Lessons from the teacher training journey, by Christine Bowen
/They say the course to true love never did run smoothly… and for me that is definitely true for my own Pilates journey.
I did a contemporary mat certification in 2012. But soon after I discovered Classical Pilates and the whole beautiful Pilates system. It was a lightbulb moment and I wanted more!
Being from Belfast there was no option to train in classical Pilates in Northern Ireland. I explored all my options (for many years!) and this took me to various countries, studios and ongoing classical workshops.
Fast forward to 2017. After years of searching I found Romana’s Pilates. I started working with Vlada at the The Pilates Studio Dublin to prepare me for the Romana’s Pilates training programme. She was generous, encouraging and supportive from the first time we met and proved to be a legend throughout my apprenticeship.
At the start of 2018 I began my monthly trips to The Pilates Studio in The Netherlands to study with the top Romana‘s Pilates teacher in Europe, Marjorie Oron (level X), and Jane Poerwoatmodjo (level 3). I did 3 pre-requisite workshops there before starting the programme that April. After 18 months of hard work, I completed the programme in November 2019. Thankfully there was no blood but there was definitely a lot of sweat and a few tears. I spent 5-10 days every month in The Hague with Marjorie and Jane. I also travelled to Dublin on Fridays between each trip to practice teach and workout with Vlada. All while holding down my part-time job in Belfast. I think that most people thought what I was doing seemed like madness but here’s why it was worth it.
An apprenticeship is the best way to learn
It is intensive and challenging with more than 700 hours of seminars, personal practice, observing and teaching. But from my experience it is the true way to learn. You have time to grow and digest what you are learning in your body and teaching. You get support from your teachers and can progress at your own pace, because we’re all different. You are part of a group of apprentices all learning and training together, so you’re never alone.
Consistency
You learn the full system from the same teacher trainers from basic to advanced and on all the equipment. Marjorie and Jane get to know you inside and out. This is invaluable. It helps you understand how the system fits together and how to apply the system to the person in front of you. And once you complete the programme you have a Pilates home in The Hague and community. There are opportunities to continue to learn from Marjorie, Jane and other level Romana’s Pilates teachers who visit The Hague and Dublin.
Feedback
Believe me, you’ll get lots of it...but I promise this a good thing. It gives you a safe space to learn and get honest feedback. There'll be lots of hours of practice with your fellow apprentices. You'll learn from each other and get fabulous insight and feedback from Marjorie and Jane all the way. Vlada was also there for me throughout it all with sound advice, teaching tips and being a willing body.
Lessons for life
Patience, dedication and determination. This is what you need to complete the programme. This process has the potential to change your life as a whole not just your teaching. I’m lucky to have experienced it and seen it in others. This doesn't happen by magic though. Marjorie and Jane have high standards and a talent in being able to push to be the best you can be.
The friendships
The quality of what Marjorie and Jane deliver attracts people from all over the world to study in The Hague. I was lucky to be part of an amazing group of apprentices. My group was from Poland, Estonia, Italy, America, the Netherlands, and the list goes on. This mix of cultures, body types, professional backgrounds and personalities all added to the experience and my teaching toolbox.
So that’s a peek into the life of an apprentice. If you want to learn authentic Pilates get in touch with Vlada to find out more. I'm also happy to talk to you more about my experience as an apprentice. But for now, let's me say I cannot recommend Vlada and Marjorie and Jane in The Pilates Studio in The Hague highly enough.
Written by Christine Bowen, a Romana’s Pilates teacher Level 5. Learn more about Christine here.
Join Christine’s Friday 1pm Zoom live mat class or book a one to one session. In light of current Covid restrictions Christine teaches for The Pilates Studio Dublin via Zoom only from the comfort of her Belfast home.
