A Look into the Mentor Program

By Karen Lau

There is something special and exciting about every Mentor Program, the first step of the BASI Legacy Program. The most recent Mentor Program was truly unique, it was the first to be held at BASI HQ’s new and permanent home and it marked Rael’s return to teaching after a 5 month break.

The Mentor Program is a fertile environment for growth, discovery, and development. This course is not about the feat of doing advanced repertoire. It is about the feat of making new connections. After 3 days with this group of dedicated movers from 16 different countries, it is evident that the future of Pilates is BRIGHT. It was a honor and a privilege to open our Pilates home to these seasoned instructors and lifelong learners. Thank you for allowing BASI Pilates to a part of your journey.

Karyn Lau attended the June 2018 Mentor Program and she shares her feelings about the experience.

Hello BASI family,

It has taken a long time for me to contemplate how to compose this email because it seems impossible to try to fit the magnitude of gratitude I have for the experience at BASI the past week without it being 30 thousand pages long and still failing to express my thanks sufficiently. But here goes:

The mentor course has fired up so much excitement in me (ok, it seems like I get excited over a lot of things…but I mean 100x the normal) and I cannot wait to practice and get deeper into the work. It has given me a new perspective as to how I should be doing and teaching Pilates exercises and it made me appreciate the value of each fundamental exercise and the progression as one is on our journey of quality movement. I am in awe to be in the presence of others who are equally in love with Pilates and learned so much.

Rael, thank you for your passion and extraordinary teaching. Your devotion to the craft of Pilates is what guides the industry to flourish and grow in a meaningful way. I am moved by your love for movement, your love for teaching, your love for others. As a Recreation Professional, my calling and purpose is to improve the quality of life for communities and make a difference for individials. You exemplify this. You not only did you inspire me as a Pilates practitioner/instructor, but in my own vocation and myself personally. Thank you.

Jen, you mean the world to me. You were always there in big moments and turning points in my Pilates journey and I credit my continued joy in Pilates teaching to you. I learn so much from being taught by you in our sessions.

Stella, Veronika, Latoya and Tram– wow! I felt so welcomed and you have organized a terrific course and thanks for being great hosts. Everything was seamless and I know many months of planning went into this. I run conferences and I know that behind the scenes, there are a million logistical tasks involved and lots of planning and issue management. You made it look easy when I know it isn’t. I will miss all your smiles and being so spoiled and taken care of.

Shayne and Maria, thank you for assisting us in the Mentor Program. Watching you move and seeing how you help students taught me a lot about my teaching as well! I appreciated our individual conversations. Shayne thank you for the great gait workshop too! I am here at the airport right now reviewing the good handouts.

My heart is full!

Karyn is a graduate of BASI Pilates’ Comprehensive Teacher Training and instructor at Beach Pilates in Toronto Canada.

Learn more about the Mentor Program