About me
Michael and Ton are internationally recognized Pilates teachers, presenters, and innovators whose work has shaped the way Pilates is taught and practiced around the world. Their journey began in New York City, where they became the last two people to complete a true apprenticeship with Romana Kryzanowska, one of Joseph Pilates’ protégés. There were no manuals, no weekend seminars—just the traditional way: hours of observation, hands-on learning, and direct mentorship.
In 2000, Romana entrusted them with a rare honor—she asked Michael and Ton to become Teachers of Teachers for her original International Pilates Certification Program based out of NYC. Together with Romana and her daughter, Sari Mejia Santo, they guided, trained, and tested hundreds of apprentices. They also collaborated with leading physical therapists at Performing Arts Physical Therapy, blending Pilates with cutting-edge rehab and movement science.
After years of teaching within that lineage, Michael and Ton branched out, incorporating the work of many of the other Elders into their practice. They developed and launched several full Pilates certification programs internationally, tailoring each one to meet the needs of independent studio owners and their communities. Along the way, they invented the TRIADBALL™, a revolutionary tool and the first ball of its kind designed specifically for the Pilates method.
Their expertise has attracted a diverse clientele, ranging from A-list celebrities to professional athletes in the NFL, MLB, NBA, and PGA. Despite this success, Michael and Ton remain devoted students of movement. In 2010, they began their studies in Spiraldynamik®, a Swiss-based movement and therapy concept. They participated in the first English-language Spiraldynamik® course in 2016 and subsequently became the U.S. representatives for Spiraldynamik®. In 2025, Michael and Ton became the first Spiraldynamik® teachers in the United States authorized to teach the Spiraldynamik® Basic Course.
Driven by curiosity, creativity, and a love of movement, Michael and Ton continue to share their knowledge with the same spirit that began their journey—through dedication, innovation, and the belief that Pilates can change lives.
