About Purple Door Pilates
An independent and locally owned Pilates studio in Madison WI
Outside of Pilates group classes, we specialize in helping individuals with pain and special conditions, including—but not limited to—unspecified low back pain, osteoporosis and balance training, spinal disk issues of all kinds, scoliosis, post-physical therapy rehabilitation, readiness and or recovery from major surgeries, and safe pre- and post-natal Pilates.
Our studio is a private and tranquil space—a place to build strength, endurance, and cultivate peace of mind.
Purple Door Pilates continues to innovate, and continuing education in Pilates is requisite for our team.
Meet Caroline
Founder, Executive Director, and Instructor
Caroline's Pilates journey began in 1994 while attending the North Carolina School for the Arts. She was young and bored by the method. Later, during her certification under the tutelage of second-generation Pilates instructor Michele Larsson, her passion for Pilates truly ignited. Caroline studied and taught Pilates at various studios, fostering a love for the diverse lineages within the Pilates community.
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After years of teaching ballet, contemporary dance, Yoga, and Pilates for ten years or so, Caroline opened her studio in Madison, WI, in 2014. She was driven by her dedication to the Pilates practice and desire to create a welcoming environment for clients from all walks of life.
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Caroline's teaching style emphasizes patient and kind Pilates and moinstruction, encouraging clients to work hard while maintaining a lighthearted and joyful approach to movement. Her expertise in working with individuals referred by physical therapy clinics, including the UW Spine Clinic, has allowed her to help clients exercise safely with various needs, including pre-and postnatal care for mothers, cancer survivors, people dealing with varied spine disorders, and those recovering from or getting prepared for partial or total joint replacement.
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With a passion for elevating athletes to their peak performance levels, Caroline takes her work seriously while fostering an atmosphere of playfulness within the Pilates profession. She holds an RYT certification in Yoga and regularly spends time in the woods with her family, engaging in bodywork, Yoga Nidra, and a personal Pilates practice. As a Master Trainer certified through The Pilates Center in Boulder, CO, Caroline's extensive experience and ongoing commitment to learning make her a trusted and knowledgeable instructor.
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Beyond the studio, Caroline's love for travel has led her to share her Pilates expertise at various international resorts, including Santani Resort and Spa in Sri Lanka and Florblanca Pilates in Santa Teresa, Costa Rica.
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Caroline's ultimate goal is to create a safe and welcoming environment for everyone entering her studio.
Meet Sophrnia (Sophie)
Sophronia's Pilates journey began during her freshman year at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point, where she discovered the profound impact of Pilates on her dance technique and injury prevention while pursuing a degree in dance. Her passion for movement arts and deepening her mind-body connection led her to explore Pilates further, marking a natural progression in her movement journey.
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In 2021, Sophronia obtained her Mat certification through UWSP's Pilates Education Program under the expert guidance of Professors Amy Beverdolf and Pamela Luedtke. Driven by her dedication to expand her knowledge and expertise, she pursued Apparatus certification through the Balanced Body program at Studio B Pilates the following year. With six years of Pilates practice and four years of teaching experience in various studios across the Madison area, Sophronia brings a wealth of knowledge to her clients.
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Sophronia's classes emphasize the nine principles of Pilates, with a focus on establishing a strong mind-body connection. Her client-centered approach ensures tailored instruction that addresses each individual's unique abilities and goals, providing a safe and effective movement practice for everyone, from beginners to experienced athletes.
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Outside of the studio, Sophronia enjoys maintaining an active lifestyle through dance, running, and biking. Her favorite summer pastime is biking around the scenic lake loop, further demonstrating her commitment to embracing movement in all aspects of her life.
Meet Cecilia
"Ceci" brings a wealth of movement education experience to the Pilates community, having developed a solid foundation in ballet and contemporary dance. After graduating from the University of Wisconsin-Madison's dance program, Ceci began teaching ballet across the city and continues to teach at Madison Ballet. She seeks further education to enhance her teaching skills and deepen her personal movement practice.
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Discovering her love for Pilates while in college, Ceci later pursued certification through Peak Pilates at Purple Door Pilates, where she enjoyed the studio's inviting atmosphere and hoped to stay longer. She continues her studies with Caroline at Purple Door Pilates and her Peak Pilates education with Trey Fry at KineticMKE.
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Ceci's classes focus on reuniting the mind and body through a classically based Reformer flow. This flow aims to calm the mind and reconnect individuals with their bodies. Her calming sessions are ideal for beginners and advanced students looking to revisit the Pilates principles, as she honors the unique mind-body connection inherent in Pilates.
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Excited to be part of the Purple Door Pilates team, Ceci eagerly anticipates sharing her knowledge and enthusiasm with her students
Meet Julia
Julia's journey into Pilates began with her experience as a dedicated yoga practitioner. After years of intense practice, she realized that yoga alone was not enough to heal her back injury. This prompted her to explore alternative methods, ultimately leading her to discover the transformative benefits of Pilates, particularly for hypermobile bodies.
Combining her expertise in yogic mindfulness with Pilates movements, Julia has developed a holistic approach to well-being that emphasizes stress reduction, proprioception, stability, and strength. She is passionate about helping individuals with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS), hypermobility, Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS), chronic pain, chronic fatigue, and other invisible conditions.
As a certified yoga instructor and Pilates teacher, Julia tailors her sessions to meet each client's unique needs. She guides them in understanding when to challenge themselves while also practicing self-compassion. By integrating the precision and control of Pilates with the mindfulness and breathwork of yoga, Julia empowers her clients to differentiate between good and bad pain. She creates an environment where they can learn to move safely and confidently.
In January 2024, Julia completed "The EDS ECHO Fundamentals of the Integral Movement Method (IMM4)" course offered by the Ehlers-Danlos Society and taught by Jeannie Di Bon. She has also finished the "EDS Physician Online Education Program" from The Medical College of Wisconsin, Office of Continuing & Professional Education.
With her extensive knowledge and commitment to ongoing education, Julia invites you to experience the transformative power of mindful movement through her customized Pilates sessions. These sessions are designed to help you reconnect with your body and regain control over your well-being.
Meet Madison
Madison fell in love with movement at the age of eight, and hasn’t stopped exploring it since. With a background in commercial and modern dance styles, competition performance, and high school and community musical theatre, she has always been drawn to the way dynamic movement connects the body, mind, and spirit.
Her Pilates journey began during quarantine when she discovered Mat Pilates as a way to stay mentally grounded and physically active. A community dance program event introduced her to the world of apparatus-based training, and she was immediately hooked. After graduating from California State University, Fullerton in 2024 with a B.A. in dance and a minor in Kinesiology, Madison earned a scholarship that allowed her to complete her Comprehensive Pilates and Mat Pilates Instructor certificates at Orange Coast College in Costa Mesa, CA under the guidance of Amelie Hunter, from the Kathy Grant lineage. Her passion for movement, anatomy, and the body’s natural intelligence made the transition from academia to teaching a seamless one. Within her first year, Madison began leading group classes and private sessions at Full Body Pilates and Movement Therapy in Tustin, CA, earned two Pilates instructor certificates, and was honored with the Pilates Student Award for her exemplary dedication and involvement in her teacher training program.
Madison believes that Pilates is more than exercise– it’s a powerful tool to cultivate awareness, strength, and balance, both inside and outside the studio. Her teaching style blends thoughtful precision with warmth and encouragement, creating an upbeat and supportive atmosphere. She looks forward to meeting clients where they are and designing programs that will guide them towards a greater sense of confidence, length, and ease.
Beyond the Pilates studio, Madison is beginning her professional dance career as an apprentice at Kanopy Dance, right in the heart of Downtown Madison. She’s excited to bring her energy to perform for the residents of Madison, WI, hoping to connect with people from all walks of life. When she’s not dancing or teaching, she enjoys spending time outdoors, cooking, and discovering new coffee shops.
Meet Matt
Matt's Pilates journey began as a desperate search for an alternative to the major surgery recommended for a debilitating hip and back injury. After discovering the powerful mind-body connection that Pilates offered, he rehabilitated his body and reignited his passion for movement. Inspired by his transformation, Matt embarked on Pilates teacher training in 2015.
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After many years of teaching Pilates in Chicago, Matt recently relocated to Madison with his family. He is eager to share his expertise and passion for Pilates with clients seeking to enhance mobility, reduce pain, and increase overall movement. By working collaboratively with his clients, he aims to empower them to achieve their unique goals.
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Matt's commitment to holistic health is reflected in his certifications. He holds a Dynamic Neuromuscular Stabilization certification and a Reiki Level 2 certification, enriching his understanding of physical and energetic well-being. Additionally, he is a Pilates Method Alliance Certified Pilates Instructor.
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Matt's academic background includes a Master's in Public Health from Georgia State University and dual Bachelor's degrees in Economics and Philosophy from the University of Iowa. His diverse educational background informs his multifaceted approach to Pilates instruction and client care.
Zoey
Studio Greeter
I am ten.
Exciting
New Chapters
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A message from Clara:
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"I am so sad to leave and will miss everyone so dearly. It has been a beautiful journey to grow and learn alongside my wonderful clients and watch the Purple Door community grow. I could not have asked for a better job! I am leaving to pursue an International Masters degree in Dance Knowledge, Practice, and Heritage. I hope to stay in contact with the Purple Door community* and give you updates throughout the next two years. It has been my most immense privilege to meet and teach every single one of you. I have learned much more than I have taught these past two years. It was difficult to leave the community we all lovingly built together."
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* she taught pop-up classes at Purple Door Pilates during her holiday break in 2024. More to come!
Our studio is located on the first floor of an older building. If you are a wheelchair user, please contact us so that we can accommodate your needs.
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If you know of or offer any services that can help us improve, please let us know.
Pilates Studio Location
807 E Johnson St
Madison, WI 53703