Day 1

The Fundamentals

Primary concepts covered include the 10 movement principles of the Pilates method, an overview of the pelvic region and Pilates breathing. A historical overview of Pilates is presented, plus the BASI® approach, and the importance of safety when teaching Pilates are discussed. An introduction to special considerations when working with dancers is provided. Repertoire taught and practiced includes fundamental Reformer exercises and dance-specific abdominal exercises. A one-hour mat class for dancers is taught.

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Day 2

Anatomy Overview – Part 1

An anatomy overview is presented that includes: anatomical terminology for movement, types of joints, and the center of gravity. The importance and practice of cueing is discussed. Repertoire taught and practiced includes fundamental Reformer, fundamental Mat, Pole, Ped-a-pul, and dance-specific back extensor exercises. 

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Day 3

Anatomy Overview (continued)

Repertoire taught and practiced includes intermediate Mat and dance-specific hip extensor exercises. Day 1 and Day 2 repertoire is reviewed with special attention to technique corrections. 

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Day 4

Anatomy Overview – Part 2

An anatomy overview is continued that includes: bones, bony landmarks, muscles, muscle actions, and types of muscle contraction. The BASI format of teaching is discussed and the Block System, created by Rael Isacowitz, is introduced. Repertoire taught and practiced includes intermediate Mat and Reformer, Leg Weights, and dance-specific hip flexor exercises. A one–hour mat class for dancers is taught. 

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Day 5

Review

Repertoire taught on Days 1-4 is reviewed and practiced with special attention to technique and cueing. 

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Day 6

Posture Assessment

Primary concepts covered are the principles of alignment and posture assessment. Use of the roll down as a tool for assessment is discussed. Repertoire taught and practiced includes intermediate Mat, intermediate Reformer, fundamental Cadillac, and dance-specific hip abductor and hip adductor exercises. The Anatomy Quiz is taken.

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Day 7

Core Strength – Back and Abdominals

Primary concepts covered are core strength and the relationship of the various muscle groups that make up the core with particular focus on the abdominals and the back extensors. Contraindications, effective exercises, and the importance of understanding your client’s needs and body type are discussed. Also addressed are guidelines for successful teaching, including the importance of flow in a session. Repertoire taught and practiced includes intermediate Reformer and dance-specific hip rotator exercises. A one–hour mat class for dancers is taught.

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Day 8

Exercise Adaptation

A key concept covered is exercise adaptation through the use of assists and modifications. Discussion is focused on how to construct a complete and comprehensive program. Repertoire taught and practiced includes intermediate through advanced Mat, intermediate Reformer, fundamental Wunda Chair, and Magic Circle. Dance-specific exercises are reviewed.

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Day 9

Review and Testing

Repertoire taught and practiced includes advanced Mat exercises. The Dance Apparatus Midterm Practical is taken. BASI apparatus exercises are reviewed with special attention to technique and cueing.

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Day 10

Review and Testing

Mat exercises are reviewed. The BASI Practical Midterm is taken. 

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Day 11

Muscle Balance and Imbalance

Primary concepts covered include the meaning of balance, and the potential implications of imbalances in strength and flexibility. Also addressed are functional exercises, movement patterns, neuromuscular re-education, and muscle testing. Repertoire taught and practiced includes intermediate and advanced Reformer, Wunda Chair, and Cadillac; as well as dance-specific exercises for the knee flexors and extensors. The BASI written Midterm is taken. 

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Day 12

Day 12: The Lower Limbs

Primary concepts covered include structure, function, and common injuries of the hip joint, knee joint and ankle-foot complex. The gait cycle is discussed and analyzed. Repertoire taught and practiced includes advanced Reformer, Wunda Chair, and Cadillac; as well as key dance-specific ankle-foot exercises.  Dance mat exercises are reviewed with special attention to technique.

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Day 13

Day 13: The Shoulder

Primary concepts covered include the structure of the shoulder joint, muscles of the shoulder region, and the importance of correct shoulder mechanics. Also discussed are principles of shoulder rehabilitation and the importance of working within your scope of practice. Repertoire taught and practiced includes intermediate Reformer, Cadillac, and Wunda Chair; as well as introduction of the Ladder Barrel and Step Barrel. Dance-specific exercises for the shoulder flexors and extensors are taught, and a review of dance mat exercises is continued. 

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Day 14

Day 14: The Shoulder (continued)

Repertoire taught and practiced includes advanced Mat, Reformer, Wunda Chair, and Cadillac; as well as dance-specific shoulder abductor and adductor exercises. A practice-teaching session for the dance mat exercises is provided.

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Day 15

Day 15: Review

Repertoire taught on Days 11-14 is reviewed and practiced with special attention to technique and cueing. 

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Day 16

Day 16: Program Design Principles

Primary concepts covered are the principles of training, such as overload, specificity, and reversibility. Components of physical fitness are also addressed. Other topics discussed are dividing the repertoire into levels and working with a broad range of clientele. Repertoire taught and practiced includes intermediate and advanced–level work on both the Ladder Barrel and Step Barrel; as well as dance-specific exercises for the rotator cuff and scapular muscles. 

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Day 17

Day 17: Special Populations Part 1 and Review

Primary concepts covered are habitual movement patterns, cross training, imbalances, and setting goals. Selected athletic populations are addressed. Discussion is focused on teaching methodologies. Mat, Apparatus and dance-specific repertoire are reviewed and practiced with special attention to technique and cueing. 

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Day 18

Day 18: Special Populations Part 2 and Review

Primary concepts covered are populations with restrictions, with an emphasis on pregnancy. Discussion is focused on using different teaching approaches in relation to gender, body type, and objectives. A general review of the repertoire is continued. The Dance Apparatus Practical Final Exam is taken.  

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Day 19

 Review and Testing

A general review of the repertoire is continued. The BASI Practical Final Exam is taken.

A practice session for apparatus teaching is provided.  

Day 20: Practice Teaching and Study

A practice session for private apparatus teaching is provided that includes getting teaching feedback.

Day 21: Testing

The teaching Certificate Evaluation and BASI written Final Exam are taken. 

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