Romana's Pilates International Instructor Training Program
History
Joseph Pilates began the apprentice model of training in his studio with Romana Kryzanowska. Since his death in 1967, Romana’s Pilates has continued to use this model for training new apprentices. Through the Independent Instructor Training Program (IITP), we strive to gain the respect and trust of our clients, community, and fellow instructors. The IITP’s goal is to nurture instructors who are dedicated to lifelong learning and to becoming creative, productive instructors.
Pilates Connection was founded almost 20 years ago by Rhonda Celenza (Level II Master Instructor Trainer) in Evanston. It has since become the Midwest Region Center for the Instructor Training Program; we are fortunate to have both Rhonda and Juanita Lopez (Level I Grand Master Instructor Trainer) in the area, providing apprentices with instruction and mentorship.
Independent Instructor Training Program (IITP)
Romana’s Pilates International's Independent Instructor Training Program (IITP) features hands-on instruction, with students working side-by-side with instructor trainers. The international program is overseen by Romana’s granddaughter, Daria Pace. Romana and her daughter, Sari Mejia Santo, guided and approved all the original IITP leveled instructors, who are committed to continually improving their own skills and providing the highest standard of instruction to their apprentices. This group of talented teachers is now training future generations in the same manner.
In the Midwest United States, the IITP is held at Pilates Connection. We are fortunate to have the involvement of Juanita Lopez, a Level I Grand Master Instructor Trainer, and Rhonda Celenza, a Level II Master Instructor Trainer. A Level I Instructor is the highest level of certification that one can receive. Sari Mejia Santo, Cynthia Lochard, and Juanita are the only Level I Instructors in the Romana’s Pilates organization.
In addition to Juanita and Rhonda, Pilates Connection has three Level IV Instructor Trainers — Dawn Friedman, Chris Girard, and Andrea Versenyi. They prepare prospective apprentices for entrance into the program and train and supervise apprentices from acceptance through certification. For those who do not live in the Chicago area, the Midwest Region is home to several other studios with Level IV or above instructors in studios where apprentices can complete observation hours.
Assessment Requirements
At Pilates Connection, anyone interested in the apprentice program is required to schedule a session with Rhonda Celenza to evaluate their proficiency. We suggest contacting the studio six months prior to your desired entrance date to ensure you have sufficient time to bring your skills up to the required standard before your formal assessment.
When candidates are deemed ready to assess, they may schedule an assessment appointment. All candidates entering the Pilates Connection IITP must be assessed at Pilates Connection. At the assessment, the candidate will be asked to demonstrate the following:
- Setting up equipment, as used in the advanced system, safely and efficiently according to standard procedures
- An understanding of advanced system exercises on the reformer, mat, Cadillac, chairs, barrels, and the wall
- Knowledge of the order, repetitions, and purposes of exercises
- The physical ability to perform the exercises
- The ability to efficiently flow through the exercises utilizing proper transitions
- The ability to focus, concentrate, and follow direction
- Understanding of appropriate attire and hygiene
- The ability to present oneself in a professional manner and in appropriate condition to undertake a rigorous apprentice training and participation in seminars
- An aptitude to perform and to learn how to teach exercises
Upon passing the assessment, the candidate will be ready to begin the Independent Instructor Training Program. The training program consists of three, 2–3-day seminars, which will cover all exercises in the following ability levels: Basic, Intermediate, and Advanced.
Apprentice Expectations
All apprentices are required to spend 15–20 hours each week in the studio—observing, practicing, and teaching the exercises. Apprentices must take at least one private lesson per week and attend all apprentice group meetings. Before attending an Intermediate or Advanced seminar, apprentices must have passed the preceding level’s test and be capable of doing all exercises included in the next level’s seminar.
When both the apprentice and the instructor feel that the apprentice has proficiency in each level, testing will occur.
Additional IITP Information
Contact Pilates Connection Chicago for more information about applying to the IITP program, schedule, and fees.
I love the personal attention that Pilates Connection offers me. I've done exercise classes in the past and hurt myself. I needed someone to make sure I was doing things safely. Emma is right there with me. I feel cared for and protected, leaving more confident than when I walked in.
Joe