Recreating Pilates Apparatus in Miniature
Jennifer Holmes brings decades of experience to the Classical Pilates community as both a teacher and mentor. A second-generation instructor trained directly by Romana Kryzanowska, she has dedicated her career to carrying forward the classical Pilates method. Her background spans an accomplished dance career, years of teaching in higher education, and specialized training with organizations such as the Boston Ballet.
In 2001, at Romana’s request, she opened Park Cities Pilates Center in Dallas, which quickly grew into a thriving hub for training and education. Recognized for her skill and dedication, she was promoted to Level III Instructor Trainer just two years later. Since relocating to the Boston area in 2009, Jennifer has continued to share her knowledge with both students and fellow teachers, balancing her Pilates expertise with her work in the dance world. Jennifer teaches full-time at her studio, The Pilates Basement. She teaches the way Romana taught her.
Beyond the studio, Jennifer has found a surprising new way to connect with her roots in Pilates: crafting miniature versions of look alike Gratz apparatus. What began as a pandemic project has grown into a meticulous art form, blending her eye for detail with her lifelong respect for the equipment. From Wunda Chairs to Reformers, Jennifer’s miniatures capture the essence of Pilates on a whole new scale. We wanted to learn more about Jennifer's Pilates journey and learn more about her mini apparatus.
When did you first use Gratz apparatus?
I am very spoiled. I started taking Pilates sessions on Gratz apparatus, and I've never stopped. My first experience was at JRW Physical Therapy in NYC, and then I entered the independent study training program under Romana Kryzanowska at Drago's Gym. Drago's Gym had some of the original pieces made by Mr. Pilates- I especially remember the blue and white Wunda chair.
What was the first piece of apparatus you owned?
When Romana asked me to go back to Texas and open a studio, my first order from Gratz was a large one: two Reformers, a Studio Wall Unit, a Cadillac, one Wunda chair, one Electric Chair, one Ladder Barrel, a Spine Corrector and a Mini Barrel. In hindsight, I was nuts- just certified and opening a studio? It was only because Roxane Huang (Level II Teacher Trainer) was moving to Texas that I did it: she continued to mentor me as I navigated owning a business and teaching. I'm proud of that studio- Park Cities Pilates Center was my first "baby" and now it has grown up into a large training center under its current owner, Amanda Owens.
What role has Gratz equipment played in your Pilates journey?
It was never a question of what equipment I would work with. Gratz is how the Pilates I know works. And the Pilates I know comes straight from the source. Romana and Sari always treated the equipment with respect, and I strive to continue that tradition. Gratz is the only apparatus I work on.
What inspired you to start creating miniature Pilates apparatus?
My Dad has always built scale models- he built me a dollhouse when I was little, and I've always appreciated tiny things. I picked up the habit again during the pandemic. I saw some Pilates miniatures online that didn't look quite right and thought I would try my hand at making an authentic model.
Can you share a bit about your process - what goes into making one of these minis?
Math! My kids think I'm crazy, but lots of conversion and measuring. And so, so much trial and error. I am not satisfied with mediocre. I want my minis to look like my studio would look if it shrank. Glue, rulers, and blades. And I am totally in love with my mini table saw.
What has been the most challenging part of recreating the equipment at such a small scale?
Recreating the nuance of the full size apparatus. And there are materials I am trying to use that don't lend themselves easily to small work- the Naugahyde, for instance. Trying to create clean seams and folds is a bear when the surface to be upholstered is only two square inches. I also have a nasty habit of gluing my fingers to the pieces.
Which piece are you most proud of so far, and why?
Right now, the only completed pieces I have are the Wunda Chair and the Ladder Barrel. The reformer is in process. I will be proud of it when it looks like I want it to- there are so many moving pieces and details. But I really love my little Sari-Blue Wunda chair! What an elegant color!
The Mini Apparatus will be on Etsy soon but in the meantime, you can find the Mini Apparatus on Instagram.
About Jennifer
Jennifer Holmes is a 1998 honors graduate of the Meadows School of the Arts at Southern Methodist University, where she received a BFA in Dance Performance. She trained under Robert Beard and Nathan Montoya as well as guest artists including Ann Reinking, Paul Taylor and Yuriko. She also trained at The Martha Graham School of Contemporary Dance.Jennifer is a second-generation Pilates teacher trained by Romana Kryzanowska and was invited by Romana to become a teacher trainer for her certification program in 2003. Jennifer is certified by Romana's Pilates and as a personal trainer by the National Academy of Sports Medicine. She served as an Adjunct Lecturer at SMU from 2004-2007 where she taught Pilates and assisted in the re-staging of Martha Graham's Panorama. She has completed Boston Ballet School's Adaptive Dance Training and American Preparatory Ballet Training.
Jennifer is on faculty at the Boston Ballet School where she teaches ballet in the Children's Program during the school year, and Pilates during the Summer Dance Program. She teaches Pilates full time at her studio The Pilates Basement in Newton, MA.