Pilates instructors at Evolutions Pilates have been certified through rigorous Power Pilates training programs.  Power Pilates education, which have been referred to as the "Harvard of Pilates education", is recognized as the best in the country and is offered worldwide. Power Pilates also offers the most extensive continuing education courses.

Our Pilates instructors are trained in the classical pilates method and anatomy as well as more than 600 hours of apprentice training. You can be sure that the instructors at Evolutions Pilates have great depth of knowledge in Pilates training, and we are committed to providing high quality, safe and effective fitness programs to improve overall health and wellness of our clients using the classical technique of Joseph Pilates with innovation and integrity.

Elly moved to the Tidewater area with her family from Stuttgart, Germany in 1995. She has a BS in Computer Science and a Minor in Dance from Old Dominion University. In Old Dominion's dance program, she was first introduced to Pilates by her dance teacher who studied with Romana Kryzanowska and instantly fell in love with the Pilates method. She was inspired by the changes she saw in her own body and decided to pursue a career in teaching Pilates. After being certified by PhysicalMind Institute, she decided to continue her studies in the classical Pilates method with a second Pilates certification through Power Pilates' intense 600 hours program while teaching at a local studio in Norfolk, VA.

Currently Elly owns and operates Evolutions Pilates studio in Chesapeake, VA where she offers not only affordable Pilates training but also Yoga and dance influence workout programs and workshops. She is also one of the handful Pink Ribbon Program certified instructors in the Hampton Roads area dedicated to promoting a healthy lifestyle and positive body image to all breast cancer survivors. Elly was also chosen from hundreds of applicants to participate in the Passing the Torch Exclusive Pilates Mentorship Program with Lolita San Miguel, one of the Pilates Elders. She brings years of knowledge and experience in both rehabilitative and classical method of Pilates along with her strong desire to spread Pilates’ benefits to local communities. She is constantly inspired by the transformation of her clients’ body, mind and spirit through the Pilates method.

Debbie first experienced Yoga back in 2001. She has been an avid practitioner since her first class. As her dedication to the practice grew, she experienced transformations within her body and in her life. Difficult times were less stressful, compassion was expressed more readily, and she developed an overall sense of well being physically, emotionally and spiritually. What she had considered as just a way to workout had become a way of life.

 

With her experience and dedication, the next logical step in her Yoga journey was to become a teacher. She completed her training at 7 Centers Yoga Arts in Sedona, AZ and received her 200 hour RYT through Yoga Alliance. Her teaching style focuses on balancing the body, mind and spirit through slower paced stretching, asana, breathing practices, meditation and relaxation. She feels very honored to be able to share her passion with others.

Meet Penny Drouse, Evolutions' Dance Trance (DT) Instructor. Penny's love for DT started in 2002 when she stepped into Jay Handline's DT class in Jacksonville, FL. Although Penny has always been active and experienced variety of workouts, none of those captivated her enough to keep her motivated until she found DT. She thought it was absolutely the BEST workout ever. The class was full of energy, enthusiasm and spirit. The music was pumping and the whole atmosphere made her want to come back for more.

 

In 2006, Penny's military career relocated her and her husband to Charleston, SC where she couldn't find any workout programs that equaled to DT. Her solution was to get certified so she can share the joy and the benefits she experienced with DT with others. She began teaching at the local gyms and eventually opened her own DT studio, the Dance Den. Penny relocated to Virginia Beach last summer. She is excited to bring DT to the Hampton Roads area.

Romina is a native Italian from Naples, Italy who came to the U.S. in 1995. After living in many different states, her and her family settled down in Virginia where they have been residents for past six years. She majored in Interior Design and has many hobbies including her love for Zumba. Why? Her reason is simple - every class feels like a party!

 

Romina became a Zumba Instructor in 2010 after training for over a year. Her enthusiasm and energy is contagious. She loves to motivate people and has a blast in her classes. She believes in Zumba's ability to empower people with more energy and confidence as well as transforming one's body and emotional health. Ditch the workout and join the party with Romina!