Our Story

Tela Anderson has been drawn to movement her entire life. She began gymnastics training at just four years old and was competing nationally by the age of ten. By thirteen, she transitioned into the world of dance, training at some of the most prestigious arts institutions in the country, including the North Carolina School of the Arts, Virginia School of the Arts, and Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater. Her early career took her around the world as both an elite competitive gymnast and a professional dancer, shaping her deep understanding of discipline, performance, and the body in motion.

After retiring from gymnastics and dance, Tela channeled her passion into the fitness industry. She became certified in personal training and group fitness, working throughout New York City. Following a knee injury, she discovered Pilates as a form of rehabilitation—and it quickly became a turning point in her life. She fell in love with the classical method, not only for its ability to heal the body, but for its depth, precision, and transformative power.

Tela completed her Pilates training in 2005 and has since dedicated over 21 years to teaching and developing instructors. She is widely regarded as a master teacher in the Classical Pilates world, known for her exceptional eye, her ability to truly see and understand the body, and her commitment to preserving the integrity of the method while helping teachers evolve with clarity and confidence.

Throughout her career, Tela has trained and mentored countless instructors, shaping not only their technical skills but also their presence, voice, and ability to teach with intention. Her approach goes far beyond exercises—she teaches teachers how to think, how to observe, and how to create meaningful, lasting change in their clients’ bodies.

The goal of Tela’s teacher training program is to develop highly skilled, confident, and thoughtful instructors who deeply understand the Classical Pilates system. This program is designed to build a strong foundation rooted in precision, control, and flow, while also cultivating each teacher’s individual voice and teaching style. Trainees will learn how to assess bodies, apply corrections effectively, and teach with purpose and clarity.

More than just a certification, this program aims to elevate the standard of teaching by creating instructors who are not only technically proficient, but also intuitive, adaptable, and committed to lifelong learning. Tela’s vision is to continue passing down the method with integrity while empowering the next generation of teachers to grow, lead, and make a lasting impact in the Pilates community.