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So usually to observes a session it is customary to inform the teacher first, who then asks the client if it's okay, right? Even new dance teachers who watch to gauge the level of an open class are introduced by the ballet master.

I just started an apprenticeship at a Romana's Pilates training center. I went to observe a Level 5 instructor, not knowing that only teacher trainers (Level 4 and up) count toward hours. Well, instead of politely informing me of this policy, this teacher said I should always check with the client first. She even told me to introduce myself. She said it's just "standard" in New York (meaning TPNY) and is just politeness as if I had breached some class etiquette. I was a little surprised as I am from NY, and have always been introduced to an apprentice by the instructor (not always leveled trainers.) Okay, this could have been avoided had I known we could only observe instructor trainers.

I had told my teacher trainer I was going to take a group class, so this (same) instructor knew about me but we had never met before. The first thing she asked was whether or not I spoke German. In my experience, teachers always ask for the new student's name and then takes it from there. All the Americans who give workshops overseas make such an effort to learn every participant's name, no matter if it's dance, yoga, or some other form of bodywork. When I'm a new in a class, regardless of whether it's a guest or resident teacher, the first thing he does is tell me his name. This has also been my experience in the UK. So I am not sure if that was just a reflection of cultural differences, since it had also happened to me in other European countries.

Also, do clients get precedence over apprentices? As part of my apprentice program, I get to take all the mat classes, which are conducted on raised mats. There are only five, so I got asked to go on the Trapeze Table when we were six. I don't mind that it separates me from the group a little but I couldn't help but think, I am a client too. At some places, apprentices are billed as clients for their training. I know that Romana's Pilates has a hierarchical system, but I can't help but think: are apprentices at the bottom of the rung? I know it's different at TPNY as apprentices are constantly teaching on each other and stuff.

In the future should I always get permission from clients first? I don't want this to be a problem going forward as I will have to teach real people under supervision in the following stages. I'm sure it's not the case that I ask a client if I could please teach him/her, but that my trainer who gives me a client at a discounted rate but under her watchful eyes

During a day long reformer workshop with Lolita San Miguel (which was totally fabulous) she said that Joe's birthday has been recorded incorrectly and he was actually born in 1883. Has anyone else heard this? Apparently there is quite a bit of misinformation out there regarding Joe Pilates.

Hello everyone

I am sure everyone has had that type of client - the one with a million excuses who always finds a reason to cancel. I am dumbfounded as to why this is happening to me, for as I recall I was clearly speaking English and not Chinese when I enforced the 24 hour cancellation policy. I am so frustrated & angry with myself for making exceptions to the rule because now I am paying for it.Any and all of your experience with these types of clients and how you have handled similar situations would be helpful...

ps- I actually really just want to get rid of this client - I know this sounds horrible, but I can't help someone who is not willing to meet me half way.

Hello everyone,

I just wanted to ask what your experience has been with clients who are unable to keep their heels glued together in footwork small v & in the frog position. Their knees usually touch first & the heels come apart. It's not always a case of knock knees, but am wondering if I should discontinue these exercises altogether until I see a dramatic improvement by strengthening their adductors in parallel using other exercises (m circle,or openings on reformer etc)or shouid I keep doing them in conjunction with other exercises that will help correct this alignment. Note: clients do not feel any pain. Please feel free to share any ideas or if you have founf something that has worked in a similar situation!

thanks :-)