Pilates Lineage:
Joe-Romana-Monique, Since 1995
When I started Pilates I wasn’t sure I could ‘do Pilates’. It felt like I was beginning all over again, and I was out of my comfort zone. My teacher, Romana, could still the air. I remember her wise-sage eyes, they could see right through you. I had known that energy before and it was the sign of an artistic genius. Romana would tell you mid exercise, ‘stay with it’, and I did.
In 1995, I was awarded a scholarship through the dancer’s union in NYC to study and receive Pilates certification with Romana Kryzanowska, the world renowned protege of Joseph Pilates. I received all of my Pilates training under Romana’s watchful eye, and became certified by Romana at Drago’s Gym in NYC in 1996. My unbroken classical lineage continued with an ancient style of apprenticeship under Romana, as I developed an ‘eye’ (a rare skill Romana attributed to gifted teachers) for movement analysis paired with a comprehensive understanding of 600+ classic Pilates exercises. I was fortunate enough to personally assist Romana in her Pilates teacher training seminars which transpired in the same building as my dance studio on Broadway. Romana would eventually affirm me as one of her first master leveled teachers, specifically certified to provide instruction as a Teacher Trainer. With that acknowledgement, Romana entrusted me to be a teacher who would carry the method forward. I would later help Romana settle into her new home in Texas, and assisted her in opening the doors and teaching her clients during the early days of her last studio. Romana helped me to truly understand that teaching Pilates is the greatest responsibility, an ongoing education, and a love of life, movement and perseverance. I am thankful to share my experience in the Pilates method as both a protege of Romana Kryzanowska and as a colleague to many incredible teachers.
As Romana would say, “Love All Around!”.
30 years of Romana certified teaching, and still growing.
over 60,000 lessons taught, and still inspired.
“Pilates is intelligent movement. It teaches the body how to self-correct through strength, stretch, and control. In this way we create a more durable body for every stage and condition of our lives.” Monique Harrington
Monique’s experience ranges from The School of Pennsylvania Ballet, Broadway theatre choreography, post rehab support, and complementary disciplines such as Power Yoga, Taekwondo, and Shorin Ryū Karate. Her teaching experience also includes early childhood and secondary education, as well having served as an adjunct professor of Pilates for the BU Dance department. Monique was trained in original floor barre exercises by Zena Romette, as a merit scholarship student at the Alvin Ailey American Dance Center. As a former professional dancer, with a career spanning over 40 years in the Arts, Monique honed her training with some of the most prolific artistic minds of this generation. She has also taught Pilates for studios owned by physical therapists throughout Manhattan. Monique has trained professional athletes and professional ballet dancers, as well as a vast population of Pilates enthusiasts. In essence, the Pilates method is a comprehensive system of exercise movements which support the physical control and health of your body. Monique is grateful to offer you over 3 decades of 2nd generation lineage Pilates instruction.
The Pilates Method
"Centering, concentration and control will be the foundation of your education; Precision, breath and movement will be the result of your foundational work.”
Monique
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