Classical Workshop 1:
Led by Daphne Peña (New York Pilates London)
Daphne was trained and certified in the late 1990’s by Romana at Drago’s in New York. She was the first person to bring Classical Pilates to the UK in 2000 when she opened her studio, New York Pilates London. She has also worked with Bob Liekens, Juanita Lopez, Cynthia Lochard and Dorothee Vandewalle. Further and continuing studies have been with Jay Grimes, Brooke Siler and Kathryn Ross Nash. Since then she has taught all over the world; Los Angeles, Chicago, Fiji, Sydney, Monaco, Nice, Greece and different cities around the UK. Daphne is dedicated to keeping the ‘Old School’ methods of Classical Pilates alive and kicking, lifting and always scooping that powerhouse.
Location: VIPilates
Date: October 12th 2025
Time: 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Details: The day begins with a Mat Class warm-up, followed by two 1.5-hour practical workshops – Building your Teaser and Scoliosis and Imbalances. There are currently 2 available spaces for private lessons after the workshops for an additional fee.
Price: on request
Classical Workshop 2:
Led by Kirk James Smith from the Classical Pilates Centre
Kirk James Smith is a world renowned second-generation Classical Pilates teacher, trainer, and innovator, celebrated for his commitment to Joseph Pilates’ original method. With over 25 years of teaching experience, he has mentored countless instructors and clients across the UK and beyond, fostering a holistic approach that bridges mind, body, and precise movement.
Location: VIPilates
Date: November 01st 2025
Time: 09:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Details: This workshop is focused on the shoulder girdle and evolving your own understanding and skill to produce more adaptable and resilient clients. To become more expert in how we teach Mr Pilates’ method, we first must develop our eye. We must see what is happening in the body in front of us and understand how what we see diverges from what we want to happen. We will then analyse a selection of apparatus and exercises, discuss a more accurate use of language, and practice the all-important use of our hands to guide our clients in creating better connections.
Price: on request
Classical Workshop 3:
Sarah Janes
Sarah Janes is a 3rd-Generation Classical Pilates Teacher and Founder of VIP Classical Studios and The Classical Pilates Academy. She had the honour of training under the most respected 2nd-Generation Classical Pilates Teachers from around the World. After completing her initial comprehensive teacher training certification with Kirk James Smith, Classical Pilates Centre UK, she has since gone on to expand her knowledge through mentorship programmes and advanced certifications. In 2023, she embarked on a Teacher Mentorship Programme with Carrie Russo Pilates, followed by achieving a fully comprehensive Teacher Trainer certification at The Classical Pilates Centre under Kirk James Smith’s guidance. She also completed the Principles of Guidance Teacher Certification from Miguel Silva at Uno Pilates in Zurich.
Location: VIPilates
Date: December 14th 2025
Time: 09:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Details: Sarah Janes will be teaching a one-day workshop introducing the Classical Pilates System. The session will cover classical exercises on the Reformer and Cadillac, building on existing instructor knowledge.
Spaces will be limited.
Price: on request
Classical Workshop 4:
MeJo Wiggin is a globally acclaimed Classical Pilates teacher renowned for her precise, transformative approach to Joseph Pilates’ original method. With over 30 years of dedication to the discipline, she has trained thousands of instructors and clients worldwide, earning praise from peers as “poetry in motion” for her fluid, insightful demonstrations. Based in Charleston, South Carolina, after establishing her career in Greenwich, Connecticut, Wiggin continues to travel internationally, blending hands-on expertise with a commitment to authentic Pilates principles.
Location: VIPilates
Date: March 20th-22nd 2026
Time: 09:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Details:
Friday, March 20th (PM): Private Lessons (optional, additional fee; 4 one-hour slots available, first come, first serve)
Saturday, March 21st: AM: Tower Workshop (3 hours) PM: Baby Armchair Workshop (2.5 hours)
Sunday, March 22nd: AM: Matwork Workshop (3 hours) PM: Wunda Chair Workshop (2.5 hours)
Securing Your Place: To confirm your participation, you will need to complete a booking form and submit a 50% non-refundable deposit. The remaining balance is due by January 31st, 2026.
Spaces will be extremely limited.
Price: on request
Accommodation & transport for those travelling from outside West Midlands and international participants: We recommend staying at Moor Hall Hotel & Spa in Sutton Coldfield and they have offered a special rate for this event. Complimentary transport between the hotel and studio will be arranged for Saturday and Sunday. Please contact info@theclassicalpilatesacademy.com for more information, or for booking requests.