Join theLeaders in Pilates instructor Training
With the most advanced Pilates Instructor Training and world-class educators, join over 15,000 graduates who choose Polestar Pilates.
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MOVING THE WORLD FOR 30 YEARS
Polestar Pilates is a global community of movers that focus on whole body health, positive movement experiences, and the mind-body-spirit connection.
Our mission is to shape and transform South African health by making Pilates available to everyone. Joseph Pilates’s original work was much more than just exercise. Polestar expands on this by adding critical thinking, assessment, accessibility, and teacher training into its programs.
Founded in the United States in 1992, Polestar today is found in over 60 countries and we are thrilled to be one of the 40 sites that also offer instructor training. At the forefront of Pilates education, we are proud to spread the benefits of Pilates by producing the finest Pilates professionals in the world.
about polestar education Sa
We are a global community of scholars changing the world of movement by producing the best Pilates instructors and setting the gold standard in Pilates instruction.
OUR COURSE OFFERING
COMPREHENSIVE PILATES BRIDGING COURSE
transition • bridging
Polestar’s Transition Series takes your previous Pilates instructor training to a deeper level. We honour your current training while giving you the tools to improve critical thinking, assessment, programme design, and much more.
Advance your teaching with:
- Skills that keep your clients coming back
- Improvement of teaching outcomes
- Biomechanics of movement and anatomy
- Assessment skills, critical reasoning, and sequence design
- Improved usage of your voice as a tool with neurolinguistic skills
- Advanced Cueing techniques (verbal and non-verbal) to ensure the smooth flow and optimal execution of your classes
- Tools to motivate, retain and educate your clients in group and private settings
PRE-REQUISITES
- The course is designed for medical and movement practitioners
- Graduate of a comprehensive (400 – 450 hour) Pilates programme covering a combination of Reformer, Trapeze Table, Chair, Ladder Barrel and Mat Work
- Highly recommended: Polestar Anatomy Course or completion of one semester of basic anatomy/physiology or equivalent
- To qualify for the Rehabilitation diploma, you must be a licensed or certified health care professional (Medical Doctor, Physiotherapist, Biokineticist). All other applicants qualify for the Studio diploma.
| Duration: | 6 days |
|---|---|
| Format: | In Person |
| Educators: | Shelly Power (BS NCPT) and Heidi Wright (NCPT) |
| Where: | Polestar Pilates South Africa Studio 29 7th Avenue Parktown North, Johannesburg. |
TUITION
R 35 500.00 INVESTMENT INCLUDES:
- In-person intensive training, six 8-hour days – 8 am to 6 pm daily
- Physical Manuals included
- Coursework: Online lectures, video resources, online quizzes and assignments
- Final examination
meet the team
Heidi Wright
F.I.S.T.D. F.C.U.S.A. Final Diploma N.C.P.T.
principle Polestar Instructor and
Head of the Polestar Academy
Heidi Wright is a Master Teacher in the genres of Pilates and Ballet. She has been an international and residential guest instructor, lecturer, practitioner and published writer in both genres since 1992 and is certified in Pilates Mat, Allegro, Studio and Post Rehabilitation with Polestar Pilates (Miami) and with Pilates elder Lolita San Miguel. She is also a member of PMA and a NCPT practitioner. As a Breast Cancer Survivor, Heidi holds a special interest in post-operative Breast Cancer therapy and holds a certificate in Post Rehabilitation/Recovery for Breast Cancer patients with the Pink Ribbon Program. Heidi also works with dancers suffering from injuries of overuse, surgery or simply those that are in special needs for their professions. Heidi Wright has certifications in ballet including Fellowship and Final Diploma with Cecchetti I.S.T.D., Cecchetti U.S.A. and The Cecchetti Society of Southern Africa. Heidi also holds a Teachers and Examiners qualification from the United Kingdom Teachers of Dance and has adjudicated dance competitions in both the United States and South Africa.
shelly power
BS, NCPT, Vice President,
International Education
Shelly Power has taught for Polestar Pilates since its inception in 1992. Shelly teaches nationally and internationally for Polestar, administers exams, conducts Pilates workshops and Polestar Mentor and Educator trainings worldwide. She is a frequent presenter at international fitness and Pilates conferences. Shelly brings a unique and fresh approach to the work of Joseph Pilates.
Shelly danced professionally for 12 years and received her BS degree in Dance from California State University, Sacramento, where she served on the faculty from 1992-1998. She is certified in GYROTONIC®, having trained with Angela Crowley and has completed the first year of Franklin-Method® training with Eric Franklin. Shelly is a Nationally Certified Pilates Teacher (NCPT) and has served on the Pilates Method Alliance Board of Directors and on several PMA and NPCP committees.
Nesta Graupner Academy Instructor
Nesta has dedicated her life to pursuing her passion and making a difference. Her mission is to assist individuals in achieving their personal goals and aiding in the rehabilitation of those with injuries.
With an extensive background in Ballet training, Nesta has garnered global recognition as an Adagio and Principal dancer.
Bringing with her 18 years of experience in teaching Pilates, Nesta holds multiple comprehensive Pilates certifications.
She is delighted to be a part of Polestar SA, contributing her expertise and enthusiasm to the team.
Ianthe Basson Business Owner, Pilates & Movement Wellness Practitioner, International Presenter, and “lover of all things bringing joyful movement to life!”
Ianthe Basson is a dynamic force in the field of Pilates and movement wellness. A business owner and highly skilled practitioner, international presenter, and an advocate for joyful movement, Ianthe’s journey in the professional movement industry began in 1999.
After facing a spinal injury during her time as a professional dancer with Richard Loring’s ‘African Footprint’ in the early 2000s, she turned to Pilates as her primary method of rehabilitation. Since then, her love and dedication to the Pilates method have only grown stronger.
The rest, as they say, is history! With over two decades of experience, Ianthe has obtained numerous certifications and prestigious accomplishments both locally and internationally. Her specialisation lies in Rehabilitative Pilates for Injuries and Chronic Pain Management. Drawing from her family background in specialist physician medicine, radiology, and cardiology, Ianthe brings a unique perspective to her practice.
Having treated patients in hospitals and step-down rehabilitation clinics, Ianthe now channels her expertise into her full-time Pilates teaching capacity. She is committed to helping clients achieve whole-body health and positive recovery experiences.
Ianthe’s infectious passion and vibrant energy make her a remarkable presence in the field. Her primary purpose and mission are to share her love for movement and create global change through movement wellness, one person at a time. Ianthe looks forward to doing just that through Polestar Pilates South Africa.
Join the Leaders
in Pilates Teacher Training
With the most advanced Pilates Instructor Training and world-class educators, join over 15,000 graduates who choose Polestar Pilates.
Get In Touch