Answer: Standing in the background is Irena, described by associates as a "close friend" of Joseph, (just how close, or what became of her, I do not know). In the foreground is Joseph's partner Clara (they lived together but were not married). When Joseph died in 1967, Clara requested the help of Romana Kryzanowska. Lying down is a niece of Joseph Pilates. Her name is Mary, and her history is recorded here.

Fletcher was responsible for introducing Pilates to many Hollywood celebrities. His studio was the reason for the immense popularity of Pilates in the 1970s and 80s. The Ron Fletcher Bio is inspiring reading and gives original information about what it was like to train under Joe. Read Ron Fletcher's autobiography here!

Like many Pilates instructors, Mary Bowen is a philosopher (studied Jungian psychiatry). Also has a history as a stand up comedienne(3). She has taken the trouble to edit original Joseph Pilates movie material and produce and market a DVD. Some samples are available for viewing:- Original Pilates Video Clips

Kathy Grant was on of two elders awarded a Pilates degree by Joe under the auspices of the State University of New York (which explains why Joseph on the cover of his book "Your Health" could call himself a professor). You can read her biography online at the "Tisch" New York School of Arts website:- http://dance.tisch.nyu.edu/object/GrantK.html.

Pilates Elder: Lolita San-Miguel, ballerina, educator, choreographer and director, former student of Joseph & Clara, based in Puerto Rico recently founded Pilates Y Mas Inc. Like co "elder" Kathy Grant, she was awarded a Pilates degree by Joe under the auspices of the State University of New York.

Romana is not associated with PMA (as at time of writing), though she has certainly taught many of the PMA senior members: "Another advantage we offer is independence. Our independence means fewer conflicts with all parties involved, now and in the future. Our unique structure eliminates conflicts between studio operations, trainee acceptance,

Originally, Eve came for help with knee and back problems. Later, she became a star Pilates pupil and master teacher in her own right. During her more than fifty year career, Eve Gentry was an elite level dancer, teacher (both Pilates and dance), coach, and choreographer for countless stage, film and television projects. She is remembered for her work in bringing Labanotation (choreographers know the importance of this) to the USA. She worked alongside Joseph Pilates from 1942 until 1967. As such, she may well qualify (except for Joseph's wife Clara) as Joseph's longest serving student and colleague. After Joseph's death, Eve relocated to Sante Fe and established a Dancer's Studio and a Pilates Studio.

Mary Pilates (85 years old) with Fran Perel, Fran owns and runs ( Parkland Pilates, Coral Springs South Florida.

Mary Pilates is the only living relative of Joseph H. Pilates that actually taught at the original studio in New York. Mary is the niece of Joseph Pilates and daughter of Fred Pilates, Joe's brother. Fred (a carpenter by trade) started a Pilates studio in St. Louis Missouri (very approximately) in 1935. Fred manufactured most of the original Pilates equipment for his brother. In 1940, at the age of 18, Mary's parents put her on the bus to New York, and her apprenticeship with Joe Pilates began. Mary is the attractive young lady in the center of this famous 1942 New York Pilates studio picture:-

Mary Pilates in Florida, approximately early 1960's posing in front of an informal mat class. The kneeling position is one that this author shares with his class when instructing on the nuances of the strong core and Pilates breathing. Source: Parkland Pilates, South Florida

Mary Pilates doing the full "Rollover": A demanding advanced level exercise, age (approx) 82. Source: Parkland Pilates, FL

Above: Mary Pilates approximately aged 84 in the V-Sit for the teaser. In my opinion, she is displaying the best form of all the ladies here present. Note the long straight legs and the acute angle of the hips. Also, the feet are relaxed and in parallel with a minimal level of sickling (inversion). This demonstrates that the tibias are medially rotated, which is the optimum positioning for stable ankle and foot function. The arms may be having a hard time "glueing themselves to the ears", but at 82 plus, you would expect a little stiffness in the shoulders! Source: MJ Pilates.

Jay Grimes began his studies with Joseph Pilates in the mid-sixties. After Joe’s death he continued with Joe’s wife, Clara, for another 10 years until her death. Jay began teaching in the original 8th Ave studio in New York, then moved with the studio to 56th Street where he taught alongside (as well as studied with) Romana Kryzanowska and John Winters. Over the years, Jay’s clients have ranged from stars of Broadway and Hollywood, music and opera, to politicians, businessmen and housewives. He currently provides ongoing training to instructors, conducting workshops and master classes around the world. He has made TV appearances, including the Discovery Channel’s Fit TV with Marilu Henner, with whom he also made videos for her Body Victory program (Search for Jay Grimes on this page). Visit Jay's website: http://jaygrimes.com/. It is new (as of July 2008), and it looks promising.

Bob Seed was another story. A former hockey player turned "Pilates" enthusiast, Seed opened a studio across town from Joe and tried to take away some of Joe's clients by opening very early in the morning. According to John Steel, one day Joe visited Seed with a gun and warned Seed to get out of town. Seed went(11).

Alan Is important in that he brought Pilates to the UK and indirectly to Australia: "Alan Herdman studied at the London School of Contemporary Dance and was working as a teacher and dancer when, in the late 1960s, he was invited to New York to learn about the Joseph Pilates Method.

"This long-time professional dancer and teacher... began developing her innovative workout nearly 20 years ago and opened her first Pilates studio in 1990 in Los Angeles". Says Winsor : "I’m the princess, not the queen. No, no, no. My mentor Romana Kryzanowska is the Queen of Pilates. And there are four, five, six other teachers around the country we refer

As the youngest of six athletic children, including four brothers, and the daughter of an Olympic-level athlete, she was constantly encouraged to develop her physical skills. Siler has spent over 600 hours under the tutelage of Romana Kryzanowska. Brooke Siler is a personal trainer, a certified Pilates instructor, the co-owner of the successful re:AB Studio in New York City, and the personal trainer of a number of celebrities.

The work of Eve Gentry is continued through Michelle Larson. A celebrated dancer and choreographer in her own right, Michelle runs the long standing (since 1996) and prestigious Core Dynamics Pilates in Santa Fe New Mexico, and is an extremely sought after guest instructor.