OUR TEAM
Jessye Schmalian
Studio Owner & Pilates Instructor
Jessye Schmalian studied with First Generation Teacher Romana Kryzanowska and Master Instructor Bob Liekens from whom she received her 700 hour classical Pilates certification, but considers herself to be in a perpetual state of learning. Jessye continues her education with persistent practice, research and formal training, but some of her greatest lessons come from her students. Each interacts with exercise differently, giving Jessye new perspectives on Pilates practice. In over 20 years of teaching, she has had the opportunity to work with students who are as diverse as Pilates is adaptable: athletes, stroke patients, pre and post-natal women, individuals suffering from arthritis and individuals with chronic pain.
Alexandra Hoge
Pilates Instructor
Alexandra was introduced to Pilates in 2004 at a small studio near her MFA directing program at the Actors Studio Drama School in New York City. She quickly found a practice that made her feel both challenged and wonderful. A few years later when she decided to change her career, she pursued becoming an instructor. Her training at CORE Pilates, NYC in the heart of the city, was a great introduction to classical teaching. She was hired by CORE Pilates, NYC after she finished her training and worked with them for two years. During her time in NY she also worked at a second small studio uptown, and taught private sessions to her own clients both in-studio and in-home. She also contracted with Yada Yada Yoga in Los Angeles to teach in-home clients in the NY area.After two years of full-time teaching in NY she moved to the D.C. area and was fortunate to work for several studios, including Epic Pilates and the Pilates studio at Equinox Sports Club in downtown D.C. She taught a combination of classes and privates to a diverse group of clients - from those who had never tried Pilates and hadn’t worked out in years, to those with injuries needing rehabilitation, to prenatal and postnatal clients, to athletes. Her style of teaching evolved to include a much broader range of abilities and strengths. Alexandra also attended several extra trainings, including the FAMI workshop at Mt.Sinai and workshops with Ellie Herman. In 2019 she became a teacher trainer for Equinox Sports Club, running classes that trained students seeking to become Pilates instructors. Alexandra joined Breathe Pilates in the Charleston area in 2021. She enjoyed teaching at all 3 locations for 3 years. She found her new home at The Tradition in July of 2024. Teaching at The Tradition has been an excellent experience and she looks forward to many more years with her clients!
“Jessye combines her vast knowledge of Pilates and anatomy with an intuitive ability to teach each individual to feel the work within their own body so that they may progress and continue evolving into the Pilates method.”