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 a 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, physical therapy assistance, 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 also trained in floor barre, with Zena Romette’s instruction, 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 has honed her training with of some of the most prolific artistic minds of this generation. She has worked for physical therapy clinics throughout Manhattan, and in collaboration with physicians to help patients recover from injuries and avoid surgery. Monique has also trained professional athletes and professional ballet dancers, as well as a vast population of Pilates enthusiasts. In essence, the Pilates method is a complete system of strong movement and therapeutic healing. Monique is grateful to offer you the same watchful eye that she honed with Romana many years ago.
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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Enjoy your workouts in a Professional and Fully equipped boutique Pilates studio, with Joseph Pilates original Gratz Manufactured aparatus. I am located in the Birds Hill area of Needham, MA.
Each Lesson plan offers a different experience—but all are built to meet you where you are, and to move you forward with progress and positive results.
Monique Harrington is an amazing Pilates Instructor. With her background as an Alvin Ailey trained dancer, and as a Romana trained instructor, she really knows how to get the best out of my body. She’s warm, upbeat, and always paying attention to what I need that day. I have been working with her weekly since 2014, and she’s helped me get stronger, more balanced and more confident in my movement.
Sarela BC- Lexington, MA
I tell everyone that they must take lessons with ‘Monique Harrington Pilates’. My doctor told me that I might need knee surgery, but after studying Pilates with Monique, my knees no longer hurt, and I can dance again. I use the Pilates technique that I learn with Monique even when I am walking my dog. I adjust my posture in the ways that Monique instructs me to, so that I can support my body in alignment, and everything feels better. Monique is a stellar teacher. Everyone should do Pilates!
Ellen. S- Newton, MA
I first met Monique when my orthopedist suggested I consider Pilates before resorting to surgery on my knee. Although I thought I should wait to feel better before trying Pilates, Monique told me to come right away. I did, and the session was a revelation. Monique is a master at her craft. Thanks to her instruction, my knee is now so much better, I’m stronger, and I’m able to go to dance and Zumba classes. Monique is as adept at helping with rehab and PT as she is at the strength and flexibility training that Pilates is known for. Pilates is for life, and Monique, with her incredible Pilates education, experience as a dancer, and positive focus on her students, is truly a teacher extraordinaire. She really cares about her students and teaches with joy. If you’re even thinking about meeting Monique…go for it! You will be so happy you did.
Sarah P-S, Newton.
I always feel great after my Pilates lessons with Monique. Monique prepares me to hit the gym with greater control and mobility. I know that Monique will always know just the right workout to give me on any given day. She always knows exactly what my body needs as soon as I walk in the door. I have worked with Monique in private lessons, as well as semi-privates for myself and my friends. My friends always love their lessons with Monique. Working out with Monique is a quality experience and she doesn't miss a beat in her semi-private classes. I enthusiastically recommend Monique Harrington Pilates to everyone!
Gail C.- Brookline, MA