PMA China Conference 2025: A Historic Milestone for the Global Pilates Community
Exactly one year ago, the PMA Board cast a bold vote.
We decided to take the Pilates Method Alliance beyond familiar borders and bring the annual conference to China - marking a first in our organization’s history. It wasn’t a decision made lightly. The vision was strong, but so were the uncertainties.
Could we bring the international Pilates community together in a region never before explored by the PMA? Would people travel that far? Would the local community embrace it?
Until the very last moments of preparation, we didn’t know…
But what happened from April 25th - 27th, 2025, at the Foshan Marriott Hotel in Guangzhou, surpassed every hope we had.
Participation was vibrant and diverse, with professionals joining us not only from across China but also from Australia, Europe, Southeast Asia, the United States, and Canada. It wasn’t just a conference - it was a moment of real connection, shared purpose, and renewed momentum for our profession.
A Community Reunited
The conference officially began with pre-registration and a warm networking cocktail on Friday evening. There was an undeniable buzz in the air - familiar faces meeting again, new ones being welcomed in, and a collective sense that something meaningful was about to unfold.
The next morning, the event opened with a powerful Lion Dance ceremony, honoring Chinese tradition and symbolizing good fortune and unity. And from there, the weekend unfolded into two and a half days of rich movement, learning, dialogue, and cultural exchange.
A Weekend of World-Class Learning
The educational program was dynamic, thoughtful, and intentionally diverse - designed to offer deep insights and practical takeaways for professionals across the spectrum of Pilates practice.
Each day started with morning mat classes led by presenters from around the world, including Cloe Sommadossi (UAE), Victor Uygan (Turkey), Stella Hull-Lampkin (USA), Crystal Kim (Korea), and others - setting a grounded, intentional tone for the day.
Throughout the weekend, attendees could choose from a wide range of workshops led by seasoned international and local professionals, including:
Pelvic Floor & Psoas Conditioning with Jordanna Smith (Australia)
Slings in Motion with Viktor Uygan (Turkey)
The Teaching & Application of Breathing with CK Chen (China)
Dynamic Stability in Pilates with Daniel Vladeta (Australia)
Group Reformer Programming with Ann Toran (USA)
Pilates Breathing Therapy for Scoliosis with Changhai Zheng (China)
Neurology of Posture & Gait with Heba Abdel Gawad (Egypt)
Reformer for Pre- and Post-Natal with Ying Yu (China)
Breathing & Its Relation to the Core with Richard Brown (UK)
ROLLOLOGY and Modern Wellness with Alyson Limehouse (USA)
Inclusive Pilates Modifications with Junko Sakurai (Japan)
The Missing Link in Movement: Joint Longevity with Ava Rodriguez (Australia)
Unlocking Elasticity and Fluid Strength with Cholthicha Srivisal (Thailand)
Correcting Neck, Head & Shoulder Imbalances with Derrick Cope (UK)
Every workshop had something unique to offer - whether rooted in biomechanics, somatics, neuro-motor training, or rehabilitation - and the conversations that followed often extended well past the official time slots.
A Major Step Forward: The ITTAP Round Table
One of the most significant moments of the conference was the ITTAP Round Table Discussion, moderated by PMA President Stell Hull-Lampkin and ITTAP Coordinator Pat Stevenson.
For the first time, the PMA formally presented its International Teacher Training Accreditation Program in a global context - a step forward in aligning international standards and creating pathways for recognition and credibility across borders. The room was engaged, questions were insightful, and the response was one of encouragement and shared purpose.
The Expo Hall and the Power of Industry Support
The conference wouldn’t have been the same without the vibrant presence of our sponsors and exhibitors, whose booths remained a central gathering point throughout the event. A sincere thank you to our sponsors:
Balanced Body
A pioneer in Pilates equipment and educator support
Align-Pilates
Trusted across the UK and beyond for studio and home equipment
JOINFIT
A leader in health and fitness technology based in China
Active Pilates Education
One of Canada’s leading Pilates schools with a strong foundation in rehabilitation and professional training
One Thousand One Pilates
And our local supporter, One Thousand One Pilates, led by Mr. Zhang Qing in Guangzhou’s Greater Bay Area, who provided generous support in helping this event come to life.
Special thanks as well to our exhibitors, whose participation added depth and value to the experience:
Body Concept, Zen Place, Hong Kong Pilates Association, Dongwen, and Magic Birth.
A Closing Ceremony to Remember
By the time the conference came to a close late Sunday afternoon, the atmosphere was full of warmth and mutual appreciation. Friendships had been formed, collaborations were in motion, and many attendees left with renewed clarity on their purpose as educators, movers, and contributors to the global Pilates profession.
It wasn’t just what we learned. It was how we felt being in the same room - with people who share the same commitment to quality, learning, and meaningful work.
Looking Ahead
The PMA China Conference 2025 will remain a milestone in our history. It reminded us of what’s possible when intention meets action and when community shows up - across cultures, time zones, and languages.
We are already exploring opportunities for future conferences in China and beyond. The momentum is real, and so is our gratitude.
To everyone who joined us: thank you. For trusting the process, for bringing your energy, and for continuing to shape the future of our profession.
We look forward to seeing you again soon.
The PMA Board of Directors
