Classical Workshop 1:
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: 14 Dec 2025, 2nd May 2026, 15 Nov 2026
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 history and principles, classical exercises on the Baby Armchair, Reformer and Cadillac, building on existing instructor knowledge. Nourishing lunch will also be provided.
Spaces will be limited.
Price: on request
Classical Workshop 2:
In 2005, while recovering from surgery following years of competitive contact sports, Max turned to Pilates and immediately saw its transformative potential. He went on to complete a comprehensive classical Pilates certification. This foundation led him to work for five seasons as a movement and conditioning specialist with a Premier League football club.
Today, Max trains a diverse clientele, from elite professional athletes to everyday clients, focusing on injury rehabilitation and prevention, building functional strength and mobility, and enhancing overall mental and physical wellbeing.
Location: VIPilates
Date: 25 Jan. 2026
Time: 09:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Details: Two back-to-back 3–4 hour workshops with Max Lobatto – creating a powerful 6–8 hour immersion day that will transform how you move, cue, and teach the classical Pilates repertoire.
Reformer Progressions; Rediscover the original intent of the work. Max will take you deep into the classical exercises – exactly as Joseph Pilates taught them – plus the brilliant “plus” variations that have quietly disappeared from most studios. PLUS Discover why Joseph Pilates called the Chair the “greatest piece of equipment he ever invented.” Max will guide you through the often-overlooked arm-spring series and back-strengthening exercises that build spinal articulation, scapular control, and the power house. Perfect for clients with back issues – and for creating strong backs in high-level athletes.
You’ll leave with simple, precise cues that instantly create stronger, more integrated whole-body movement in your clients (and yourself).
Because Pilates is MOVEMENT – not just shapes.
Price: on request
Classical Workshop 3:
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.
Classical Workshop 4:
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: NEW May 3rd 2026
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 – Rowing and Balance Control Workshop which has a Double Magic Circle warm up and new Perfecting your Horseback. There are currently 2 available spaces for private lessons after the workshops for an additional fee.
Price: on request