Each of us who studied with Romana has a little piece of her teaching quality that remains with us. No matter who comes to me, for example,one of my patients with a prosthetic leg, often leaves my studio feeling stronger, more flexible, and more confident after each session.Because, after all, he is more than his prosthetic leg; it is about the whole body. My client is not a leg; he is a whole person. And I attribute that ability to teach for the whole body but around problem issues to Romana’s inspiration and modeling the Method as Joe intended.She would always push us to our limits saying, “Don’t make me sleepy,make it more gutsy,” or “Put some guts into it.” And for some strange reason when training with her, I would always want to give 110% and not any less; I didn’t want to disappoint her. I always felt she deserved only my very best effort, and I think most of the other students felt the same energy and motivation. All the Pilates I knew was Romana’s style and all the wonderful military-like structure that came with it at Drago's, which I still remember fondly. Moving to California alone was in itself a big difference from the east coast. Working in Hollywood and Santa Monica at Mari Windsor Studios, I learned so much about people and business. Mari had learned that well and was passing this treasure to me in a very practical sense, how Pilates meets business models and personality types. She was such a businesswoman full of life and love for Pilates (and chips)! I learned to read people and therefore give each person a different type of workout that would suit not only their needs but also their pace, repetition, intensity, and goals. For example, why did they come to Pilates in the first place, so I can help them achieve their goals and not mine. Mari taught me to make sure I acknowledge and accommodate different personality types.

For example, if I had a person with a high-intensity personality that wanted a hardcore workout, perhaps to look good for a movie or a modeling job (very common in West Hollywood), I wouldn’t ask them to memorize the names of each exercise or to perform like a Pilates apprentice by getting their own straps. I might ask them to add or remove a spring, grab the long box as part of their workout, etc., but rather just get them moving so they can see results in their bodies. These individuals did not come to see me to become a Pilates teacher; they came to look strong and beautiful, the classic Hollywood vibe. Or sometimes I had people that were a bit more easily distracted and couldn’t remember what movement is next, no matter how long they may have been doing Pilates. I would just continue to be patient and keep them moving, not expecting too much but meeting them where they were at that time.

Both of these women were highly influential in mydevelopment as a teacher. They both left an indelible impression on me,specifically in how to understand the client-teacher relationship. AsMari used to say, always give them what they came to accomplish. AsRomana used to say, give them “one pearl at a time,” or one valuablething every time they train with you.

*Naomi Corti, member of New York City Ballet’s corps de ballet