PhD student at Teachers College, Columbia University in the Economics and Education program.
Ziggy
Ziggy Simone is a professional dancer and Pilates instructor living in Brooklyn, NY. They grew up dancing and intend to keep moving well into their old age. Ziggy studied anatomy and received their Mat Pilates certification at The Kane School. They are completing their Comprehensive Pilates certification with The Movement Study. Ziggy has taught movement classes throughout their time in NYC, including dance and barre fitness. They see movement as a source of power and joy, and a tool for injury prevention, recovery, and building resilience. Ziggy looks forward to being a part of your movement journey, wherever it leads!
Candice
Candice is a movement enthusiast and pilates instructor with the goal of helping others find joy in moving their bodies. After experiencing burnout from years of traditional strength training, the Pilates method won her over once she realized it kept her mind healthy while also developing her confidence and body positivity outside of the studio.
In 2023, she completed her comprehensive pilates certification. A firm believer in the connection between movement and mental health, Pilates is truly the highlight of her day. You can expect an encouraging, nurturing, and restorative experience when taking classes with her.
When she isn’t in the studio, teaching or taking a class herself, she balances being a mom, wife, and academic advisor to college students in her hometown of Brooklyn, NY. Her hobbies and interests include content creation, nail art, and coffee. You can find her on instagram @thickgirlpilates and @colorcafeworld. Candice is so excited to grow, connect, and move with the Fringe Community!
FAQs
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Fringe Pilates is proud to serve the Flatbush, PLG, Crown Heights, and Ditmas Park communities from our cute lil spot at 205 Clarkson Ave. Brooklyn, NY 11226
By Subway
2 or 5 train: Take the train to Winthrop Street. We're approximately a 3-minute walk from the station.
Q train: Take the train to Parkside Avenue. We're approximately a 10-minute walk from the station.
By Bus
B12: Exit at Clarkson Avenue and Rogers Avenue, just steps from the studio.
B49: Exit at Rogers Avenue and Clarkson Avenue, approximately a 1-minute walk.
B44 or B44-SBS: Exit near Nostrand Avenue and Clarkson Avenue, approximately a 2–3-minute walk.
Parking & Transportation
Street parking in our neighborhood is extremely limited, so we strongly recommend taking public transportation whenever possible. If you're planning to drive, please allow plenty of extra time to find parking so you can arrive before class begins.
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Head to the booking link in the top panel of this webpage! If you plan on seeing us often, then download Fringe Pilates App in the Apple or Google Play store.
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Yes, you’ve got a 6 minute grace period, and we’re holding you to it!
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We truly love a beginner! Making it to this website alone is a huge first step toward trying a new movement practice. Let’s do this shawty!
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We host our donation-based class, Morning Glory, at the studio every last Sunday of the month.
