The Legacy of Lawrence Hayward Lives On 1930 – 2015. Never Forgotten.

Photographer. Painter. Knitter. Author. Actor. Musician. Dancer. Lover of life. Just a few words to describe the remarkable human that was Lawrence Hayward. Lawrence was a gifted Canadian creative who loved and lived to create, while always seeking ways to help people live better lives.

It was during his time on the dance floor with Hanya Holm that he sought out and found the legendary father of Contrology in New York City, Joseph Pilates. Lawrence wanted to learn Joe’s ways, and started taking lessons with him. Joe was so impressed with Lawrence’s skill and commitment that he asked him to stay on as his assistant, and Lawrence was one of the first to study Contrology, the original Pilates method that took the world by storm.

While he initially only planned on visiting for several weeks, Lawrence stayed on as Joe’s personal apprentice and teacher for the long haul. He stayed in Joseph and Clara Pilates’ New York studio and the Becket NY studio from December 1959 to April 1960, teaching and learning Pilates by day and sleeping on the floor mats by night, with little more than a small heater and his passion for Contrology, writing and reading to keep him company

At Joe’s request, Lawrence would photograph, trace, and measure the studio’s primitive equipment, old photos, and Joe’s own notes, preserving the heartbeat of history for which those left behind will be eternally grateful.

It was in 1967 that Joseph succumbed to advanced Emphysema and passed away at the age of 83, but not before he personally asked Lawrence to “Carry on in my footsteps and teach Contrology to the rest of the world”.

A man of his word, Lawrence kept Joe’s spirit and passion for the mind-body movement alive by teaching Contrology in his own private NYC practice for half a decade. When he wasn’t teaching Contrology, Lawrence could be found exploring the local museums and immersing himself in the vibrant NY city life.

Lawrence was also an avid artist whose talents didn’t go unnoticed by anyone around him. Both tourists and locals were inspired by Lawrence’s work, and he earned a well-deserved living selling his paintings and small watercolors. Eventually, Lawrence returned to Canadian soil to bring Contrology to his hometown of Kingston, Ontario, from everyday Joes and Jane’s through to dancers at Toronto’s National School of Ballet.

A passionate lifelong learner, Lawrence continued to study and soon added Licensed Shiatsu Massage Therapist to his already-impressive résumé. He also managed to author a staggering 33 books on Canadian Sculptures alone. This incredibly busy man somehow still found the time to give back, always volunteering “wherever he was most needed”. Lawrence saw it as a gift to be able to serve the community in which he lived – something that benefits everyone equally.

In Lawrence’s words, “Start there – with a smile if possible!”.

In his golden years, Lawrence spent most of his precious time writing poetry, visiting his neighbors Lhama walking his dog and selling his handmade tinctures, salves, and knitted goods at the local weekly market. Lawrence was an inspiration to all who encountered his presence, and while he may be gone, he’s never forgotten, and his spirit lives on through those of us that loved him. It was a privilege to call him a mentor and true friend.

*Unedited Version. Copy editor version to be posted this week.

Lawrence Hayward Interview Questions by Marie Miller

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 and her practice to teaching and sharing Lawrence’s work along with Joseph and Clara Pilates work of Contrology , as Lawrence requested of her to share with the world openly 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 in 2010 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 a brief pause he was “thinking 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, reflexologist, massage therapist, 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. He was truly a one of a kind human.