Cynthia Shipley is a Romana’s Pilates Level II Instructor Trainer, Master Teacher Trainer, and former professional dancer with more than 30 years of experience teaching both dance and Classical Pilates. Known for her precision, warmth, and dedication to preserving the integrity of the Pilates method, Cynthia teaches and mentors instructors nationally and internationally through the Romana’s Pilates certification system.

Cynthia began her dance career with The Baltimore Dance Theatre before attending The Dance Theatre of Harlem School, where she performed with the student company, The Workshop Ensemble. Following graduation, she became a member of The Dance Theatre of Harlem Company, performing throughout the United States and internationally. During this time, she also discovered a passion for teaching and later joined the Harlem School of the Arts as a dance instructor.

It was through her work with The Dance Theatre of Harlem that Cynthia was introduced to Pilates, studying directly under Joseph Pilates’ protégée Romana Kryzanowska and Romana’s daughter, Sari Mejia Santos. Through years of dedication to the work and the lineage, Cynthia earned the title of Master Teacher Trainer and became deeply involved in guiding apprentices through the certification process.

Today, Cynthia continues to teach private sessions, workshops, and teacher training programs while helping cultivate and strengthen the global Romana’s Pilates community. Her mission remains centered on creating a welcoming environment for students and instructors alike while presenting the Pilates method with the same authenticity and care with which it was taught to her.