Metropolitan Pilates offers the finest, most comprehensive Pilates instructor training program in the United States. Headed by internationally-renowned master teacher Dorothee VandeWalle, the Metropolitan Pilates Teacher Certification Program prepares future teachers for a lifetime of teaching the original Pilates method.

Dorothee VandeWalle is recognized as one of the leading instructor trainers and master Pilates practitioners in the world. She has trained instructors at Pilates certification centers in the United States and abroad. She started teaching Pilates twenty years ago with Romana Kryzanowska, Joseph Pilates protégée. She has been teaching in Seattle since 1993 and has had her own studio for the past seven years. Because she trained with Romana Kryzanowska, Dorothee teaches in the tradition of the original, authentic Pilates method. At Metropolitan Pilates, students are taught using techniques that are as close to the original teaching as is available anywhere in the world.

Our program features hands-on instruction, with students working side-by-side with Dorothee and her staff. A maximum of eight students is accepted into our program at a time. This small group environment is designed to deliver an in-depth and comprehensive training experience not easily found in other programs.

Admissions Philosophy
Admission to the Metropolitan Pilates Teacher Certification Program is based on our program's ability to meet the needs of the applicant and the applicant's potential to benefit from our rigorous training program. An applicant's potential is evidenced by his/her knowledge of the Pilates method, his/her physical activity background, and his/her commitment to the demanding apprenticeship schedule.

To begin the program, students must demonstrate proficiency at the intermediate level, be at an advanced level on the matwork, and be able to apply the principles of Pilates. An evaluation with Dorothee VandeWalle is required for admission into the program.

Tuition and Fees
Administrative Fee				$540
Stage I              Includes:		Seminar Classroom Instruction Practical Training Practical Test		$1,275
Stage II             Includes:		Seminar Classroom Instruction Practical Training Practical Test Written Test		$1,375
Stage III            Includes:		Seminar Classroom Instruction Practical Training Practical Test Written Test		$1,550
Subtotal - Training Fees				$4,740
Additional Fees		Private & Semi-Private Lessons (required) Jumbo Combo Package		$1,260
Total Program Cost				$6,000

Students have the option of paying their tuition in three monthly installments. The administrative fee is due upon acceptance into the program. The Jumbo Combo package must be purchased before the student starts taking sessions.

Financial Aid
Metropolitan Pilates provides a diversified financial aid program including scholarships, extensive payment plans, and employment opportunities. Financial aid is awarded on the basis of financial need, professional potential, and commitment to the studio. A limited number of scholarships are available to students who qualify. Scholarship recipients are required to apprentice at the studio at least 25 hours per week. Please request a financial aid application from the school.

Program Requirements

Seminars:
Training seminars are offered in the three stages of the program. The focus is on the techniques of the basic, intermediate, and advanced systems. All aspects of the reformer, mat, chairs, barrels, cadillac, pedi-pole, and other auxiliary equipment are covered.

Apprenticeship:
The apprenticeship consists of 20 to 30 hours per week of practical training: observing, assisting, practicing, and teaching clients. The level of hands-on client involvement increases with experience. At each level, the student will receive ongoing feedback and guidance from Dorothee and other Metropolitan Pilates instructors as appropriate. It is expected that students will complete their apprenticeship within 12 months from the start of the program.

Classroom Instruction and Workshops:
Classroom instruction and workshops are held throughout the course of the program. They are intended to augment seminar teachings with application to real-life clients. Case-study discussions will help prepare students for written exams.

Practical and Written Tests:
Practical tests will be given at the basic, intermediate, and advanced levels of the apprenticeship. Students will be asked to create a 55-60 minute session appropriate for their client. Written tests are required at the intermediate and advanced levels in order to receive final certification in the program.

Job Placement:
Employment opportunities for Pilates instructors are available nationwide and abroad. Graduates of our program are usually offered teaching positions at Metropolitan Pilates, if we have openings. We also have graduates working at health clubs in the Seattle area, and some have opened their own studios in Seattle, California, Sun Valley, Hawaii, France, and the Philippines.

To receive our program catalog and an application, please email us at metropolitanpilates@msn.com

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