Pilates

The Pilates method is named after its inventor, Joseph H. Pilates (1883-1967). Joe was born a sickly child with asthma, rickets and rheumatic fever. From a very young age he realized the importance of health and fitness that ultimately sent him on a life-long journey, developing what he called Contrology, and we now know of as the Pilates Method. Joe was a boxer, gymnast, and skilled diver. He practiced martial arts and studied both eastern and western philosophies, including yoga. The Pilates method includes more than 500 controlled, precise movements, designed to stretch and strengthen muscles without adding bulk.

Joseph H. Pilates was nearly a century ahead of his time in understanding that the key to life was a healthy, flexible spine. Pilates focuses on the core postural muscles that help keep the body strong and balanced, while working to align the spine and improve posture. Pilates teaches a strong awareness of breath and a profound mind/body connection.

“Uncle Joe” was very much an inventor. Not only did he develop the exercises that make up the Pilates method, but he also invented the unique apparatuses to perform them on. His equipment utilizes springs for resistance. Joe began by rigging springs to hospital beds, enabling the bedridden to exercise. These machines include the Universal Reformer, Wunda Chair, High (Electric) Chair, Trap Table or Cadillac, Ladder Barrel, Spine Corrector, Ped-O-Pul, Foot Corrector, and Magic Circle. Joe created many more gadgets as well, with each designed to help strengthen the mind and body all the way to your toes!

"I invented all these machines. Began back in Germany, was there until 1925 used to exercise rheumatic patients. I thought, why use my strength? So I made a machine to do it for me. Look, you see it resists your movements in just the right way so those inner muscles really have to work against it. That way you can concentrate on movement. You must always do it slowly and smoothly. Then your whole body is in it." – Joseph H. Pilates

To learn more about Joseph H. Pilates and his rich history, please visit the following links: www.pilatesmethodalliance.com | www.pilates-pro.com

Instructors

Joann Cuccurullo

Joann began her Pilates journey in 2007 with Power Pilates, completing all levels of Mat certification before going on to earn her 600-hour Comprehensive Certification in 2011. Since then, she has completed over 200 hours of continuing education, with a special focus on training athletes and addressing sports-related injuries. With a Bachelor of Science in Health & Education, her path into Pilates was a natural fit.

Before founding Classic Pilates, Joann served as the Pilates Director at Cityplace Fitness Club in Uptown, where she managed the full Pilates program and also worked as the Group Exercise Fitness Coordinator. She has been a featured Pilates instructor for the Dallas Regional Chamber of Commerce and has provided expert consulting on Pilates techniques for film productions.

Joann’s mission is to help clients reach peak physical condition by empowering them to move better, feel stronger, and perform at their best—in every aspect of life. She has had the privilege of working with NBA and NFL athletes, as well as collegiate players, who turn to Pilates to enhance performance and stay strong during injury recovery. Pilates challenges them in new ways, both physically and mentally.

Whether you’re stepping onto a court, field, or into a boardroom, Joann’s goal is always the same: for you to feel better and stronger walking out than you did walking in.

Alicia Haynes

Alicia brings a competitive edge and athletic drive to every training session, committed to helping her clients feel and perform their best—from the inside out. Her passion for fitness was forged early, growing up in a Bordertown where she excelled in softball, volleyball, and Taekwondo. A natural athlete, Alicia developed a strong foundation in movement, discipline, and endurance.

While in college, she discovered Pilates through a stack of Mari Winsor DVDs—and it quickly became her game-changer. The results spoke for themselves: improved strength, flexibility, and stamina. She was all in. With over 15 years of dedicated practice, Alicia has developed a deep mastery of Pilates. In 2013, she earned her Power Pilates Mat I and II certifications, and in 2016, completed the demanding Power Pilates Comprehensive Program, equipping her to train athletes and individuals across all fitness levels—from preschoolers to seniors.

Alicia holds a Bachelor's degree in Broadcast Management and Public Relations from the University of Texas at Arlington. After nearly a decade in marketing and sales, she pivoted to her true passion: fitness and performance training. Alicia also integrates cross-training and yoga into her own routine to maintain peak performance and versatility.

Carrie Keep

Carrie has always had a passion for movement, from hitting the pavement on a run to crushing high-intensity workouts. Her dedication to fitness truly took off while working at the award-winning Telos Fitness Center, a hub for elite performance and wellness. While she wasn’t training clients just yet, Carrie was leading the charge as Executive Chef, Catering Director, and Manager of the Chalk Bar and Grill—fueling athletes and fitness enthusiasts alike.

Before stepping into the fitness world, Carrie honed her skills in the kitchen, earning her Associate's Degree in Culinary Arts from Le Cordon Bleu and working alongside top-tier chefs in Dallas. She even competed on national television, appearing on Fox’s Hell’s Kitchen, where she handled the heat under world-renowned chef Gordon Ramsay.

After stepping back from the culinary grind, Carrie reconnected with her love of fitness. That’s when she discovered Pilates—a discipline that quickly became her new arena for strength and transformation. Experiencing the physical and mental gains firsthand, she dove in headfirst, earning her Power Pilates Mat I and II certifications. Now, Carrie is on track to complete the Power Pilates Comprehensive Program, ready to coach others with the same intensity and passion she brings to every workout.

Benjamin Ferrán

Benjamin’s passion for peak physical performance began in 1989 while training with the Houston Ballet, where he first encountered the Pilates Method as a tool for strength, control, and injury prevention. After relocating to Dallas in 1993, he expanded his movement expertise, earning certifications in both Pilates and the GYROTONIC® Method, equipping him to work with athletes across a variety of disciplines to improve performance, resilience, and recovery. His athletic interests—spanning martial arts, competitive swimming, and endurance racing—have continually driven his pursuit of functional movement and advanced rehabilitation techniques.

Certifications and credentials:

Comprehensively certified through The GoodBody's PilateSystem and Peak Pilates, with observation hours with Romana Kryzanowska, a protégé of Joseph Pilates and was supervised during internship by Colleen Glenn. Additional Pilates training under Ron Fletcher and Michelle Larson. Certification for the GYROTONIC EXPANSION SYSTEM® received in 2000 with internship under Juergen Bamberger. The GoodBody's PilateSystem Certification, 100 hours of instruction and 600 hours of observation, mentored teaching and exams for a total of 600 hours, comprehensive certification for all apparatuses. Under the direction of Colleen Glenn, co-founder of the Pilates Method Alliance and program creator.

Haley Hauglum

After relocating to New York City, Haley earned her full certification in 2005 through STOTT Pilates, later adding a second credential from Pilates Academy International in both Pilates and CARDIOLATES at the renowned Pilates on Fifth—where she continues to serve as a Certifying Instructor-Trainer for both programs. Her training arsenal also includes CoreAlign, RedCord Active (formerly ActivCore FEX), Pre/Postnatal Pilates, and Barre, allowing her to work across a broad spectrum of athletic needs and performance levels.

Following 14 years in the Northeast, including time in Boston, Haley is excited to be back in Dallas. Known for her dynamic and results-driven workouts, she pushes clients to perform at their peak while emphasizing the powerful mind-body connection that makes Pilates a game-changer for athletes and active individuals alike.

Lesley Snelson

Lesley Snelson is a highly experienced Pilates and REDcord Trainer, bringing 30 years of expertise in helping fitness enthusiasts of all ages enhance their performance. With a diverse background in movement training, Lesley’s focus is on developing strength, flexibility, and mobility through a variety of dynamic methods tailored to individual goals.

Lesley earned her first comprehensive Pilates certification while pursuing graduate studies in Dance Performance and Choreography at TWU, earning the "The Method: Shapes in Space" certification (Mat & Equipment) under Colleen Glenn, now part of PEAK Pilates. As a dedicated professional in the fitness and movement world, Lesley continuously refines her knowledge and skill set, completing Bridge Certification with Power Pilates in 2005 (Mat and Level I/II).

In addition to her Pilates expertise, Lesley is certified in REDcord© Suspension Training through Get Reformed Pilates, where she also served as an Educational Instructor for the staff from 2011-14. She is also a Pilates Method Alliance (PMA©) Trainer. Over the years, Lesley has worked with athletes, dancers, and fitness enthusiasts at top universities and colleges across North Texas. As the Director of Muscle Memory Dance Theatre, she has led numerous performances and training sessions across the United States and internationally, enriching her approach to athletic performance through a global perspective.

Alisa Culp

Alisa has always been passionate about fitness, pushing herself to new limits and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. After years of strength training and exploring various workout programs, she found her game-changer in Pilates at our Classic Pilates Studio—and the results have been undeniable. Originally from Russia and now based in Dallas, Alisa brings years of experience not only in the apparel and fashion industries but also as the leader of a women-led business. Now Classically trained and Power Pilates certified, Alisa is ready to take your fitness game to the next level. She’s dedicated to building your strength, boosting your stamina, improving flexibility, and enhancing your stability, all while guiding you through exercises that are customized to fit YOUR body’s needs. Get ready to elevate your workout routine with Alisa!

Samantha Scheller

Sam, originally from Southern California, attended the University of California, Irvine, where she earned two BFA degrees in Dance—Performance and Choreography. Her dance training gave her a deep understanding of movement, which led her to expand her expertise into Pilates, completing comprehensive training under master teacher Diane Diefenderfer.

After moving to Dallas in the spring of 2020, Sam transitioned into full-time Pilates instruction, bringing her athletic mindset to every class. With a focus on building strength, flexibility, and injury prevention, she helps clients improve their athletic performance and overall fitness. Sam’s approach to Pilates enhances both everyday movement and sports-specific skills, empowering clients to move better, stronger, and more efficiently. Her passion for movement and dedication to helping others achieve their goals has made her a trusted instructor in the Dallas fitness scene.

Joyce Schaer

Joyce is a certified Teacher-Trainer and instructor with Power Pilates, a program known for its progressive, high-performance workouts that stay true to the method pioneered by Joseph H. Pilates. She began her Pilates journey in 2016 and quickly immersed herself in the discipline, earning certifications across multiple levels.

A lifelong athlete, Joyce's foundation in fitness began as a competitive swimmer and diver, and later as a marathon runner. Her athletic background drives her commitment to pushing her own limits and expanding her knowledge of the Classical Pilates method. She regularly attends workshops across the country and collaborates with top Pilates instructors to refine her skills, all with the aim of delivering optimal results to both clients and future instructors.

After dedicating over 20 years to the corporate and finance sectors, Joyce transitioned to full-time teaching. She now leads Teacher-Trainer programs both nationally and internationally, mentoring aspiring Pilates instructors and helping them achieve success through rigorous certification levels. Alongside training new teachers, Joyce continues to work with individual clients, guiding them toward their fitness goals and ensuring they leave the studio feeling stronger, more confident, and ready to tackle the physical demands of daily life.

Sarah Sligh

Sarah Sligh, BFA, NCPT, is a Nationally Certified Pilates Teacher with over twenty years of experience as an instructor, educator, teacher trainer, and wellness retreat presenter. Sarah was first introduced to Pilates while studying Dance at the University of Arizona and continued her practice upon moving back to Los Angeles where she went on to obtain certifications through Pilates Technique, Power Pilates, and the Equinox Pilates Training Institute where she also served as the Midwest Regional Lead Teacher Trainer.

In addition, Sarah has over a decade of clinical experience working directly under Physical Therapists with patients including but not limited to: those recovering from joint replacement surgery, sports injuries, traumatic brain injury, cancer treatment, spine injuries, and neurological disorders. Sarah currently teaches private and group class sessions. She brings her passion for movement and joy of helping others to every session.