Two Pathways to Certification

  • Pilates Mat Certification

    The Pilates mat certification focuses on the history of Pilates' theory and his technique through mat work.

    Students learn mat work based on Joseph Pilates original series as well as an evolution of Pilates mat work utilizing various props, such as the small ball, big ball, and TheraBand.

    The Mat certification can be taken on its own or in addition to the Studio Course portion of the training.

    $1300.00
    Non-refundable $100.00 deposit

    Cost Includes:

    • Training in anatomy, kinesiology, injury prevention, and history of Pilates
    • Level 1 & 2 mat work including Theraband, small and large ball and classical Pilates.
    • 1 Book: DK Body Balancing Pilates Mat Manual
    • 2 written exams, 1 practical exam
    • 50 observation hours
    • Certificate upon completion

  • Pilates Reformer Certification

    Reformer I & II

    The Reformer Certification is based on Joseph Pilates original series plus an evolution of Pilates reformer work. It can be taken in combination with the Pilates mat and equipment training for in-depth Pilates training or continue your Pilates educaion with full equipment training as part of our instructor bridge program.

    $1600.00
    Non-refundable $100.00 deposit due by January 1 2026

    Cost Includes:

    • 1 Book: DK Body Balancing Reformer manual
    • Instruction of Reformer I & II exercises
    • Practical exam
    • 100 observation hours
    • Certificate upon completion

What People Say

I was a student for only a short period of time before I knew I wanted to become an instructor and widen my scope of knowledge about the Pilates method. I can confidently say that this Pilates certification is comprehensive and gives you the tools and confidence to teach clients of any kind. Teaching others the method and being able to share something that I am so passionate about is truly rewarding. I firmly believe that Pilates can change a person’s physical capabilities and their way of life.

Kelli Schutz Croyle
Pilates Instructor

As a student who wanted to broaden my knowledge on the Pilates method this certification was a deep dive into truly understanding how to move my body. The certification challenged me to grow, as a student and as an instructor. By the time I completed it, I felt prepared to work clients and confident in my ability to create meaningful, effective sessions. There’s something incredibly fulfilling about helping others build strength, improve movement, and feel more connected to their bodies. This program has given me both the knowledge and the passion to make a real impact on my clients through Pilates.

Kira Payton
Pilates Instructor

The DK Body Balancing through UNLV certification has been an invaluable part of my Pilates education. I loved diving into the history of Joseph Pilates and gaining a deeper understanding of why this method was developed. It gave me knowledge that goes beyond just how to perform exercises—it taught me why they benefit the body on so many levels. Even after more than 10 years of teaching, I continually return to the fundamentals I learned through my certification. They serve as the foundation that allows me to create thoughtful, effective, and expert-level training for each of my clients.

Amy Culp
Pilates Instructor

Get more information

About the Founder of the D.K. Body Balancing Method through U.N.L.V

Dolly Kelepecz

Dolly Kelepecz has been a professional dancer for over thirty years. She danced with Los Angeles Ballet, Nevada Dance Theatre, Zurich Opera Ballet, Houston Ballet, Circus Knie and was the lead singer and dancer at the famed Lido Show at the Stardust Hotel in Las Vegas. Dolly also founded her own dance company the Opus Dance Ensemble. She is currently a full time faculty member with the U.N.L.V. Dance Department where she teaches both Ballet and Pilates. The U.N.L.V. Dance Department has included Dolly's Pilates classes as part of the curriculum required for dance majors to graduate. Her Pilates program is also offered as a minor and certificate program. Dolly In 2008 she was recognized as the Part-Time Instructor of the Year.

Dolly is a certified Pilates instructor and owner of Pilates By Dolly Studios. She received her Pilates certification in 1987 from Eve Gentry and Elizabeth Larkin in San Francisco, California. After returning from San Francisco Dolly introduced Pilates to the city of Las Vegas, opening up Las Vegas' FIRST Pilates studio. In 1997, she trademarked her own method of instruction called the D.K. Body Balancing Method.

Dolly has traveled throughout the world certifying others in the D.K. Body Balancing Method. Her instructors are successfully working in her own studios and also studios located in Australia, Canada, Mexico, Japan, Russia, Israel, and Spain and throughout the entire United States.

Now 25 years later, she has expanded her business to Japan, Korea, and Mexico and has multiple studios locally, throughout the U.S. and Internationally. She has worked with celebrities, professional athletes, dancers and personal clients. She also developed an At Risk Youth Program with Nevada Dance Theater to inspire at risk children.
Dolly has published Pilates books in Japanese and Korean and also has her own line of Video/DVD's. She has hosted Pilates fitness programs, airing five days a week on her own television show called Healthy Lifestyles, to promote health and wellness.

Her education also includes Physical Therapy, Massage Therapy, and Alexander & Feldenkrais techniques. Dolly was certified in the GYROTONIC® Method in 2000 and uses that as well as the Art Forms System in her studios in Las Vegas.

In addition to her Pilates By Dolly studios, Dolly has established studios for many facilities, including hospitals, physical therapy clinics and chiropractic offices. She has also developed programs for the Houston Ballet, Nevada Ballet Theater, Wynn Resorts and the University of Nevada, Las Vegas.

Pilates Certification
The D. K. Body Balancing Training Programs include training on the history of Joseph Pilates, anatomy, Kinesiology, mat certification and Pilates equipment. It is an introduction to the basic theory and technique developed by Joseph Pilates and is also an introduction to the Alexander and Feldenkrais techniques.
The effectiveness of the D. K. Body Balancing Method has been recognized by the University of Nevada, Las Vegas and has been acknowledged as part of the University's curriculum. The instructor training programs have been approved by the Nevada and Arizona State Boards of Physical Therapists for 1.5 units of continuing education and are offered in Las Vegas several times per year, as well as in various international locations. The programs are designed to meet the needs of the international fitness industry.

Mat Pilates Certification Level I & II
The mat training courses focuses on the history of Pilate's theory and technique through mat work. The Mat courses can be taken on its own or in addition to the studio course portion of the training, which includes training in Pilates exercises with Pilates equipment, such as the Cadillac, Wunda Chair and Reformer.
Equipment Training
The equipment training program focuses on the use of the various Pilates equipment, such as the Reformer, Cadillac, and Wunda Chair. The equipment course can be taken on its own or in addition to the mat portion of the training or can be broken up to focus on only specific pieces in private sessions, if desired.

Pilates Mat and Equipment Training I & II
The mat and equipment training program is an all inclusive course that focuses on theory and technique through mat work utilizing various props and exercise on the various pieces of Pilates equipment.

Instructor Bridge Program
This program is designed to review and recognize existing training of students who wish to further their education and knowledge. Each student that applies and is accepted into our bridge program will be evaluated and offered a course of study.

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