Manette LaChance developed The LaChance Method® from her own personal rehabilitation experience.
Manette began her dance career at the age of 9. At 19 she had landed her first Broadway part working for Bob Fosse in the Tony Award winning musical Dancin’. She also performed in Can Can and Seven Brides for Seven Brothers. She performed on-stage in NY, LA and London, even for the Royal family. Within a period of 10 years she had appeared in several motion pictures and television commercials, primetime specials, a daytime soap opera and many music videos—working with great artists including Lionel Ritchie, Kenny Rogers, Dolly Parton, Juliet Prowse, Michael Jackson, Mel Brooks, to name a few. Her dance career spanned over 24 years, but injuries acquired along the way caught up to her even though she was in her early thirties.
She struggled with chronic pain as a result of these injuries and developed symptoms of fibromyalgia as classified by her rheumatologist. Additionally, she was diagnosed with severe degeneration of the spine, spondylolisthesis and facet syndrome—all serious and painful arthritic conditions.
Desperately wanting to reduce the pain, and not being one to back down from a challenge, she sought help from numerous medical specialists and complementary medical practitioners. She utilized chiropractors, physical therapists, acupuncturists, exercise/sports medicine specialists and nutritionist.
Ultimately she found Pilates, and together with the regular practice of yoga, stretching, core and resistance training, dance therapy, meditation, Tai Chi and Qi Gung, was able to finally gain control over pain and use her body to engage once again in normal activities of daily living and recreational endeavors. Today, more than 20 years since her journey began, she is a master teacher and certified Pilates instructor, and a member of the Pilates Method Alliance. As a result of that experience, she has created The LaChance Method®, a program combining all the systems that worked for her to relieve pain and gain back control of her life. Her goal is to give back, motivate and make this method available and accessible to anyone who would like to help themselves.
Manette currently operates a general fitness and post-rehabilitation practice in Sherman Oaks CA and also operates a studio for the Los Angeles Ballet Academy. She has been a frequent speaker as well as fitness and wellness consultant for a major biotech company, and has trained the USC Dive Team and Club. Manette works with the mainstream medical community and allied health professionals to continually refine the system.