Bob Liekens (1955 – Nov 2018)

Originally from Belgium, Bob traveled to New York City in 1983 to further explore his dance career. That same year he began studying Pilates at the original studio of Romana Kryzanowska. Invited by Romana to teach in 1986, he played a central role in developing formal classical teacher training. In 1993, he co-authored the first formal classical Pilates teacher training manual with Romana and originated the modern exam and labeling system (beginner, intermediate, advanced).

Bob also studied at the Graham Center for Contemporary Dance and became one of the first instructors certified in the technique. He helped establish Power Pilates as a founding faculty member before co-founding The Pilates Standard in 2012, where he developed the Learning Education Advancement Program (LEAP).

Bob passed away in November 2018 at his home in Florence, Italy. Known for combining a demanding eye for biomechanics, sprinkled with humor and dry wit (“It’s just Pilates”) and a focus on teaching the complete system, he is deeply missed by all who knew him.