The Belhaven University Dance Department offers an opportunity for dance majors or minors to pursue a Pilates certification in Mat and/or Reformer, a necessary step in pursuing a career as a Pilates Instructor.

Based on the work of Joseph Pilates, Pilates focuses on engaging the mind and body to create exercises that improve physical and mental function. Among many other benefits, Pilates strengthens the core, improves balance, develops flexibility, increases coordination, and decreases stress. The Belhaven University and Balanced Body curriculum combines traditional and contemporary Pilates to bring you a thorough understanding of the Pilates method. Our signature approach teaches the repertoire, movement principles, class design, and client specific applications of each exercise.

Classes offered through the Belhaven University Dance Department provide a comprehensive experience that prepares students to become successful Pilates Instructors. Erin Scheiwe Rockwell, Professor of Dance at Belhaven University and Master Instructor with Balanced Body, teaches Balanced Body Curriculum in Movement Principles, Mat, and Reformer. Certifications acquired are through Balanced Body, a leader in Mind-Body Education with a global network of master instructors and authorized training centers in over 50 countries.

The Belhaven University Dance Department uniquely offers a Specialization in Pilates, which can be obtained as an aspect of a Dance degree at Belhaven University as well as a path towards certification in Pilates Mat and/or Reformer. The courses required for the Pilates curriculum provide credit towards a degree in Dance. The only additional costs are the purchase of required materials, payment for final test out, and optional purchase of a certificate printed by Balanced Body.

Pilates Certifications

The Pilates Mat Certification requires the following:

  • Complete DAN 151 Pilates Mat, DAN 251 Pilates Mat Instructor Training, DAN 185 Principles for Dance Health, and DAN 400 Dance Kinesiology
  • Purchase the following required materials:
    • ½ inch exercise mat
    • 1-5 microfiber towels
    • Toe socks (highly recommended)
    • 3 Balanced Body Pilates Mat manuals
    • theraband
  • Complete a minimum of 15 observation hours of Pilates Mat (8 hours obtained in DAN 151; other hours can be logged through individual or group instruction at Belhaven University or in Pilates studios)
  • Complete a minimum of 20 hours of Pilates Mat personal sessions (12 hours obtained in DAN 151; other hours can be logged through individual or group instruction at Belhaven University or in Pilates studios)
  • Complete a minimum of 35 teaching hours of Pilates Mat (some hours will be incorporated into the BU course curriculum, while other hours can be logged through individual or group instruction in Pilates studios or arranged by the individual with friends, family, or community members)
  • Pass written and practical exams (written exams will be a part of the BU curriculum, but a final teaching exam will need to be arranged by the individual with a certified Balanced Body Master Instructor (BB MI). This exam can be completed locally with Professor Erin Schiewe Rockwell or arranged through another BB MI; fees for time and space will likely apply)
  • Purchase Official Instructor Certificate (optional)

The Pilates Reformer Certification requires the following:

  • Complete DAN 351 Pilates Reformer, DAN 451 Pilates Reformer Instructor Training, DAN 185 Principles for Dance Health, and DAN 400 Dance Kinesiology
  • Purchase the following required materials:
    • Toe socks (highly recommended)
    • 3 Balanced Body Pilates Reformer manuals
  • Complete a minimum of 30 observation hours of Pilates Reformer (15 hours obtained in DAN 351; other hours can be logged through individual or group instruction at Belhaven University or in Pilates studios)
  • Complete a minimum of 30 hours of Pilates Reformer personal sessions (10 hours obtained in DAN 351; other hours can be logged through individual or group instruction at Belhaven University or in Pilates studios)
  • Complete a minimum of 90 teaching hours of Pilates Reformer (some hours will be incorporated into the BU course curriculum, while other hours can be logged through individual or group instruction in Pilates studios or arranged by the individual with friends, family, or community members)
  • Pass written and practical exams (written exams will be a part of the BU curriculum, but a final teaching exam will need to be arranged by the individual with a certified Balanced Body Master Instructor (BB MI). This exam can be completed locally with Professor Erin Schiewe Rockwell or arranged through another BB MI; fees for time and space will likely apply)  
  • Purchase Official Instructor Certificate (optional)

Pilates Certifications

The Pilates Mat Certification requires the following:

  • Complete DAN 151 Pilates Mat, DAN 251 Pilates Mat Instructor Training, DAN 185 Principles for Dance Health, and DAN 400 Dance Kinesiology
  • Purchase the following required materials:
    • ½ inch exercise mat
    • 1-5 microfiber towels
    • Toe socks (highly recommended)
    • 3 Balanced Body Pilates Mat manuals
    • theraband
  • Complete a minimum of 15 observation hours of Pilates Mat (8 hours obtained in DAN 151; other hours can be logged through individual or group instruction at Belhaven University or in Pilates studios)
  • Complete a minimum of 20 hours of Pilates Mat personal sessions (12 hours obtained in DAN 151; other hours can be logged through individual or group instruction at Belhaven University or in Pilates studios)
  • Complete a minimum of 35 teaching hours of Pilates Mat (some hours will be incorporated into the BU course curriculum, while other hours can be logged through individual or group instruction in Pilates studios or arranged by the individual with friends, family, or community members)
  • Pass written and practical exams (written exams will be a part of the BU curriculum, but a final teaching exam will need to be arranged by the individual with a certified Balanced Body Master Instructor (BB MI). This exam can be completed locally with Professor Erin Schiewe Rockwell or arranged through another BB MI; fees for time and space will likely apply)
  • Purchase Official Instructor Certificate (optional)

The Pilates Reformer Certification requires the following:

  • Complete DAN 351 Pilates Reformer, DAN 451 Pilates Reformer Instructor Training, DAN 185 Principles for Dance Health, and DAN 400 Dance Kinesiology
  • Purchase the following required materials:
    • Toe socks (highly recommended)
    • 3 Balanced Body Pilates Reformer manuals
  • Complete a minimum of 30 observation hours of Pilates Reformer (15 hours obtained in DAN 351; other hours can be logged through individual or group instruction at Belhaven University or in Pilates studios)
  • Complete a minimum of 30 hours of Pilates Reformer personal sessions (10 hours obtained in DAN 351; other hours can be logged through individual or group instruction at Belhaven University or in Pilates studios)
  • Complete a minimum of 90 teaching hours of Pilates Reformer (some hours will be incorporated into the BU course curriculum, while other hours can be logged through individual or group instruction in Pilates studios or arranged by the individual with friends, family, or community members)
  • Pass written and practical exams (written exams will be a part of the BU curriculum, but a final teaching exam will need to be arranged by the individual with a certified Balanced Body Master Instructor (BB MI). This exam can be completed locally with Professor Erin Schiewe Rockwell or arranged through another BB MI; fees for time and space will likely apply)  
  • Purchase Official Instructor Certificate (optional)

Please visit Balanced Body certification program in Pilates for more details.

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Psalm 100:5

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