INSTRUCTOR TRAINING | Pilates-Stance

TEACHER TRAINING PROGRAM

The first part of your teaching journey is to work on your own practice and become as advanced as possible before learning to teach. We strongly believe that if you can’t do it, you can’t teach it.

No matter what level you currently are practicing, whether you are already a teacher or starting from scratch. No matter what your expectations are we are dedicated to developing a realistic timeline for you to be ready to start the programme. We do not expect you to walk through the door fully advanced, we expect you to come with a desire to work hard and be dedicated to reaching high standards. If you come with a strong work ethic, we will get you ready!

Romana’s Pilates Independent Instructor Training Program (IITP) features hands-on instruction, with students working side-by-side with instructor trainers. The 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, the IIT Program is held at Pilates Connection. We are fortunate to have the involvement of Juanita Lopez, a Level 1 Instructor, and Rhonda Celenza, a Level 2 Instructor. A Level 1 Instructor is the highest level of certification that one can receive. Sari Mejia Santo, Cynthia Lochard, and Juanita are the only Level 1 Instructors in the Romana’s Pilates organization.

Assessment Requirements:

Anyone interested in the apprentice program is required to schedule a session to evaluate their proficiency. We suggest contacting the studio as soon as possible 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. 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 purpose, order and repetitions 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, studying, and practicing the exercises. Apprentices must maintain at least one private session 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.

Apprentice Fees:

Assessment Fee at Pilates Connection $300
Romana’s Pilates Registration Fee for Program $300

Pilates Connection’s Registration Fee for Program $100

Basic Seminar $1,300
Basic Exam (practical)* $300
Intermediate Seminar $1,500
Intermediate Exam (written and practical)* $400

Advanced Seminar $1,700
Advanced Exam (written and practical)* $600
Private Lessons (at least weekly) current studio rate
Independent Study Fee, due at each seminar $300

* Retaking a written test will require an additional $100 fee per test.

* A studio fee of $100 will be charged for every practical exam.

For those doing an apprenticeship at another studio, the hosting studio may have other fees. All prices subject to change.

Upon successful completion of the program, apprentices will receive a certificate of achievement. Completion of the program is the beginning of a lifetime of learning and teaching with a Romana's Pilates studio. Each year, you will be required to complete at least one Continuing Professional Education (CPE) seminar to maintain your certification in good standing.

Thank you for your interest in Romana's Pilates Certification Program; we hope this information will you on tour journey through Pilates certification.

2025-26 New Apprentice Group

Seminar Dates:

Basic Seminar:

SAT/SUN, September 13-14, 2025

9am - 5pm (Cost: $1300)

Intermediate Seminar:

SAT/SUN, November 22 - 23, 2025

9am - 5pm (Cost: $1500)

Advanced Seminar:

FRI 2/27/26 3PM - 5PM

SAT 2/28/26 9AM - 5PM

SUN 3/1/26 9AM - 2PM

(Cost: $1700)

Teacher Training Center:

Pilates Connection

1609 Oak Avenue

Evanston, IL 60201

New Guidelines for Assessment (must pass before acceptance into the program)

New guidelines for entering the program now require that students:

1. Can proficiently perform an Intermediate Reformer with transitional Advanced exercises; and know purposes for each exercise

2. Can proficiently perform an Advanced Mat and know purposes for each exercise

3. Can demonstrate familiarity with Intermediate and commonly taught Advanced exercises on other apparatus such as the Cadillac, Wunda Chair, High Chair, Ladder Barrel, etc.