Honoring Sari Mejia Santo with the Limited-Edition Sari Wunda Chair
Sari Mejia Santo stands as a pivotal figure in the Pilates community. Sari was born in Peru and raised by her mother, Romana Kryzanowska, one of Joseph Pilates' most trusted protégés. From an early age, Sari’s life was closely intertwined with the Pilates method. At nine, she had rheumatic fever, leading to significant physical complications. Under her mother's guidance, she embraced the Pilates method, not only to rehabilitate but also to cultivate a lifelong passion for movement and wellness.
Introducing the Sari Wunda Chair
Honoring Sari Mejia Santo’s Pilates Legacy
As both a teacher and a practitioner, Sari Mejia Santo carries forward the Pilates Method with depth and integrity. Among the many apparatuses she teaches with precision, the Wunda Chair holds a special place in her practice.
With its compact design and challenging repertoire, the Wunda Chair demands strength, control, and a deep understanding of body mechanics—qualities Sari embodies and passes on to her students. Her demonstrations and instruction on this apparatus reflect not only her mastery but also the legacy of Joseph Pilates and Romana Kryzanowska.
A Limited-Edition Wunda Chair Created for the RPI Conference
In celebration of Sari’s enduring legacy, Gratz is proud to present the limited-edition Sari Wunda Chair. This unique piece was created in honor of the upcoming RPI Conference: Forward and Up, taking place in August 2025.
Upholstered in “Sari” Blue, a bold aqua-teal vinyl chosen to reflect her vibrant spirit, this commemorative Wunda Chair celebrates Sari’s enduring legacy. Engraved above the pedal is a quote that captures the essence of her belief in the method: "The Wunda Chair is where complete control of the body becomes an art."
A Pilates Chair That Embodies Mastery and Inspiration
This quote, much like her teaching, fuses discipline with beauty and control with creativity—hallmarks of both the apparatus and the woman it honors. The Sari Wunda Chair will serve as a lasting symbol of Sari's vision, moving the work upward with strength, grace, and unity. The Sari Wunda Chair reflects the ongoing evolution of a method grounded in tradition yet continually renewed through inspired teaching. It represents a lineage not frozen in time, but alive in every movement taught, every student guided, and every principle upheld. As it finds its place in studios around the world, the Wunda Chair becomes a vessel for continuing Sari Mejia Santo’s depth of knowledge and vision.
Daria Pace Reflects on the Sari Wunda Chair
Sari’s daughter, Daria Pace, remarks “For years, Sari has reigned as the queen of the Wunda Chair. Now, Gratz is proud to present the exclusive Sari Wunda Chair, available in stunning Sari Blue and other vibrant Gratz colors. This limited-edition piece features a unique engraving of an inspiring quote from the master herself, making each chair a true work of art. Elevate your practice with style and elegance. Don’t miss your chance to own a piece of fitness history!”
Sari’s journey to becoming a globally respected Pilates teacher is one marked by resilience, artistry, and deep familial ties to the origins of the method.
Mentorship Under Joseph Pilates
Sari's early exposure to Joseph Pilates' teachings was profound. Assisting in his studio during her youth, she absorbed the nuances of his methodology, eventually becoming an instructor under his mentorship. This foundation positioned her as a bridge between Pilates' original teachings and contemporary practice.
Leading the Next Generation of Pilates Instructors
Today, Sari serves as the master teacher of certification seminars at Romana's Pilates, a role she fulfills alongside her daughter, Daria Pace. Their collaborative efforts ensure the preservation and dissemination of authentic Pilates instruction worldwide. Sari's multilingual capabilities, fluent in English, Spanish, French, Portuguese, Italian, and some German enabled her to connect with a diverse global audience.
Preserving Legacy Through Education
Her influence extends beyond instruction. Sari has been instrumental in producing educational content, such as the biographical film "The Eternal Flame," which chronicles her mother's legacy. Her commitment to upholding the integrity of Pilates has inspired countless practitioners and instructors globally.
Sari Mejia Santo's journey reflects a harmonious blend of personal resilience, artistic expression, and unwavering dedication to the Pilates method. Her contributions continue to shape the discipline, ensuring its authenticity and vitality for future generations.