Worldwide Directory of Classical Teachers
1st, 2nd, 3rd & 4th Generation Teachers
Lineage is essential. Joseph Pilates documented his method of exercise prolifically over his lifetime in his writing, photographs, interviews and marketing material yet he never formalised a teacher training program in ‘Contrology.’ Students of his work developed their skills and knowledge through consistent lessons, teaching practice, and observations of Joe Pilates teaching. Primary students of Joseph Pilates included Kathleen (Kathy) Stanford Grant, John Winters, Eve Gentry, Carola Trier, Bruce King, Bob Seed, Jay Grimes and Romana Kryzanowska. After years of lessons and often assisting Joe Pilates in his studio, he gave his blessing for these individuals to teach Contrology. One example of the first-generation teachers given permission to teach was Carola Trier who became a close friend of Joe Clara. Joe also assisted Carola in making some changes to his apparatus specifically for her. It was master teacher Romana Kryzanowska who worked at Joe’s studio most consistently and for the greatest number of years with Joe and continued to preserve his work with Clara after his death in 1967.
Our DVDs and video programming made between 2002 - 2006 record major aspects of “the work” as taught by Joe and Clara to Romana and we describe this as “Classical Pilates.”
Our Worldwide Directory of Classical Pilates Teachers:
The worldwide directory of classical Pilates instructors lists over 1,400 professionals who completed comprehensive training with the most distinguished classical 1st , 2nd , and 3rd generation instructors whose training lineage comes directly from Joseph & Clara Pilates.
Our Worldwide Directory of Classical Pilates Teachers
Since this teacher directory was first launched, there has been a global expansion of offerings named Classical Pilates. Our directory revision in 2024 increases the generations to four, clarifies the definitions of generations and recognises the exceptional work of “apprentice” supervisors in training programs. We specifically have highlighted 2nd generation teachers who were chosen by Romana Kryzanowska to deliver training to others. As the 1st generation pass away, we rely more on the 2nd generation for roots to the early studios. The worldwide directory of Classical Pilates teachers lists over 1,400 professionals who completed comprehensive training with the most distinguished Classical Pilates schools and educators.
These teachers received training, supervision and competency assessment by 1st, 2nd and 3rd generation teachers whose training lineage comes directly from Joseph & Clara Pilates. Classical Pilates is more than exercises and type of apparatus. It is the commitment to learning, the experience of the work in the body before entering a teacher training programme and at least 600 hours of apprenticeship, which includes thorough instruction in technique, coaching in teaching skills, assessment of exercise execution competency as well as rigorous verbal and written examinations. In today’s world, it is possible for theoretical components of training such as history of the method, anatomy and physiology, common conditions etc. to be delivered online, however, to become a truly Classical Pilates teacher, in person training, observation and supervision cannot be replaced.
The worldwide directory of Classical Pilates teachers also helps contribute to our collective high standards of practice through professional association and recognition of classical teachers, as well as helping to protect the public interest by providing a well-known and trusted referral source for students.
The worldwide directory of Classical Pilates Teachers offers an opportunity to network with other like-minded professionals, and it's a great referral source for your students who travel. If your contact information is not up to date, or you aren't listed, colleagues and potential clients cannot find you.
Please provide updated information through the ClassicalPilates.net Contact Page.
To be listed in the worldwide directory of classical teachers:
- You are a 2nd generation teacher who studied extensively with a first-generation teacher listed above or who trained at a school with a 1st generation teacher, for example, from Pilates Inc. or Romana's Pilates, have met apprenticeship hours and given permission to teach. Where no certificate of completion of training exists, a recommendation letter is required from the school or 1st generation teacher. If less than 600 hours of total apprenticeship were personally supervised by a 1st generation teacher, you are eligible be listed as a 3rd generation with a recommendation letter.
- You are a 3rd generation teacher who studied at a school founded by a 1st or 2nd generation teacher and training is delivered/supervised/ assessed by 2nd generation teachers currently listed in this directory. Certification requires at least 600 hours of apprenticeship as detailed above with extensive hours with the 2nd Generation teacher. Completion of a mentoring or bridging programme with a 2nd generation teacher may also be accepted. Evidence includes a certificate from the school and for mentoring completion of the recommendation form from a 2nd generation teacher.
- You are a 4th Generation teacher who was certified by or studied extensively at a school founded by 1st, 2nd, or 3rd generation teachers currently listed in this directory and supervised by 2nd and 3rd Generation teachers as detailed above. Evidence includes a certificate from the school and for bridging/mentoring, and completion of the recommendation form from a 2nd or 3rd generation Teacher.
The recommendation form for 3rd and 4th generation teachers is found here 3rd-4th Gen Recommendation Form.
Ideally, our muscles should obey our will. Reasonably, our will should not be dominated by the reflex actions of our muscles.
- Joseph Pilates
Disclaimer
Peter is providing the list of Pilates instructors as a courtesy to those visiting its website and interested in Pilates. Peter is not responsible for the information provided by or the services offered or performed by Pilates instructors on its list. By choosing an instructor you waive and release Peter from any actions, causes of action, damages, claims and demands arising from any service or instruction you may receive from an instructor on this list.
