In November of 2004, I opened my studio, Pilates Body by Valentin. My previous ballet, competitive aerobics and professional affiliation with such prestigious longstanding companies such as Nike and Reebok had led me to a path of fitness. It has been nearly fourteen years and the continuation of infatuation with movement has now been transformed into a highly specialized form of training, “The Method.”
My colleague and 12-year mentor, Elizabeth Larkam, has provided me with a plethora of knowledge from which to elaborate in my work and studies. Being a Balanced Body Faculty Member as well as regular Pilates on Tour Presenter has afforded me the opportunity to learn from some of the best teachers: Tom McCook, Eric Franklin, Karen Clippinger, Lolita San Miguel, Madeline Black and the late Julian Littleford.
Over the past 14 years, my clientele have ranged from athletes from various sports: All-American swimmers, golfers, cyclists, ranked tennis players and dancers to fitness enthusiasts. I have truly enjoyed working with rehabilitative clients with hip and knee replacements or chronic back problems. And there has always been a special place in my heart for the fun-loving senior population.
" Wonderful choreography! Love the variety and emphasis on rhythm! "
Monica W (Creating Reformer Choreography )
" Coming from a dance background and always craving music and choreography fusion when I exercise, I am absolutely thrilled that Pilates with music choreography exists! Thank you so much for this workshop and for opening the door for Pilates instructors to be able to choreograph and teach their classes with music! "
Monica W (Moving to Music)
" Loved it as always!!! "
Terisha T (Dynamic Aging)
" Very creative. Thanks! "
Elizabeth H (Creating Reformer Choreography )
" Thank you so much for this workshop...my senior clients will love this! It was so much fun for me too! "
carolyn m (Dynamic Aging)
" Looking forward to implementing this in reformer classes! "
Rachel A (Moving to Music)
" Great workshop, easy to follow. Fantastic energy and really provides a great way to flow choreography. Thank you! "
Erik R (Creating Reformer Choreography )
" I really liked the variations to the exercises and the suggested pace. I\'ve tried a couple in my classes & my clients have enjoyed them. Very clear instructions & key points popping up on the videos are great and easy to follow/understand. Fantastic! "
Jenni T (Creating Reformer Choreography )
" I enjoyed this workshop very much. I love the movement patterns and how they make exercise feel like dance. "
Gina S (Creating Reformer Choreography )
" Love the progressions! Great instruction. Great course. "
Catherine B (Creating Reformer Choreography )
" Love the progressions and neural connections. "
Cynthia B (Dynamic Aging)
" Awesome variations and many ideas! "
Gail H (Creating Reformer Choreography )
" I found this course very useful. Excellent content taught by a seasoned pro and demonstrated by a competent student. Thank you! "
Peggy K (Moving to Music)
" Loved the creativity and intention behind each movement. Can't wait to try this with my clients. "
Ximena C (Creating Reformer Choreography )
" Great fun "
barbara s (Moving to Music)
" I love Valentin's work. Her explanations were great and the variations were fun! I teach group reformer classes of up to 12 and, like Valentin, I love group work. But, it can be challenging to teach. I'm 100% with her on teaching the essence of the exercises, but making it fun and varied. Thanks for a terrific workshop! "
Cathy S (Creating Reformer Choreography )
" Absolutely enjoyed this workshop. Learned a new way to add music other than just gut instinct. "
Howard K (Moving to Music)
" Great workshop! Very clear, informative, and innovative. I’ve been teaching group reformer classes for 20 plus years, so it was really useful and inspiring to get some new ideas to add in to my classes. Thank you! "
Carrie S (Creating Reformer Choreography )
" I was fortunate enough to be certified by Valentin many years ago and it is so fun to watch her online workshop. She is as creative and dynamic as ever! "
Jennifer S (Creating Reformer Choreography )
" Very creative and inspiring workshop! Thank you for sharing your energy and knowledge! "
Rebecca M (Creating Reformer Choreography )
" Really enjoyed this - thank you! "
barbara s (Dynamic Aging)
" Great workshop providing many options to change things up. Thank you Valentin! "
lisa M (Creating Reformer Choreography )
" Wonderful workshop! I work with many seniors at my Pilates studio and studied active aging in my college kinesiology classes. This demographic can be intimidating to some instructors but I find it very rewarding. I enjoy Valentin's style - keeping the pace flowing yet allowing the client to feel successful in their movement practice. Thank you Valentin! "
mary p (Dynamic Aging)
" Thoughtful exercises and the PDF that accompanied the video was helpful. "
Deborah P (Dynamic Aging)
" As a group instructor I love your approach... "
Wendy N (Creating Reformer Choreography )
" I liked the focus on posture and balance and the modifications for seniors... "
Connie W (Dynamic Aging)
" Thank you, I got some great ideas to use in my group classes for older adults. "
lela dawson (Dynamic Aging)
" Thanks, Valentin! Very creative and thought provoking! I thought that I was creative in my workouts--but this has added new thoughts to my roster! Thanks for sharing; you are beautiful! :) "
Laura D (Creating Reformer Choreography )
" Loved this workshop! I learned a lot of fun variations:) "
Amber G (Creating Reformer Choreography )
" Helpful variations. Starting from different positions and different shapes was great... "
Natalie W (Creating Reformer Choreography )
" Totally loved the choreography. Will slowly incorporate some in my teaching. Thank you! "
Frances H (Creating Reformer Choreography )