Erika Bentsen Walla

Erika is a highly experienced and dedicated Pilates instructor with over 23,000 hours of teaching experience in Manchester Center since 2008. Her journey with Pilates began in 1989 at SUNY Purchase, where she earned her BFA in Dance. During her time at Purchase, she was first exposed to the Pilates Method, and she immediately resonated with the method's structured approach, the natural progression of exercises, and the graceful fluidity of the movements. Purchase is also home to one of the first Pilates satellite studios, opened in 1976 by Romana Kryzanowska, and still operating with original apparatus designed by Joseph Pilates and Gratz—an early influence on Erika's Pilates training.

The study of body mechanics and movement is deeply embedded in Erika’s life. She began dancing at just three years old, and by the age of twelve, her training intensified. She was dancing six days a week, performing, and studying at the Joffrey Ballet School in New York City. Her education and practice continued with extensive study in choreography, performance, and training with renowned dancers from companies like NYC Ballet, American Ballet Theater, and Martha Graham. This solid foundation in dance has given her a keen ability to perceive the unique movement patterns and idiosyncrasies of the human body.

Erika trained comprehensively with a Romana’s Pilates instructor before becoming fully and classically certified by Power Pilates® in New York City. Her personal experiences—such as motherhood, injury management and recovery, and the challenges of aging—further enrich her teaching, enabling her to approach each client with compassion, understanding, and a deep adaptability.

Erika is dedicated to continuous learning and believes that there is always more to discover about the complexities of the human body. For this reason, she regularly attends specialized courses and workshops, seeking out second-generation master instructors from different Pilates lineages to deepen her knowledge while maintaining a focus on the classical form of Pilates.

Erika’s teaching style is both lighthearted and deep. She strives to provide the highest level of individualized training, tailored to each client’s needs. Pilates is not just a workout to Erika—it’s also preventative care that nurtures the mind, body, and soul. She believes Pilates can help meet you where you are today and prepare you for life’s physical demands. Erika fosters an environment where clients of all ages, with any athletic background or fitness level, feel understood, empowered, and capable of making an extraordinary impact on their lives through Pilates.

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CHARLOTTE JACOBSON

Charlotte has been a dedicated Pilates enthusiast since 2008. She has been trained under Erika's tutelage for the past 17 years. Through her rigorous personal training, Charlotte has reached the highest levels of Pilates expertise. She is certified through Power Pilates and shares her passion and knowledge as a teacher at The Pilates Loft.

Known and admired at the studio, Charlotte is regarded as a trustworthy guide and a model of how to approach Pilates with integrity. She has a deep understanding of every exercise and apparatus, having studied each detail with great care. Her ability to explain what you are working to accomplish in any given exercise is remarkable, and her teaching style is often described as both tough and kind, striking the perfect balance between challenging and supportive.

Outside of Pilates, Charlotte enjoys an active lifestyle. She is a lover of skiing, hiking, animals, gardening, and cooking. Her family has been an integral part of the local Vermont community since 1981, where they are deeply connected to the region’s vibrant and nurturing atmosphere.

Charlotte brings her passion, experience, and warmth to every session, making her an exceptional instructor who helps clients connect with both the physical and mental benefits of Pilates.