ABOUT
Melissa Giudice
Owner, Master Teacher, and self-proclaimed Pilates geek
We believe in providing a thoughtfully crafted classical education to all of our clients at any stage ability or age. The way that Joseph Pilates intended. Resulting in a strong flexible healthy body and mind.
Melissa Giudice is a Senior Instructor and has been teaching Pilates since 2003. She comes from a dance background and holds a BFA in Dance from the University of Akron.
She taught dance in the NYC public schools for 6 years before becoming certified in The Classical Pilates Method. Teaching has been one of her passions. The first teacher to inspire her was Gina Papalia, who was also a dancer and friend.
She received her certification at Power Pilates under the instruction of Bob Leikens, Susan Moran, Cary Regan, Phoebe Higgins, Dr. Howard Sichel and many other amazing teachers. She is grateful for the time she spent teaching side by side with Bob Leikens. Bob helped mold her into the teacher she has become. For this she is eternally grateful. She is proud to carry on the legacy of how the Pilates Method was intended to be practiced.
Melissa teaches clients of all ages and abilities. She has a deep understanding of the Classical Pilates Method. Her extensive knowledge and experience as a dancer is an asset to her teaching. She has an eye for alignment and form. She loves to focus on the details. Tailoring her classes and Private sessions to personalize each client's experience is the most fun for her.
She works with a wide range of students including dancers, athletes, Hollywood stars, seniors, pre/post-pregnancy and those rehabilitating an injury or dealing with chronic pain to help them achieve whole body wellness.
Melissa is a Certified Holistic Health Coach through the Institute for Integrative Nutrition. She also holds a certificate in Kids Mindfulness and Yoga Teacher Training through Yoga Haven and a Restorative Yoga certificate through Jillian Pransky.
Currently holding classes on an adjusted schedule
Meet the Instructors
Alexandra Torres-Ventura
A Bronx native, Alex began dancing at nine years old and trained at the famed Performing Arts High School before earning a full scholarship to the Alvin Ailey American Dance Center. She performed with modern dance companies across NYC for over 30 years before discovering Pilates, crediting it with extending her dance career and strengthening her postural health. Alex has been teaching since 2003, after completing her 600-hour certification at Power Pilates under classical master teacher Bob Leikens.
Payment Preference:
Zelle: pilates_alt@yahoo.com.
Patricia van Essche
Patricia takes the time to understand each client's goals, and is dedicated to supporting them in their own Pilates practice. Her attention to the individual shows in every session, whether private or semi-private. Beyond teaching, Patricia is an artist, a mother of three, an avid skier, and a traveler.
Payment Preference:
Venmo: venmo.com/u/Patricia-vanEssche.
Hannah Davis
In 2024, Hannah completed an additional 500+ hour mat and comprehensive classical certification under Juliet Harvey. Her background in dance and extensive Pilates education bring a thoughtful understanding of alignment, strength, and body awareness to her teaching. Hannah is passionate about helping clients build a lasting, sustainable connection between mind and body.
Payment Preference:
Venmo: venmo.com/u/Hannah-Davis-185
Nathalie Chorna
Originally from France, Nathalie is a fully certified Pilates instructor with over 20 years of experience practicing Pilates. She is comprehensively trained in mat and apparatus Pilates, with continuing education in osteoporosis, pre- and post-natal Pilates, and working with deconditioned clients.
Having personally experienced the benefits of Pilates in strengthening her core and back and reducing back pain, she is passionate about sharing its benefits with others. Her goal is to empower clients through mindful movement, helping them build strength, improve flexibility, and feel more confident in their bodies.
Payment Preference:
Zelle: nchorna@yahoo.com