North Bay Woman

S P R I N G | S U M M E R 2 0 2 0 NORTH BAY WOMAN 41 movement in New York City and fallen in love with it, Dailey, who had a degree in kinesiology, taught pilates and worked as a personal trainer for several years, moved to Northern California. Her intention? To help people trans- form their lives through move- ment. Inspired by Lotte Berk and other disciplines in which she'd become expert, Dailey devised her own series of micro move- ments and stretches designed to strengthen and condition. The fulcrum of this practice was the ballet barre. Dailey found that the barre helped facilitate a wide range of movements that go far beyond classic ballet training. Her first studio, called The Dailey Method, opened in the Marina District exactly 20 years ago, in June 2000. So popular was her new type of exercise, Dailey said, that very quickly she expanded into a small empire of 60 studios in four countries. "I think one reason it took off is that you can do the Dailey Method daily," she reflected. "It's a very strong full-body workout. We try to work the body multidimensionally so you won't burn out thighs one day and then arms the next day." Married at the time but with child bearing still ahead, Dailey (it's her maiden name) and her then-husband put all their energy into building the business. Her husband became her business partner and business manager. Dailey created the classes, refined them, hired staff, inspired them. She taught and still teaches many of the classes herself. Dailey was also ahead of the curve by being a pioneer in offering women the opportunity to head Dailey Method studios and still be part of her company as franchisees; she also pioneered in offering child care in all studios. "I have been proud of the fact that I have been able to help women have amazing careers they love; have profes- sions where they can take care of their children," she said. "I never had child care for my kids until my third came along. Then they all grew up in the studio. I found that I could be a full time mom and have a career. So I made that possible for all the studios. It has been really amazing." As of March, when Dailey and I spoke, her studios have consolidated down to around 40 in three countries (Canada, Mexico and the United States). She is still listed as founder and CEO of The Daily Meth- Above: Jill Dailey leads a workout. Be- low: An Annual Owners Summit for The Dailey Method in 2017 in Fairfax. – Photos by Melissa McArdle, Laura Kelly

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