Dark Horse Pilates

Dark Horse Pilates Janice Dulak was hand picked in 2000 by Romana Kryzanowska to be one of her Teacher of Teachers.

Dark Horse Pilates is dedicated to continuing the work of Joseph Pilates as Janice learned from Romana.

The Pilates Legacy Conference was built around a simple belief: excellence grows when knowledge is shared.We value tradi...
09/01/2026

The Pilates Legacy Conference was built around a simple belief: excellence grows when knowledge is shared.

We value tradition without gatekeeping.
Lineage without limitation.
High standards without exclusivity.

This conference brings comprehensively trained Pilates instructors together to learn, exchange ideas, and grow through a shared commitment to the work.

Because preserving a legacy does not mean keeping people out. It means creating space for the work to keep moving forward.

We can’t wait to welcome you to Charlotte, North Carolina, February 11–13, 2027 for three days of learning, connection, and Pilates. Lori Coleman-Brown. Janice Dulak. Michael Rooks.

Registration opens in September.

From executive chef to one of Romana Kryzanowska’s ten Level II Teacher Trainers worldwide—Michael Rooks’ path to Pilate...
08/25/2026

From executive chef to one of Romana Kryzanowska’s ten Level II Teacher Trainers worldwide—Michael Rooks’ path to Pilates is anything but ordinary.

Michael was the last apprentice to complete an independent course of study exclusively under Romana, later traveling and teaching alongside her throughout the U.S. and internationally.

His work has gone far beyond the studio. As a teacher trainer, studio founder, and co-founder of Pilates Heritage Equipment, Michael has dedicated decades to preserving the method—and even holds U.S. patents related to Pilates equipment design.

This February, he brings that depth of knowledge, craftsmanship, and firsthand lineage to The Pilates Legacy Conference.

Meet Michael Rooks.
Charlotte, NC | February 11–13, 2027

08/19/2026

Joseph Pilates is quoted in 1946 describing how his equipment supports his “whole body” concept.

A friendly Pilates reminder to ALWAYS keep your whole body in it.

The “whole body” concept of the original Pilates Method does not mean that you get a full-body workout by the end of the session.

It means that in every exercise, your whole body must be equally involved.

Not passively. But consciously.

This includes your mind.

Pilates works the whole body uniformly… the way it was designed to move through life.

The “IN” is just as important as the “OUT.”

Control is the ultimate goal.

Keep this in mind during your next Pilates class.

Go get em, Pilates lovers!

➡️ Follow me if you love Pilates and wanna go deep deeper! Here, we take Pilates seriously, not ourselves. ❤️❤️❤️

“Romana, this is Janice. Are you sure you are calling the right person?”In 1999, Romana Kryzanowska called Janice Dulak ...
08/18/2026

“Romana, this is Janice. Are you sure you are calling the right person?”

In 1999, Romana Kryzanowska called Janice Dulak and asked her to become one of her Teachers of Teachers. That conversation changed the course of Janice’s life and began a responsibility she has carried ever since: to understand, preserve, and pass on the work she was entrusted to teach.

Years later, Janice came to a realization: no one teacher holds the entire story. Each person Romana chose carries a different volume of what Janice calls “The Encyclopedia of Romana.”

That idea became The Pilates Legacy Conference.

For the first time in 19 years, Janice Dulak, Lori Coleman-Brown, and Michael Rooks will teach together, bringing three perspectives, one shared lineage, and decades of experience into the same room.

Three days. Three original Teachers of Teachers. One extraordinary opportunity to learn.

Meet conference founder Janice Dulak.

08/15/2026

And you think the long stretch is hard????

Lori Coleman-Brown needs little introduction.An international Pilates educator, teacher trainer, and Director of Educati...
08/10/2026

Lori Coleman-Brown needs little introduction.

An international Pilates educator, teacher trainer, and Director of Education at Atlas Pilates, Lori began studying with Romana Kryzanowska in 1983 and has been teaching since 1986. Her decades in the work have shaped an approach grounded in the Pilates Method while remaining responsive to the people and bodies in front of her.

As we prepare for The Pilates Legacy Conference, we asked Lori what she hopes attendees will experience.

What do you hope attendees will gain?
“A deeper appreciation for Pilates as a living system and a renewed excitement for where it can take them.”

What makes this gathering special?
Three presenters share a common lineage through Romana Kryzanowska, but each has grown, adapted, and developed their own understanding of the work. Lori hopes attendees will explore both the common threads and the unique perspectives that can emerge from a shared foundation.

And what does she hope people feel when they leave?
Connected. Inspired. More confident in their ability to continue learning, teaching, and developing through Pilates.

As Lori says, “Pilates is serious work, but it should also be engaging, useful, and alive.”
Three teachers. One shared lineage. Decades of experience and perspective.

Registration for The Pilates Legacy Conference opens this September. Be ready to join us.

3 days. 3 distinguished teachers. 1 shared commitment to the work.Save the date for The Pilates Legacy Conference, Febru...
08/03/2026

3 days. 3 distinguished teachers. 1 shared commitment to the work.

Save the date for The Pilates Legacy Conference, February 11–13, 2027, in Charlotte, North Carolina.

Join Janice Dulak, Lori Coleman-Brown, and Michael Rooks for exceptional teaching, engaging conversation, and meaningful connection among comprehensively trained Pilates instructors.

Rooted in the work passed down through Romana Kryzanowska, the conference will honor the history of the Pilates method while exploring its continued relevance for today’s teachers.

sign up for more information at:
www.darkhorsepilates.com/legacy-conference

07/25/2026

After my group class today Michele Cimini commented how safe she felt in class because my teaching always has the same message.

Bridget Mason summed it up:

“Consistency removes uncertainty which removes fear. That lets you work deeper.”

I am always humbled.

07/15/2026

Working on pull straps. Note the control over the scapula and shoulders. Well done Michele!

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Citra, FL

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