“A Classical, Intimate Studio with Quality Instruction”
Offering Private and Duet Sessions By Appointment Only
About Melissa- Master Instructor/Owner
Melissa Giudice
Melissa Giudice is a Senior Instructor and has been teaching Pilates since 2003. She comes from a
dance background and holds a BFA in Dance from the University of Akron.
She taught dance in the NYC public schools for 6 years before becoming certified in The
Classical Pilates Method. Teaching has been one of her passions.
The first teacher to inspire her was Gina Papalia who was also a dancer and friend.
She received her certification at Power Pilates under the instruction of Bob Leikens, Susan
Moran, Cary Regan, Phoebe Higgins , Dr Howard Sichel and many other amazing teachers.
She is grateful for the time she spent teaching side by side with Bob Liekens.
Bob helped mold her into the teacher she has become.
For this she is eternally grateful.
She is proud to carry on the legacy of how the Pilates Method was intended to be practiced.
Melissa teaches clients of all ages and abilities. She has a deep understanding of the Classical
Pilates Method. Her extensive knowledge and experience as a dancer is an asset to her
teaching. She has an eye for alignment and form. She loves to focus on the details. Tailoring
her classes and Private sessions to personalize each clients experience is the most fun for her.
She works with a wide range of students including dancers, athletes, Hollywood stars, seniors,
pre/post-pregnancy and those rehabilitating an injury or dealing with chronic pain to help them
achieve whole body wellness.
Melissa is a Certified Holistic Health Coach through the Institute for Integrative Nutrition. She
also holds a certificate in Kids Mindfulness and Yoga Teacher Training through Yoga Haven and a
Restorative Yoga certificate through Jillian Pransky.
Alexandra Torres-Ventura
Alexandra Torres-Ventura is deeply committed to sharing her love of movement with others through the power of Pilates and dance.
A Bronx native, Alex began dancing at the age of 9 and feels fortunate to have discovered her true passion early in life. She is an alumna of the famed Performing Arts HS and was awarded a full scholarship to the Alvin Ailey American Dance Center. Alex has performed with various modern dance companies in NYC for over 30 years and, upon discovering the power of Pilates, began practicing it daily to strengthen her body and refine existing weaknesses. Alex credits this core conscious exercise with extending the life of her dance career and contributing greatly to her postural health.
Alex incorporated her passion for practicing Pilates into her career in 2003, when she received her 600-hour teacher certification at Power Pilates in NY under the tutelage of classical master teacher, Bob Liekens. A lifelong learner herself, Alex continues her studies with an ever-evolving list of distinguished teachers in the field of mind/body fitness. Alex uses her own curiosity as a mind/body student to directly connect with each client and uniquely shape his / her Pilates journey.
*Alex teaches at Centerwork Pilates on Mondays and Wednesdays 1:00-3:00
Patricia Van Essche
The rewards of Pilates are limitless and produce solid results. Patricia enjoys sharing Pilates with everyone everywhere. We all come to Pilates with a variety of reasons or goals. She takes time to assess each clients needs and wishes and is dedicated in supporting them in their own Pilates regimen. Her careful attention to every individual shows in her attitude to make a difference in their day and keep everyone motivated and committed to moving with body awareness and practice a healthy lifestyle with Pilates. Patricia excels in training individuals, be it in a Private lesson or a class.She approaches every person and believes that”when you know you’re strengths, you know who you are deeply”. In addition to teaching Pilates, Patricia is an artist, a mother of three adult children an avid skier,, traveler and loves Pilates with a deep passion.
*Patricia teaches at Centerwork Pilates Monday/Wednesday and Fridays.
The Studio Apparatus
All Apparatus in the studio was purchased from pilates Designs llc. Basil Blecher created this exceptional handmade apparatus. It is an Archival line designed to Preserve the essence and feel of
Joseph Pilates classical vision.