Hello,

I'm a former male dancer and I am looking for a program to become an instructor. Is there anyone that is better than another? Or, easier to find a job in the field with a certain program, ie. stott, peak.. thanks in advance!

http://www.forums.pilatesconnections.com/index.php?s=0520867cfadee4fd290d9c644bac3622&autocom=blog&blogid=3&

check out this link - may help

Hi m.d.,
rather than giving you advice that will surely be based on personal preference or experiences, may I suggest a different approach? Ask yourself which program you like best and feel most passionate about. I mean, you will (hopefully) be teaching this material for a long time, so it really needs to be something you can identify with. And I believe the only way to be successful as a teacher, is if you're feeling strongly about what you're teaching. I'm assuming that you're taking Pilates lessons now, so start by talking to your (favorite) teacher(s) and they should be able to point you in a direction. Or take as many trial lessons at as many teacher training faclities in your area as you can and talk to the trainers personally until you find the program that's right for you.
Good luck!
Anja

Hello m.d.,
The post above from Sept 4th was actually pointing to a recent blog entry of mine on the Pilates Connections Discussion Board. A student/colleague of mine confessed to posting it…I guess I am one of her favorite teachers! ;) Anyway, it's a continuation of a discussion called “Teacher Certification in a Bad Economy?”

I absolutely agree with the post above from Anja S. in that it’s absolutely a good advice for you, as an aspiring teacher, to follow your passions and to study with teachers you admire. Imo, a mentor should encourage apprentices to find their own voice. Eventually, through the work, you will be able to make the distinction between admiring the teacher and focusing on your work.

Ultimately, the process will be about what floats your boat : ). What gifts do you bring to the wide and varied field of pilates? As a dancer, what are your movement investigations these days? That awareness is so very helpful in the teaching of pilates. :) What populations would you like to work with? Very important questions to ask.

I like to encourage students to be of the mindset that no one program is better than another…they are only different; each have their purpose and orientation. Most people have to start where they are, that is, with what is available in their area or with what time and money will allow. These days, there is also a wide range of books and DVDs to choose and learn from that will give you an idea of the different styles in pilates and which you resonate with the most as a starting point for study.

As for one program being more valuable than another for employment, you need to do the legwork and ask around about what a potential employer might request. It depends where you are. In some places in Canada, for example, most are Stott trained. Some require that you are PMA “certified”; some hold other attributes in higher esteem. I know also that these days there are gyms that will pay for teacher trainings. The bottom line is: do what you need to do and share your gifts by being a good teacher!

I am a longtime teacher and I continue to learn.
Recently, I found the Pilates Connections Discussion Board online at http://www.forums.pilatesconnections.com/
It was begun over eight years ago, and there you will find a community of individuals committed to hearing all viewpoints about pilates through questions posed from curious individuals like yourself. You can even do a search for your topic and hear the personal and professional opinions of many pilates teachers and enthusiasts from around the globe.

Best of luck!
Carole :)

oops...meant to write "The post above from Sept 5th" not 4th.

thank you both for the insight. I suppose I just need to continue trying out different programs. I'm not 100% supportive of my current studio/trainer/teacher - so I'm looking into the industry for inside guidance. I'm in MD, so there is opportunity nearby - I just want to be sure I'm committing to the right program that will offer a good future. Thank you for the update though.

HI m.d.
I paid a lot of money for a Teacher training course in London the late 90s then realised that the information I was given was based on someones interpretation on the method and was actually causing me injury. There are a lot of "odd" programmes out there. I paid out even more money to become classically trained and I feel this is the only way to go.Take lots of classes from different studios and find out who trained who-the family tree if you like. From my perspective the closer to Joseph the better but the programme should be open in their approach to other classically trained teachers for workshops etc. You can vary the tempo and dynamics of exercises,build in fundamentals to deepen the work, add richness with your voice and make your students "dance". I hope you find the right path first time.

I agree with what has been stated above. Find a program you like and have a passion for. Then find someone you can study under and who can mentor you. I always believe you learn more life changing lessons when it's personal and one on one.