Romana Kryzanowska Timeline

Romana Kryzanowska ~ Photo courtesy of Sean Gallaghers Pilates Archives™

1923

Born Romana Kryzanowska on June 30, 1923 in Detroit, Michigan.

1941

Trained with George Balanchine at the School of American Ballet where she suffered an ankle injury. She was referred to Joseph Pilates for rehabilitation.

1945

Married Peruvian businessman, Pablo Mejia, and moved to Peru. She had two children while living there, Paul and Sari. She continued to teach Pilates at her home.

1958

Moved back to New York as a single parent. She worked with Joe and Clara at the 939 Studio, taught at Carola Trier's studio, and taught ballet.

1967

Took on the task of running the Pilates studio after Joseph Pilates died.

Romana Kryzanowska ~ Photo courtesy of Sean Gallaghers Pilates Archives™

1971

Ran the studio after a partnership between the 939 Studio and 20 investors, including Jon Steel, purchased the assets of the studio from Clara Pilates.

1972

Moved the studio from 939 Eighth Avenue to 29 West 56th Street in New York.

1973

Changed the name of the 939 Studio to Pilates Studio, Incorporated. Romana became a 50% shareholder of the Pilates Studio, Inc.. The limited partners of the 939 Studio owned the remaining shares.

1975

Began to teach at the State University of New York at Purchase. She also began training people to teach Pilates.

1980

Helped two of her students, Philip Friedman and Gail Eisen, with their book, The Pilates Method of Physical and Mental Conditioning.

1984

Continued to train students to teach Pilates as the Pilates Studio, Inc.'s assets were sold to Aris Isotoner Gloves, Inc.. Lari Stanton, who was their CEO and a student of Romana's wanted to see the studio survive despite its financial difficulties.

Romana Kryzanowska ~ Courtesy of Mejo Wiggin

1986

Transferred assets from Aris Isotoner, Inc. to Healite, Inc which was owned and operated by Wee-Tai Hom who was a student of Romana. He moved the studio to a new location, 160 East 56th Street in New York.

1987

Incorporated a new Pilates Studio, Inc. where Romana and Hom implemented a formalized teacher-training program. They issued certificates to instructors who had completed their program.

1989

Closed the studio on 56th Street due to Healite, Inc.'s financial difficulties. She began to teach at The Gym owned by Dragutin Mehandzic, "Drago." She also met Sean Gallagher this year.

1990

Trained instructors at Synergy Exercises Systems which was formed by Sean Gallagher and Steve Giordano.

1992

Continued to work with Sean when he incorporated Pilates, Inc.

Romana Kryzanowska ~ Photo courtesy of Diane Lam, Certified by Romana 1996, Currently retired

1993

Formalized a teacher certification program with Sean Gallagher.

1996

Pilates Trademark Lawsuit began.

1999

Co-authored a book, The Pilates Method of Body Conditioning.

2000

Pilates Trademark Lawsuit ended. She co-authored the book, Joseph H. Pilates Archive Collection: The Photographs, Writings and Designs and was featured in the video, Authentic Pilates: Complete Mat Workout.

2003

Ended business relationship with Sean Gallagher. She formed her own teacher certification program with her daughter Sari and granddaughter Daria. She was also featured in the video, Romana's Pilates (Introduction to Pilates Mat/ Power House Mat Work/ Optimum Weight/ Ultimate Challenge Mat Workout.)