PMA’s First International Conference in China
In April 2025, the Pilates Method Alliance (PMA) took a bold step into new territory by hosting its first international conference outside of the United States. Held in China, the event not only marked a major milestone for the organization, but also reflected the rapidly growing influence of the global Pilates community.
“As a Board Director of the Pilates Method Alliance, I can say that hosting our first international conference in China was beyond what we expected,” said Cloe, reflecting on the event. “China’s Pilates community has shown an incredible eagerness to engage with the PMA and we have a strong desire to reach a more international audience. It was a bold move.”
The PMA China Conference 2025 drew attendees from across Asia, the Middle East, Europe, Australia, and the Americas. “For many professionals in Asia, it was the first chance to attend a PMA conference without long-distance travel or visa hurdles.”
This inaugural event also marked the international rollout of the International Teacher Training Accreditation for Pilates (ITTAP) program ITTAP—a key initiative to establish consistent, high-quality standards in teacher training worldwide.
With a diverse lineup of presenters from all over the world, it made for a dynamic learning environment.
“There were key themes that came out of the weekend, including the deep integration of science into practice – this was seen in sessions on pelvic floor and psoas conditioning (Jordanna Smith), diaphragm function and core activation (Richard Brown), and the neurological pathways affecting posture and gait (Heba Abdel Gawad). These workshops reflected a growing emphasis on evidence-based instruction and a broader understanding of the body.
Breathwork was another strong focus, explored through different lenses - both foundational, as in CK Chen’s and Changhai Zheng’s workshops, and performance-oriented, as in William Li’s scoliosis and shoulder function sessions.
Innovation was central, with Daniel Vladeta’s Oov® challenging traditional stability training through dynamic feedback, and Viktor Uygan’s Konnector® system expanding Reformer work with independent limb integration and multidimensional resistance. There were sessions on tactile cueing (Ziheng Wang), joint mobility (Ava Rodriguez) and movement flow (Natascha Eyber).
The event also nurtured mentorship and connection. “From structured panels to impromptu hallway chats, the conference was a hub for networking,” Cloe noted.
Looking ahead, the PMA is planning similar events in other regions. “Following China, we are exploring opportunities in other key regions where the Pilates community is thriving and ready for deeper engagement. Areas under consideration include the Middle East, South America, and Southeast Asia.” Plans are underway, and future events will continue to reflect the evolving needs of the global Pilates community.
Cloè Sommadossi has been devoted to Pilates since age 14 and holds a Master’s in Food Science and Engineering. Trained globally in both Classical and Contemporary methods, she brings expertise in medical rehabilitation and education. In 2014, she founded Pilates Academy® in Dubai, where she leads as Owner and Master Trainer for P.A.I.® and Balanced Body®. Cloè also develops continuing education for professionals and holds multiple certifications, including Cardiolates®, SilkSuspension™, MOTR®, CoreAlign®, Fuse Ladder®, Garuda®, and 500-hour Yoga Alliance® credentials. She is also a Director of the Pilates Method Alliance (PMA) Board.
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