The Plié Platform was founded in 2024 by Reed Cech. What began as a passion for the symbiotic connection between dance and fitness soon ignited into a deeper calling - a heart on fire for empowering dance educators as they inspire and shape the next generation of dancers. Here at The Plié Platform, we believe that a dancer’s knowledge of how to properly engage and care for their body through strength-based movement is an invaluable asset to their longevity and success. By incorporating simple strength training into dance instruction at the studio level, we can address an often overlooked aspect of training—physical resilience. Not only does this knowledge support technique, but it also fosters body awareness, confidence, and long-term physical wellness—both in and out of the studio. 

        Reed began dancing at the age of 3 at Ballet Rincon Academy of Dance, where she trained for 15 years in ballet, jazz, tap, and lyrical. After graduating high school, she went on to earn her BFA in Dance from the University of Arizona, continuing to develop her passion and refine her craft. While focusing on her dance studies, Reed also developed an interest in fitness and nutrition, which led her to earn a minor in Sports Nutrition, and later to become a certified personal trainer through The National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM). Reed became increasingly fascinated by strength training as a form of cross-training for dancers, and soon began teaching fitness classes in addition to dance. 

        Following graduation from UA, Reed moved to New York City where she further trained in advanced study of the Graham Method at the Martha Graham Center of Contemporary Dance. Ms. Cech worked professionally as a freelance dancer in NYC for two years, performing with companies such as Alison Cook Beatty Dance and Graham II, while she continued to expand upon her knowledge of cross training as a personal trainer and group fitness practitioner. With years of experience behind her, Reed returned to her true passion for teaching dance, this time bringing a unique approach. She focused on providing young dancers with essential in-studio strength training techniques designed to enhance their technique and build lasting confidence for years to come. It was from this goal that The Plié Platform was born, and The Student Dancer Conditioning Curriculum was created.

In 2026, Reed expanded The Plié Platform LLC with the creation of the The Resilient Dance Teacher. Through The Resilient Dance Teacher Podcast and a growing collection of resources and products, dance teachers can now access support rooted in the same core values—while placing a stronger emphasis on both mental resilience and physical strength.