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~ ASCEND TO CERTIFICATION™ A Caribbean Test Out Intensive ~ Janaury 27-31 2027~ Join Angelie in Paradise

“CONCENTRATE ON THE CORRECT MOVEMENT EACH TIME YOU EXERCISE, LEST YOU DO THEM IMPROPERLY AND THUS LOSE ALL VITAL BENEFITS.”

Joseph Pilates

 

ASCEND TO CERTIFICATION™ 

A Caribbean Test Out Intensive 

St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands 

January 27–31, 2027 

 

Prepare. Practice. Perform. Pass.

 

Your Balanced Body certification journey has required dedication, discipline, and hundreds of hours of study. Now it’s time to confidently take the final step.

Join Angelie Melzer in beautiful St. Thomas, USVI, for an immersive retreat designed specifically for students preparing to complete their Balanced Body Education Test Out. This unique experience combines focused preparation, mentorship, peer collaboration, and the opportunity to test in a supportive island environment.

Whether you are pursuing your Mat, Reformer, Mat + Reformer, Comprehensive, or Barre Certification, this retreat will help you organize your knowledge, refine your teaching skills, and approach your test out with confidence.

 

Retreat Fees: *$1000/Includes: opening night ceremony, daily morning movement sessions, two full test prep days

*EARLY BIRD discount: $750 if paid by September 1, 2026.

Not inlcuded: airfare, hotel transportation, accommodations, island excursions

Testing Fees: $350/Final test out (These are paid directly to BBE).

 

Retreat Schedule

January 27–28

Test Prep Intensive

Spend two days reviewing and refining the skills needed for a successful test out experience.

Topics Include:

  • Practical teaching skills
  • Cueing and communication
  • Program design and progression
  • Anatomy and movement principles review
  • Written exam preparation
  • Mock teaching scenarios
  • Q&A and coaching sessions

January 29

Study, Practice & Island Reset

A day to:

  • Practice independently
  • Work with study partners
  • Log practical hours
  • Participate in optional mentoring sessions
  • Enjoy the beauty and wellness of St. Thomas

Buddies Are Better™
Use this day to connect with fellow students and gain valuable observation, teaching, and self-practice hours.

January 30–31

Balanced Body Test Out Days

Available Testing Options:

  • Mat
  • Reformer
  • Mat + Reformer
  • Comprehensive
  • Barre

Important Steps Before You Arrive

1. Apply Early

Balanced Body approval for Test Out applications can take 4–6 weeks. Apply as soon as possible.

2. Organize Your Hours

Keep all observation, self-practice, and teaching hours in one master document or digital log.

3. Continue Building Practical Hours

Pilates Live Online
Join Angelie’s summer and fall series to accumulate observation and self-practice hours.

Practice with Fellow Students
Partner with classmates to complete:

  • Observation hours
  • Practice teaching hours
  • Self-practice hours
  • Program design review

Who Should Attend?

This retreat is ideal for:

  • Students preparing for a Balanced Body Test Out
  • Students needing accountability and mentorship
  • Students looking to complete final practical hours
  • Students who thrive in a collaborative learning environment
  • Students ready to celebrate the completion of their certification journey

Your Certification Journey Deserves a Destination

Imagine spending your mornings reviewing movement principles, your afternoons practicing with peers, and your evenings watching the sunset over the Caribbean Sea—all while preparing for one of the most important milestones in your professional career.

Ascend to Certification™ is more than a test prep workshop.

It is a celebration of everything you’ve learned and the beginning of the teacher you are becoming.

St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands

January 27–31, 2027

Ascend. Certify. Thrive.

 

MEET ASCEND'S MASTER INSTRUCTOR:

ANGELIE MELZER

I'm so glad you're here! I’ve spent the last 30 years as an advocate, passionately sharing Pilates with students and instructors.

Starting at a very young age has given me a unique approach and understanding of the work.

Combining the Classical and Contemporary Methods taught to me by the 1st and 2nd generation teachers has given me a diverse view of the work to share with my apprentice students and clientele worldwide.

My Story

 FAQs

 

 How do I sign up for the All Inclusive Retreat?

Email: Angelie@team-pilates.com to reserve your spot today!

 

 

  • What is included in the retreat?

 

  • Welcome Night: Meet + Greet Dinner and Local Wine Tasting with your fellow guests!
  • Daily mornings sessions focused on mindful movement, somatic inquiry, and energy work.
  • Breath work and guided meditation practices.
     
  • Practical advice, tips, and support as you plan your trip to USVI.
  • Free time to explore the island or relax.



  1. What is not included?
  • Roundtrip airfare.
  • Airport Transport 
  • Island Excursions 
  •  Accomodations
  • Personal, Medical or Trip cancellation insurance (recommended).
  • Additional activities or excursions outside the planned itinerary.
  • Alcoholic beverages and personal expenses.

 

3. What will you take home?

A Deeper Understanding of Self Care – You will leave with a clearer perspective on this, how to truly embrace self care both mentally and physically.

Tools for Mindful Living – Through breath work, movement, and reflective practices, you will gain practical techniques to navigate change with grace and resilience.

A Reclaimed Sense of Purpose – By exploring your story and inner landscape, you will reconnect with what truly fulfills you and how you wish to move forward with intention.

A Strengthened Connection to Self & Others – Through shared experiences and meaningful conversations, you will leave with a deeper connection to yourself and a supportive community of women walking a similar path. 

The Courage to Embrace Change – Whether you’re stepping into a new career, shifting relationships, or redefining your identity, you will return home feeling empowered to embrace what’s next with confidence and openness.

A La Carte Offerings:

For Instructors: A deeper understanding of how to work with  Clients ~ This week will include 4 full days of the Ascend Mentor Program approach to teaching both 1-1 and group session.  Followed up with 10 months of one to one mentoring with Angelie and your case studies in our Ascend Mentoring Program.  *Pre requisite: application with BBE for your specific Final test out prior to your arrival on the island.

TEST OUT APPICATION

For Guests: You will have the opportunity to schedule a one to one session with Angelie ~ This  will include a 50 minute gait/posture assessment and hands on specialized work for your personal practice.

 For Everyone: You will have the opportunity to schedule spa treatments, excursions and other adventures on the island ~ 

 

What is the financial exchange for the retreat?

 

BBE Testing Fees: $350/Final test out

Retreat Fees: $1000/Includes: opening night ceremony, daily morning movement sessions, two full test prep days

Available Testing Options:

  • Mat
  • Reformer
  • Mat + Reformer
  • Comprehensive
  • Barre

 

 

4. What are the travel requirements?

All you’ll need to travel is a valid passport (with at least six months of validity remaining), proof of your return flight, and your electronic visa (if required).

 

5. Are refunds available if I need to cancel?

Unfortunately, we do not offer refunds for this retreat. However, your spot is transferable if you find someone to take your place.

We highly recommend that you purchase travel insurance as soon as you book a retreat and we suggest Travel Guard Insurance, which has several policy options.

Good At Life Network reserves the right to cancel the trip if it is not meeting the trip minimum. If we do so, your deposit is refunded in full.  



6. How do I get from the airport to the hotel?

 

You can choose to use LYFT, UBER, Taxi or a rental car.



7. What should I bring?

  • Comfortable clothing for yoga and relaxation, light layers for warm days and cool nights. Swimwear, sunscreen, and a hat and comfortable shoes for walking.
  • Any prescription or over the counter medications you might need.
  • A journal for reflections and somatic inquiry.
  • Your own yoga mat if preferred (mats and props will be available for use).
  • Travel documents.

 

 

8. Will there be free time to explore St Thomas?

Yes! The schedule includes ample free time to relax, explore and enjoy the beaches at your own pace.

Kind Words From Past Students

'Angelie Melzer is a top notch instructor. She presents the material with passion and truly has a desire for others to learn. As an instructor, I would like to one day reach the needs of my students the way Angelie does. She is an inspiration!"

"Angelie is a true teacher! Her in-depth knowledge; passion for Pilates and teaching Pilates is not only inspiring but highly effective. She is a true mentor guiding us through the material and modeling how to be a caring and able instructor. I am so grateful to her, and to Balanced Body for the comprehensive training, I receive each time I attend."

"Angelie is very knowledgeable and I loved how she tied everything in to movement."

BECOME THE BEST PILATES INSTRUCTOR IN YOUR MARKET

_______________

Real impact happens when you have the knowledge and skills to truly transform every unique body you interact with. 

It's time to prioritize & invest in yourself as an instructor. What could be more valuable?

Begin your journey to becoming a truly transformative instructor by joining Angelie.

 

Let's start with a phone call to make sure Angelie and the Ascend team are the right fit for you.

We're excited to start this journey with you!

LET'S CONNECT

STAY IN TOUCH

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