Established in 1987 by Diane Diefenderfer, Studio du Corps became the first studio to offer the Pilates Method in Orange County, CA. The goal was to introduce the classic teachings of Joseph Pilates, continuing the legacy shared by first generation masters, Ron Fletcher and Romana Kryzanowska.
After an 8-year period of study and teaching at the Ron Fletcher Studio for Body Contrology in Los Angeles, CA, Diane was inspired to open her own studio in Costa Mesa. From its humble beginnings, Studio du Corps grew in size and reputation meeting the needs of a diverse clientele ranging from dancers and Olympic athletes to folks seeking a safe means of conditioning and injury prevention. Renowned for offering a comprehensive program, geared to the needs of the individual client, instruction is detailed and thorough while simultaneously inspiring the joy of movement.
Continuing its reputation for excellence in Pilates education, the Studio du Corps mission is to motivate and encourage each individual to discover a renewed sense of body awareness, invigorating the mind, stimulating the breath and elevating the spirit.
The Studio and Diane’s work have been recognized in newspaper and magazine articles including the Los Angeles Times, Orange County Register, Sports Illustrated, Pilates Style Magazine, Dance Teacher Magazine and the Balanced Body Catalog.
Diane Diefenderfer Hanlon
Founder
Laura Hanlon
Lead Instructor
About our founder
Diane Diefenderfer, founder of Studio du Corps/Pilates Center of Orange County is a second-generation Pilates teacher with over 40 years experience in the Pilates Method. She holds the honorable distinction of being awarded a Master Teacher Certification from legendary teacher and mentor, Ron Fletcher. She is PMA (Pilates Method Alliance) Gold-certified and NCPT (Nationally Certified Pilates Teacher).
Diane enjoyed a 20-year career as a professional ballet dancer as a soloist with the Frankfurt Ballet, Eglevsky Ballet and Los Angeles Ballet. A knee injury in 1978 first led her to discover the Pilates Method at the Ron Fletcher Studio of Body Contrology in LA where she spent the next 8 years studying and teaching. Diane also studied privately with Romana Kryzanowska.
In 1988, Diane founded the first Pilates program for the Dance Department at the University of California, Irvine where she continues to serve as Associate Professor teaching ballet technique and Mat and Reformer classes for the Dance Wellness Program.
Diane is a Distinguished Faculty member with Pilates Anytime and part of the Legacy project for the online site. Diane has been a featured presenter of lectures, master classes and workshops worldwide including: Pilates Method Alliance conferences, Pilates on Tour, Body/Mind/Spirit Conferences, Fletcher Conferences, Disney Ice Arena workshops, South American Pilates conference, Equinox Clubs, Tsukuba University/Japan, Korean National University of the Arts and Orange Coast College to name a few.
She began the Pilates program for the Human Resources Department for the City of Irvine, taught mat classes at Irvine Regional Medical Center and for cancer survivors at Hoag Hospital.
She is a contributing author to Women’s Health and Wellness Across the Lifespan, Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.
About our Lead Instructor
Laura Hanlon has been practicing Pilates for over 20 years, and has taught extensively in both New York City and Southern California. She completed the Full Comprehensive Pilates Teacher Training Program at Studio du Corps, and was certified by the Pilates Method Alliance. Laura has continued her Pilates education with additional Pre and Post Natal training and is a featured instructor on Pilates Anytime.
After graduating from the University of California, Irvine with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance Performance, Laura danced professionally on the national tour of “Dancing with Your Stars,” was a featured dancer on the hit Bravo series, “Odd Mom Out” and performed in numerous showcases throughout New York State.
She has held the title of Pilates Manager, Teacher Trainer and Senior Instructor for numerous Equinox Clubs, and is still a proud part of their Group Fitness team. Additionally, Laura works with The Well’s Mindful Movement team offering Pilates Mat and Barre classes. She continues to teach both private and group classes in person and virtually, directs Studio du Corps’ annual Teacher Training Program, and offers continuing education workshops to instructors and those looking to expand their practice around the world.
