Our education and philosophy | P.E.A.R. Certified Pilates Teacher's training

Teacher Training
Delivering courses since 2007

Our Philosophy

We aim to deliver teacher's training of the highest standards. We teach the Pilates method with its varied styles and influences from Classical (NY), West Coast, Santa Fe, London and Remedial Pilates, with consideration of up to date research of common degenerative musculoskeletal conditions. With attention to detail, comprehension and continuity, we can tailor our programmes to achieve the best training for individual teacher trainees . We encourage students to develop intuition, observation skills, search for subtleties and fine tune their bodies. You learn how to teach individuals rather than a set format of Pilates exercises, and we will help you to become an outstanding teacher.

Pilates is a therapeutic method. Physical restrictions become a stimulus for the accomplished teacher rather than a restriction. Time, practice, and an open mind are key factors. Our bodies are made of many systems meant to work in harmony within and with the surroundings. Pilates teaches us awareness, to become conscious of our body and its links, and promotes everyday functionality. The Method enables us to advance our physical skills and helps our recovery from injuries and ailments. We learn to explore our bodies safely, and efficiently receive and give stimuli to achieve Mind-Body connection.

Our repertoire is rich with emphasis on principles such as relaxation, skeletal alignment, breathing and focus. We support your supervised teaching hours and encourage you to practice with dedication.

We evolve and enrich the technique with new ideas and aspire that our contribution to the Pilates education grows in time.

The Full Story

In 2007, Ellie Ioannidou and Gordon Thomson established THE BODY CONTROL PILATES ORGANISATION LIMITED following Gordon's exit from Body Control Pilates. The company was rebranded as PILATES BODY EUROPE LIMITED in 2009.

During the period from 2007 to 2013, Ellie designed and conducted extended courses focused on the Reformer, Cadillac, and Wunda Chair, along with workshops on Barrels and other apparatus. These sessions took place in London at the Body Control and Rehabilitation Centre in South Kensington, and at Maria Larsen's Pilates studio in Cascais, Portugal.

Their efforts built a strong reputation, with many of the teachers they trained returning for further training, mentorship, and to retake courses. The courses were continuously updated and improved, with the accompanying manuals being enhanced regularly.
After the Body Control and Rehabilitation Centre closed its doors in 2013, Ellie joined Trevor Blount's studio in South Kensington from 2013 to 2016 and founded Pilates Education & Research Ltd in 2014. She continued to provide teacher training in London, Scotland, and Portugal.
In 2016, Ellie Ioannidou launched new facilities for Pilates Education & Research Ltd at 125 Gloucester Road. Following this, there was a pause in course offerings until 2021 when the organization took part in a government apprenticeship program aimed at training young students. In 2022, in partnership with Richard Budd, P.E.A.R. introduced a comprehensive year-long program for teaching Pilates. This inspiring comeback to teacher training culminated in an 18-month Comprehensive-Apprenticeship programme tailored specifically for young dancers and performers in 2023-2024.
Beginning in January 2025, the programme will shift back to a more modular yet complete and comprehensive format, welcoming students from diverse backgrounds and experience levels.

The Team

Experienced, accomplished and successful, our team will mentor you, and help you achieve high teaching standards as a new teacher or enrich your teaching technique if you seek development.