PILATES AT THE PILLOW^®:
The New Science and Lost Art of Joe’s Contrology^®

September 29-31, 2023

Pilates at the Pillow^® is a three-day conference for pilates teachers at the historic Jacob’s Pillow and at Joe’s original studio in Becket, MA.

Table work with springs and boards, comprehensive mat work, understanding the cardiovascular system Joe’s way (with a little current science for support). Integrating it all to help you understand and teach his work as he wanted it taught the first day back in your studio.

The Pilates Archival Bednasium™ Morning Workout Series 

Taught by Sean P. Gallagher and Elaine Ewing

A Pilates Source^® and Pilates at The Pillow^® historical first! 

The Bednasium workout was designed by Joe as a convenient way to workout with apparatus, as a way to start the day before getting out of bed. Many of the exercises that he archived on film, in photos, and in writing reflect those from the Cadillac and the mat.

In a Pilates Source^® first, exercises will be demonstrated on an original Bednasium from Sean Gallagher’s Pilates Archives^®! Attendees will also have the incredible opportunity to practice on the original Bednasium during and after the workshop- a fantastic, real-life experience of what Joe intended for these exercises!

In this workshop, we will teach you how to incorporate the Bednasium exercises into a studio setting using apparatus such as the Cadillac. During the workshop we will utilize Sean’s invention of a group metal bar cage along with the Pilates Archival Bench Mat™ to allow for 20 groups of 2 to work out together and to facilitate the combinations needed in teaching these exercises.

You’ll leave the workshop with a much deeper understanding of the original Bednasium workout as well as ways to take the work back to the studio and teach it to your own clients.

Sean P. Gallagher

Sean P. Gallagher (BFA, PT, CPT, CFP, MS) is the owner and master physical therapist of Performing Arts Physical Therapy, as well as a master pilates teacher and Teacher of Teachers at The New York Pilates Studio®, the program he developed with Romana Kryzanowska over 13 years starting in 1990. This is where Classical Pilates got its name. This program includes the first ever comprehensive teacher training manual that documented the pilates system as it was taught at the Pilates studio and adapted to be able to transition from an apprentice only program at the studio in NYC to studios everywhere. This unique collaboration was instrumental in getting the Pilates method recognized and taught around the world.

Sean is also the owner of the largest collection Joseph Pilates’ archival material, Sean Gallagher’s Pilates Archives®, and has three published books, “The Pilates Method of Body Conditioning,” “The Collected Works of Joseph Pilates,” and “The Joseph H. Pilates Archive Collection.” Sean has also been teaching pilates at Jacob’s Pillow in Becket, MA for 21 years.

As a physical therapist, he has provided backstage Physical Therapy care at over 180 Broadway shows. With over 40 years of dance and physical therapy experience he has developed the most comprehensive injury prevention and self-care program available to performers today.

Sean was an adjunct professor for Anatomy, Somatics, and Authentic Pilates™ at Marymount Manhattan College for 4 years, Anatomy and Authentic Pilates™ at the New School for 12 years and was adjunct professor for Gross Anatomy at NYU’s Physical Therapy program for 9 years. He is a volunteer fireman in his town of Hastings-on-Hudson and currently is a Fire Policeman. He has a master’s in Clinical Nutrition from Bridgeport University. He also collects old books on medicine, exercise, and health.

Sean Gallagher is the property owner of Joe’s original studio and items displayed there. He along with Elaine Ewing has been presenting at Pilates at The Pillow® for the past 5 years and looks forward to continuing to share everything Joe and Clara, with the pilates community to ensure their legacy is here for generations of pilates teachers to come seeking the source.

Elaine Ewing

Elaine is the owner of Rhinebeck Pilates, and a third generation, certified Authentic Pilates teacher and Certified Teacher of Teachers through the New York Pilates Studio®. Elaine is also the owner of many pieces of original equipment from Joseph Pilates’ 8th Avenue Studio, which can be found within Rhinebeck Pilates.

Elaine has studied pilates extensively through lessons with Sean Gallagher, Pam Pardi, Steve Giordano, Cynthia Shipley, and Bob Liekens, to name a few. She teaches daily in her Rhinebeck studio, both in person and virtually, and also taught at The New York Pilates Studio® in New York City for four years. She has also taught mat classes at Jacob’s Pillow, the same place where Joseph Pilates famously taught his original mat classes.

Together with Sean Gallagher, Elaine presents workshops based on Joseph Pilates’ original method and apparatus. In 2018 Elaine worked alongside with Sean Gallagher to help create the yearly conference at Jacob’s Pillow, Pilates at The Pillow™. They continue to host and teach this yearly conference and that has been the first in the pilates community to present “lost” apparatus and original work, such as: The Lost Art of The Resister™, The Lost Art of the Ped-o-Pul™, and The Lost Art of the Bench Mat™. Elaine was thrilled to present The Lost Art of The Resister™ inside Joseph Pilates’ original Berkshires studio, (the property is owned by Sean Gallagher)- the first time a workshop had ever been presented within that historically significant location.

Elaine enjoys researching pilates history and maintains a webpage devoted to openly sharing accurate pilates history titled: Pilates History Research Archive.

Elaine can be found on Pilatesology teaching matwork, Gratz Push Up Devices, Archival Ped-o-Pul, the Resister®, and along with Sean Gallagher, Joe’s Four Original Airplane Boards.

Foundational Classical Pilates Arm & Leg Springs

Taught by Carol Baker and Vandy Lipman

In this workshop, Carol Baker and Vandy Lipman will share with participants the classical arm and leg springs repertoire (for the Cadillac, Wall Unit, or similar apparatus) that they learned through The New York Pilates Studio® (Pilates Inc) Teacher Training Program and apprenticeship in the New York studios in the 1990s.  They will impart their intimate understanding of how early classical arm and leg springs were taught to them by Romana. Throughout the workshop they will share favorite quotes and cues from formative years of classical pilates that they still remember and teach to this day.

Carol Baker

I have been a certified Pilates Instructor and Teacher Trainer for the past 28 years.  I found Pilates after a back injury sidelined my dancing career.  As a classically trained ballet dancer and teacher, I bring  knowledge and expertise from dance to my Pilates practice and teaching. I was selected to head up the first official Pilates Studio Guild certification program in Manhattan under Performing Arts Physical Therapy. This included designing the course outline, creating the training manuals, administering written and physical exams and instructing teachers how to teach.  I was privileged to study under  Romana Kryzanowska, a direct disciple of Joseph Pilates   Romana eventually inherited the method from him. My work has been featured in Self magazine, the fitness section of Bodywise magazine writing a weekly blog, featured segments on WNBC Weekend Today in NY & CNBC and was featured in the first Pilates infomercial done in 1994.  My education includes a Bachelors of Fine Arts degree from the University of North Carolina as well as a Master of Arts degree in Dance and Education from New York University.

I have extended my love of helping women to include my Doula work. I am a DONA certified doula and a Birtharts International certified childbirth educator. Just like in Pilates, I use the mind/body connection together with movement to facilitate a better birthing process. It’s amazing to be able to support women throughout the miracle of childbirth!  I love supporting women as they create a miracle.

Vandy Lipman

As my second career, I fell in love with Pilates after studying the method for myself for three years.

 I was fortunate enough to study with Romana Kryzanowska, Sean Gallagher, P. T., Sari Mejia Santo, and Bob Leikens at the Pilates Studio in Manhattan. After completing the Pilates Studio Guild certification program in 1999,  I continued to work at  Dragos in Manhattan.  Carol and I opened Equipoise over 20 years ago. I love the ability to take a body and customize a Pilates program to strengthen, restore and to help maintain overall body wellness. Our clients include elite professional, amateur and junior athletes, mothers, fathers and Seniors;  helping them gain important core strength, increase flexibility and sharpen balance.  As an amateur equestrian myself, I understand the need for flexibility and strength to prevent injuries.

The experience of working with different clients through the years has been both rewarding and inspiring. We have a genuine concern for the health and safety of our clients, and work to positively impact more lives with the benefits of Pilates. We strive to ensure each client enjoys their Pilates’ experience and reaches a realistic goal.

My love of body movement led me to become both a Gyrotonic and Gyrokinesis instructor.  This method is a natural complement to Pilates work and leaves ones body very open, feeling space in the tight areas.

Pilates Archival Massage Table™ Part 2

Presented by Sean P. Gallagher and Elaine Ewing

One of Joe’s lost apparatus was known as The Massage Table. This apparatus was similar to a raised mat with a Cadillac structure on one end, which included a roll back bar and leg springs with a single strap. With this addition to the apparatus, Joe documented a specific series and order of exercises.  Get ready to learn a wide range of ways to archivally challenge your clients!

This Pilates Historics^™ workshop will focus on exercises with the roll back bar and leg springs with a single strap from The Pilates Archival Massage Table. These archival exercises span what we would call basic through advanced exercises, making this an excellent opportunity to add to your knowledge base not only as to what and how Joe taught, but also how to continue to challenge your clients back at the studio as authentically and archivally as possible. Again we will also be utilizing Sean’s invention of a group metal bar cage to allow for 20 groups of 2 to work out together during the workshop along with the Pilates Archival Bench Mat™ to facilitate the combinations needed in teaching these exercises.

Elaine Ewing

Elaine is the owner of Rhinebeck Pilates, and a third generation, certified Authentic Pilates teacher and Certified Teacher of Teachers through the New York Pilates Studio®. Elaine is also the owner of many pieces of original equipment from Joseph Pilates’ 8th Avenue Studio, which can be found within Rhinebeck Pilates.

Elaine has studied pilates extensively through lessons with Sean Gallagher, Pam Pardi, Steve Giordano, Cynthia Shipley, and Bob Liekens, to name a few. She teaches daily in her Rhinebeck studio, both in person and virtually, and also taught at The New York Pilates Studio® in New York City for four years. She has also taught mat classes at Jacob’s Pillow, the same place where Joseph Pilates famously taught his original mat classes.

Together with Sean Gallagher, Elaine presents workshops based on Joseph Pilates’ original method and apparatus. In 2018 Elaine worked alongside with Sean Gallagher to help create the yearly conference at Jacob’s Pillow, Pilates at The Pillow™. They continue to host and teach this yearly conference and that has been the first in the pilates community to present “lost” apparatus and original work, such as: The Lost Art of The Resister™, The Lost Art of the Ped-o-Pul™, and The Lost Art of the Bench Mat™. Elaine was thrilled to present The Lost Art of The Resister™ inside Joseph Pilates’ original Berkshires studio, (the property is owned by Sean Gallagher)- the first time a workshop had ever been presented within that historically significant location.

Elaine enjoys researching pilates history and maintains a webpage devoted to openly sharing accurate pilates history titled: Pilates History Research Archive.

Elaine can be found on Pilatesology teaching matwork, Gratz Push Up Devices, Archival Ped-o-Pul, the Resister®, and along with Sean Gallagher, Joe’s Four Original Airplane Boards.

Sean P. Gallagher

Sean P. Gallagher (BFA, PT, CPT, CFP, MS) is the owner and master physical therapist of Performing Arts Physical Therapy, as well as a master pilates teacher and Teacher of Teachers at The New York Pilates Studio®, the program he developed with Romana Kryzanowska over 13 years starting in 1990. This is where Classical Pilates got its name. This program includes the first ever comprehensive teacher training manual that documented the pilates system as it was taught at the Pilates studio and adapted to be able to transition from an apprentice only program at the studio in NYC to studios everywhere. This unique collaboration was instrumental in getting the Pilates method recognized and taught around the world.

Sean is also the owner of the largest collection Joseph Pilates’ archival material, Sean Gallagher’s Pilates Archives®, and has three published books, “The Pilates Method of Body Conditioning,” “The Collected Works of Joseph Pilates,” and “The Joseph H. Pilates Archive Collection.” Sean has also been teaching pilates at Jacob’s Pillow in Becket, MA for 21 years.

As a physical therapist, he has provided backstage Physical Therapy care at over 180 Broadway shows. With over 40 years of dance and physical therapy experience he has developed the most comprehensive injury prevention and self-care program available to performers today.

Sean was an adjunct professor for Anatomy, Somatics, and Authentic Pilates™ at Marymount Manhattan College for 4 years, Anatomy and Authentic Pilates™ at the New School for 12 years and was adjunct professor for Gross Anatomy at NYU’s Physical Therapy program for 9 years. He is a volunteer fireman in his town of Hastings-on-Hudson and currently is a Fire Policeman. He has a master’s in Clinical Nutrition from Bridgeport University. He also collects old books on medicine, exercise, and health.

Sean Gallagher is the property owner of Joe’s original studio and items displayed there. He along with Elaine Ewing has been presenting at Pilates at The Pillow® for the past 5 years and looks forward to continuing to share everything Joe and Clara, with the pilates community to ensure their legacy is here for generations of pilates teachers to come seeking the source.

Pilates Body Systems™: The Connective Tissues

Presented by Sean P. Gallagher

The fascia or myofascial systems within the body have been discussed and dissected since before Joe developed his system. In this lecture Sean will be digging deep into the old anatomy as well as the new to help you better understand how this body system is supported by as well as able to be changed by doing Joe’s exercises on his apparatus as he instructed. You will learn the difference between static stretching and dynamic stretching and well as how movement and stress effect and change the connective tissues of the body for good as well as for bad. After this lecture you will be better able to help your clients understand the reasonings behind the work you teach them every day. Sean will also explain how this system works with the other body systems to facilitate movement/stability integration when doing Joe’s Contrology^®.

Sean P. Gallagher

Sean P. Gallagher (BFA, PT, CPT, CFP, MS) is the owner and master physical therapist of Performing Arts Physical Therapy, as well as a master pilates teacher and Teacher of Teachers at The New York Pilates Studio®, the program he developed with Romana Kryzanowska over 13 years starting in 1990. This is where Classical Pilates got its name. This program includes the first ever comprehensive teacher training manual that documented the pilates system as it was taught at the Pilates studio and adapted to be able to transition from an apprentice only program at the studio in NYC to studios everywhere. This unique collaboration was instrumental in getting the Pilates method recognized and taught around the world.

Sean is also the owner of the largest collection Joseph Pilates’ archival material, Sean Gallagher’s Pilates Archives®, and has three published books, “The Pilates Method of Body Conditioning,” “The Collected Works of Joseph Pilates,” and “The Joseph H. Pilates Archive Collection.” Sean has also been teaching pilates at Jacob’s Pillow in Becket, MA for 21 years.

As a physical therapist, he has provided backstage Physical Therapy care at over 180 Broadway shows. With over 40 years of dance and physical therapy experience he has developed the most comprehensive injury prevention and self-care program available to performers today.

Sean was an adjunct professor for Anatomy, Somatics, and Authentic Pilates™ at Marymount Manhattan College for 4 years, Anatomy and Authentic Pilates™ at the New School for 12 years and was adjunct professor for Gross Anatomy at NYU’s Physical Therapy program for 9 years. He is a volunteer fireman in his town of Hastings-on-Hudson and currently is a Fire Policeman. He has a master’s in Clinical Nutrition from Bridgeport University. He also collects old books on medicine, exercise, and health.

Sean Gallagher is the property owner of Joe’s original studio and items displayed there. He along with Elaine Ewing has been presenting at Pilates at The Pillow® for the past 5 years and looks forward to continuing to share everything Joe and Clara, with the pilates community to ensure their legacy is here for generations of pilates teachers to come seeking the source.

Pilates Historics™ Unique Guided Tour of Joe’s Original Property, Studio, and Apparatus- and Joe’s Voice Teaching his Method

Join Sean P. Gallagher and Elaine Ewing for a guided tour of Joe and Clara’s original Berkshire property, studio, bungalow, and apparatus collection. Start at the famous Yellow Lion Pilars and make your way through each iconic moment of pilates history on the property- from the Iron Shoe sun design, to the bungalow, to the fully restored studio. 

Up-close study and sometimes even personal use of Joe’s original apparatus will take place. Original equipment on display includes but is not limited to: the Bednasium, the Junior Reformer, wooden Cadillac, an Electric Chair, a high chair without a back, an original claw foot Reformer, Joe’s handmade Airplane board and so much more.

Sean will guide you through Joe’s studio and show you artifacts within his collection, including some of Joe’s tools and belongings. Not only will he show you the original pilates apparatus, but also the vintage Gratz side of the museum. Within the walls of the museum, attendees will have the profound opportunity to hear Sean play a recording of Joe’s voice teaching.

Along the property tour, Elaine will tell stories about pilates history in relation to the property and structures and provide an education about the original apparatus. Photos and videos of yourself using the equipment are welcome!

Pilates 34 in 34^®

Taught by Sean P. Gallagher or Elaine Ewing

Sean Gallagher/Elaine Ewing teaches a mat class each day based on detailed notes from a dancer, Sharry Traver Underwood, who attended Joe’s mat class at Jacob’s Pillow during the summer dance intensive in the 1940’s. 34 exercises in 34 minutes, with additional, previously unknown breathing warm-up exercises that Joe taught as well as his specific cues not found published anywhere else and a little surprise as well. If you’ve been looking more to add to your mat classes for your clients at every level, then taking this classic mat will help you be more of “the source” teacher you’ve been looking to be.

Pilates Archival Standing Mat™ Class

Presented by Sean P. Gallagher and Elaine Ewing

This complete and comprehensive standing mat class includes the majority of Joe’s standing mat exercises that most know as well as many that are rarely taught and some that are not widely known. Class will be lead by Sean P. Gallagher, PT and demonstrated by Elaine Ewing, with attendee participation.

The Pilatus Game of Stimulation™ 3 & 4

The Pilatus Game of Stimulation™ games 3 & 4 will make their Pilates at The Pillow^® debut! Join in on the fun of playing original games invented by Joseph Pilates that have not been played since Joe was alive.

Historical Lecture with Jacob’s Pillow Archivist Norton Owen

Jacob’s Pillow Archivist, Norton Owen, joins us for an historical lecture on the history of Joe Pilates at Jacob’s Pillow Dance Festival, which includes film footage, footage of student interviews, photos, and more.

Interview with Sean P. Gallagher PT: What are Sean Gallagher’s Pilates Archives®?

Have you ever wondered what Joe passed on to Clara through his will and was subsequently sold to the different business owners? Sean will be able to provide a detailed description of the Pilates/Contrology body of work, now known as Sean Gallagher’s Pilates Archives^®, that Joe bequeathed and Clara sold with the business to ensure that the studio and work would continue as best as possible the way they spent a lifetime developing it.  He will discuss how the JHPilates Source^®️ is now carrying on this legacy and responsibility to bring to the pilates community this source material so all can learn and inform their teaching the real pilates way.

Lunch with Special Historical Guest TBA

Stay tuned to find out which special, historical guest will be joining us for lunch and a discussion about their memories of Joe and Clara Pilates.

The Pilates Archival Junior Reformer™ Workshop

Presented by Sean P. Gallagher and Elaine Ewing

Joe archived a series of exercises on the Junior Reformer, which was the reformer he designed for home use. Using pictures from Sean Gallagher’s Pilates Archives^®, this workshop will focus on Joe’s original Junior Reformer sequence.

We will teach how to execute and teach this archival sequence using the Universal Reformer, as well as an original Junior Reformer. Participants will learn how there are many similarities between this series and Joe’s multiple Universal Reformer series, as well as differences.

Monday, October 1, 2023 | 10:00 am -4:00 pm
$300 per person
Location: Rhinebeck Pilates, Rhinebeck, NY

Register Online for the Optional Workshop: The Pilates Archival Junior Reformer™

Pilates at the Pillow^® is held at the Jacob’s Pillow in Becket, Massachusetts where Joe Pilates taught his historical and now-famous mat classes and had a studio on his nearby property. Once a hard-scrabble mountaintop farm, Jacob’s Pillow is now a home for international dance. 

Joseph Pilates Becket Studio

Experience the recently renovated original studio of Joseph Pilates which is a museum and working studio where workshops and tours take place.