[Siri Galliano]

I am researching my next story about what happens to `certain egos and personalities when they discover Pilates.
How the Pilates Peacocks start strutting their feathers, how the men put their profiles(Michael Miller, Basil Bletcher)
into Joe's pose, make their stories like Joe's stories, how ballerinas put all these pictures of themselves on the
walls and none of Joe or Clara, how Kenny Endleman can file 24 patents after adding a spring, or changing the
leather straps into ropes and claim he's invented the machines......my story starts in the internment camp,
through the wars and depressions and plaques to the 21st century where PMA sets the standards of certification,
yet allows no credit to any Romana certified teachers.......how this has happened, how Pilates has made the
nerds popular.

I'm looking for points of view other than my own experience.
Thanks,
Siri Galliano

[gaile]

I think all forms of movement have their elitest snobbery unfortunately.I would love pictures of Joe on my studio wall but I cant afford them this is the saddest part of the history of Pilates it all costs a fortune.I heard that Romanas organsiation didnt want to join the PMA?

[Pilates Core]

Yeah, I also heard that Romana didn't want to join the PMA. I don't t think they wanted to be included with other method because of their claim that they are the only True Pilates.

I think it's great to have pictures of instructors in your studio on the walls. I'm not really sure why this is bad or egotistical. Can't you have both? It's not about stealing credit... it's about showing day-to-day life in your particular studio.

As far as patents go, I always assumed they were patenting the *changes to the original model* only. I could be wrong though.

[Siri Galliano]

Posters from BB arent that expensive, I recommend them,although an original print I have from Chuck Rappaport shows such detail of the studio in the background, you can see his tatoos! Why does everyone want cheap equipment and cheap art?

It would be hard for Romana to teach next to someone like Elisabeth Larkam teaching" Myofacial release on the reformer"
and listening to her cue the pelvic tilt tampon cue.

and having LArkam, and Rael and whatever teachers decide that THEY set the National standards when she was trained for so many decades next to Joe himself?

Romana wouldnt join them, therefore, her teachers cannot teach for the PMA, or give continuing education credit unless they pass the PMA test?

Are you kidding me? And I would want to join the PMA because............................

Siri

This post has been edited by Siri Galliano: 22 October 2008 - 01:03 PM

[gaile]

Well its not my place to defend either the PMA or Romana not knowing enough about either but I guess if Romanas company didnt want to join what are the PMA supposed to do? Someone has to set some standards and even if we dont all agree on those standards at least there is some responsibility being shown towards a comprehensive education and its a free choice whether to join or not and if you join you can take what you want.Lolita San Miguel is happy to go to the conferences and she did the polestart certification program which I think shows a great open mind and a willingness to learn something however small it maybe.

The problems with Pilates usually stem from money and sadly people seem to lose their moral compass when money is involved.I have been dealt a kick in the teeth from a big Pilates company because I dont have a city studio which would be prestigious but at the end of the day I do the best job for my clients that I can,I dont try to take money out of their pockets at every opportunity and I can hold my head high and know I try to behave in a compassionate and courteous way to everyone I meet from pupil to teacher and teach the best I can

[Pilates Core]

I dunno, I think the PMA is a brilliant idea. We can't change the results of that lawsuite. What we CAN do is ensure that instructors who spent a weekend in training before certification, the ones who make ALL of us look bad regardless of the method, are shut out of business. That helps our clients stay safe and our education stay a worthwhile expense.

It's not just Romana's students who have a hard time with the PMA. I don't feel that STOTT PILATES adequately prepared me to write the PMA exam, and I'm going to have to study somewhere else to catch up.

You know what I'd love to see? A Pilates program that covers a bunch of different methods. One that teaches us the similarities and differences between the Elders' methods, the differences between Classical and contemporary, and how everything comes together somewhere.

[Pilates Core]

Also, Siri, I think you're too quick to pin everything people do to make themselves stand out from the masses of other instructors out there on ego. It's just marketing. Otherwise what makes you different from the teacher down the road?

[Pam@pilatesofstamford]

I am a Romana trained instructor. The idea of the PMA is a good one. The problem is that without a practical exam it is not a true test of a teachers ability to implement what they know. I have met many instructors who can learn the facts but lack the ability to understand what it is they know and are not effective. I have not teken the PMA and don't think I will because of the lack of a hands on exam.

[Pilates Core]

I understood that the PMA was a *second* certification, one that came after the written and practical exam given by your own testing facility. Is that incorrect?

I think you're right, though - there SHOULD be a practical component. The only difficulty is that they don't have enough branches. People would have to fly to them to take their test, and at this point in their history, it's not really worth it as you don't need it on top of your normal certification to get a job.

[Siri Galliano]

I'm in Kansas teaching, lovely lady, Pilates Center by Kahley with lovley pictures of herself.
Her service and quality is what sets her apart.
She's certified by someone no one knows or cares about in the larger picture, but her devotion, grace, heart and discipline guarantees her success.
She's never been to PMA, thinking it more effective to spend her money on privates.

I think people just starting in the last few years hook up to PMA, or people disinfranchised needing to have a piece of paper on the wall, take the test.

The rest are too confident.

I think I was reacting to Michael being the reincarnation of Joe, a little disconcerting, sounds like substance talk, cult talk,and traveling to cities and meeting women teachers who have had told me their stories of the men in thiis industry who have slept with them.

Reminds me of how I came to Pilates. I taught yoga and meditation for a famous holistic doctor in Beverly Hills, Dr. Soram Khalsa, who sent me to help his patient who was under so much stress from teaching Pilates! He was sleeping with three female clients a week.


Stefan was famous, featured in 1986 in LIfe magazine on the refomer with Rae Down Chang,(I was featured in the same issue as Hollywood's Healer)
Stefan Frease called it the Stefan Method, think the ron Fletcher Method meets Jane Fonda.

I was with him for many, fun and tragic years.
He died alone with three empty bottle of voldka next to him. You'll recognize his work though...., sleeper,hydrants,skater, scooter.


His best line, though, which I included in the obit I wrote for the Pilates Institute's(Pre-Physical Mind INstitute) Forum, was
"Pilates is a vehicle to touch someone's soul."
I liked that. Poetic and spiritual.

My new one, though, is the Weak shall die, the Strong shall survive, It's a law of nature.
Comes from my research into what really happened in that internment camp Joe was in, where this work came from.

And, I suppose that is what will happen. The Pilates Guild, formed in the '90's to set the standards in the industry, is gone. and the PMA, formed in this century claiming to set the standards in the industry, will last as long as thousands of people give them thousands of dollars.

Always wondered why Lolita, one of two certified by Joe, felt the need to get certified by Brent Anderson. She's a nice lady with a nice
husband, good hearts both of them. But got a little too isolated for 30 years on that island and wanted to add some technique to her yoga/ballet/pilates
work I guess. Cant imagine Jay Grimes or Romana going to someone to be certified, nor Kathy Grant.

There is a new era, in the country, and, in this method. It's frightening.

As long as we stay in our own bubble, with our own clients and friends, we are fine, do our jobs, pay our rents,
get our rewards helping people.

I try to do my part, not lick anyone's ass, just lift the ass.

Siri Galliano

But

This post has been edited by Siri Galliano: 15 October 2008 - 08:02 PM

[Pilates Core]

I would imagine Lolita went to the PMA to be certified to give it support and credibility. She did THEM a favour... not the other way around. And I bet she knew it.

And yeah, I'm not much of a fan of Michael Miller myself. I don't like his views on the machines existing solely to complement the mat. I tend to believe the whole thing is a SYSTEM, and the mat is a component, like the cadillac is a component. They all work together. I also don't like how he phrases his opinions as fact.

BUT, I have no problem marketing that, as long as he says something like "Michael Miller Pilates" rather than "Pilates in general". Do what you want, just don't paint me with the same paintbrush.

[reinbeau]

Actually, I've always heard the same thing, the mat is where Joe wanted you to be, the apparatus* (not machines) help you get there.

*Romana would tell you they're not machines, machines do the work for you.

And Siri, please let's leave out the salacious details of other peoples' sex lives. It isn't something we need to discuss, and it brings the discussion around here down to a level many aren't comfortable with.

[Siri Galliano]

Thanks. I did tell Tom privately in an email I didnt want to gossip about Joe 40 years ago, which isnt true.
BUt,
I also feel uncomfortable when I go to Dallas or the BMS conference or some town and hear it from the teachers.
I did tell Howard myself though.
Will stick to my courses and stay off for awhile, there is so much I am angry about, how they're treating Romana is a story
I could write for Vanity Fair.
I'll garden,not gossip.
sdg

[Pilates Core]

What can we do to get Romana better treatment without discrediting all the other instructors?

[Siri Galliano]

Romana is tired.
yet she is still dragged to Seattle, New York, and New Orleans.
Even though she has changed the lives and touched the souls of thousands, the new teachers are resentful to travel across the world and country to do continuing ed with her when she can't continue.
She is EIGHTY FIVE, give me a break, give her a break!

We can do nothing, she belongs to her family,
people are not only angry but embarassed.


It is the end of the era.

the other teachers are not discredited. Most of them left a long time ago and teach Joe and Romana's
work, incredible teachers, Dorothee VandeWalle has the best program in the country, that will guarantee the traditional work does not become a feminie floating
thing. an anatomical test, or bimbos bouncing around on the jumpboard.

Remember, to be a part of the Legacy, you dont have to be part of the lineage.

Siri Galliano

This post has been edited by Siri Galliano: 24 October 2008 - 08:13 AM

[Tom Floyd]

The current issue (Oct. 2008) of Pilates Style features a nice tribute to Romana. It's not clear how much of the information comes directly from Romana or the "assistance" of her family and colleagues, but it was nicely done. It also includes words of tribute from numerous students of hers, Siri included. It also included some pictures I had never seen.

[taowave]

To Siri and the various memebers of the Pilates Discussion board,

It is truly a travesty that posts containing personal attacks on ones family continue to pop up on a PILATES discussion board.Regardless if one feels if they have been wronged by members of an organisation,there should be a minimum level of respect and humanity in addressing these issues.Sadly,there is none of that in this forum.

I have witnessed a non stop verbal barrage against True Pilates,and specifically against members of Romanas family.Now,you make assessments of Romanas well being and have the utter audacity to slander her family and make false accusations.Siri,you need to get your emotions under control and stop with your personal attacks on Romanas family.If you are unable to do so,I fully expect the moderator of this forum will edit each and every of her slanderous attacks.I sincerely hope this behavior ends with this message and no further action is necessary.To all of those who are here in the true spirit of what Pilates is about,I humbly apologise.

Respectfully,

Allan Nathan

Siri Galliano, on Sep 16 2008, 02:27 PM, said:

Romana is sick, tired, old, forgetful, reptitive, no one will say it, but I will, Alteimers?
yet she is still dragged to Seattle, New York, and soon New Orleans.
Even though she has changed the lives and touched the souls of thousands, they are resentful
to travel across the world and country to do continuing ed with her when she can't continue.
She is EIGHTY FIVE, give me a break, give her a break!

We can do nothing, she belongs to her family who continue to abuse her and by not letting
her retire so they can still make money off her(I mean, do you want to be certified by Daria?)
people are not only angry but embarassed.

And the deception! After a 40 year relationship with Gratz, they are not using them for their
conference! Romana, if she knew, would be devastated. When I met with her last year and
expressed my fear that Basil was leaving the company, she said, don't worry, it was a good
thing as he was changing Joe's original designs for money and they would just get someone
else, it wasn't a big deal.

Last week, in New York at the old Drago's, even with Roberta Gratz there as one of her
dear friends, Daria announced they would not be using Gratz.(They'll make a profit using someone
else.) Quit telling the world she is making the decisions.Quit using her. Rallying her to, what, teach the
roll-up?

It is the end of the era.

the other teachers are not discredited. Most of them left a long time ago and teach Joe and Romana's
work, incredible teachers that will guarantee the traditional work does not become a feminie floating
thing. an anatomical test, or bimbos bouncing around on the jumpboard.

Remember, you can be a part of the Legacy, you dont have to be part of the lineage.

Siri Galliano

[gaile]

Allan please dont think the comments made reflect the views of everyone on this board.I have no axe to grind with any Pilates organsiations and would rather that the discussions on this board related to all things Pilates rather than personal comments.Its difficult to draw the line between free speech and censoring comments made.I hope that the majority of posters have enough respect ad manners to post their comments without attacking anyone.

Anyone with an ounce of Pilates knowledge will respect all the work that Romana and all the elders have imparted to those of us not priviledged meet to Joe.The differences that each one brings to the method only serves to enhance Joes amazing ability to find ways of making the body give its best.

[taowave]

Hello Gaile,

I certainly do not think that the tasteless comments directed at Romanas family(loved ones) reflect the majority view on this board.However,I have not seen one objection made,nor has the moderator issued any type of "warning" let alone censor.

FYI,I am an apprentice at True Pilates,and have only had the pleasure of meeting Romana two times.I obvioulsy know Shari,and have spent very limited time with Daria.My background is Wall Street where I was the managing director of equity derivatives at a major investment bank,and I also have extensive training in the martial arts.I am certainly used to "office" politics and find they can be as nasty in the arts as they are in business.Sadly,its the way of the world.

This board should be above personal attacks.We have chosen to be a student of the healing arts and share that knowledge.Kindness,compassion and understanding are essential traits as is integrity.I am not saying every comment has to be a favorable one,but it should not sink to the depths that Siri has chosen.Should one feel the need to attack the family of Romana ,or make hurtful unfounded remarks regarding her well being,I would strongly suggest it be done off this board and in a private manner.

I do hope everyone takes this matter very seriously as I certainly have.

Peace,

Allan

gaile, on Sep 17 2008, 01:54 PM, said:

Allan please dont think the comments made reflect the views of everyone on this board.I have no axe to grind with any Pilates organsiations and would rather that the discussions on this board related to all things Pilates rather than personal comments.Its difficult to draw the line between free speech and censoring comments made.I hope that the majority of posters have enough respect ad manners to post their comments without attacking anyone.

Anyone with an ounce of Pilates knowledge will respect all the work that Romana and all the elders have imparted to those of us not priviledged meet to Joe.The differences that each one brings to the method only serves to enhance Joes amazing ability to find ways of making the body give its best.

[Pilates Core]

taowave, on Sep 17 2008, 03:14 PM, said:

Hello Gaile,

I certainly do not think that the tasteless comments directed at Romanas family(loved ones) reflect the majority view on this board.However,I have not seen one objection made,nor has the moderator issued any type of "warning" let alone censor.

FYI,I am an apprentice at True Pilates,and have only had the pleasure of meeting Romana two times.I obvioulsy know Shari,and have spent very limited time with Daria.My background is Wall Street where I was the managing director of equity derivatives at a major investment bank,and I also have extensive training in the martial arts.I am certainly used to "office" politics and find they can be as nasty in the arts as they are in business.Sadly,its the way of the world.

This board should be above personal attacks.We have chosen to be a student of the healing arts and share that knowledge.Kindness,compassion and understanding are essential traits as is integrity.I am not saying every comment has to be a favorable one,but it should not sink to the depths that Siri has chosen.Should one feel the need to attack the family of Romana ,or make hurtful unfounded remarks regarding her well being,I would strongly suggest it be done off this board and in a private manner.

I do hope everyone takes this matter very seriously as I certainly have.

Peace,

Allan

Hey Allan,

Not knowing Romana, Siri, or the situation, I can't comment on the truth of Siri's statement. For Romana's sake, I hope Siri has it wrong, as that sounds really sad. I gathered that Siri considers Romana to be a close friend and mentor, and is worried because she feels that someone she cares about is in a bad situation. If names and organisations had been rnadom office workers at some corporation, would you have complained? It just sounded to me like Siri expressing concern over a friend's well-being. Were the comments inappropriate, sure, because people on this board know the people in question. But I saw no malice in her words.

Just FYI - you have no idea if a moderator has spoken to Siri about her comments. I would consider it unprofessional if Tom critiqued her on the board. If a warning was warranted, and that is Tom's decision, I would sincerely hope that he would do it via PM.