THE PEOPLE BEHIND THE PRACTICE

Great Pilates Starts
With Great Teaching.

Experienced instructors. Individual perspectives. One shared commitment to the Classical Pilates method—and to your progress.

David Minicucci, founder of Breakthrough Pilates

FOUNDER · BREAKTHROUGH PILATES

David Minicucci.

Classical Pilates Instructor

NASM Certified Personal Trainer

California Licensed Massage Therapist

TEACHING PILATES SINCE 2010

Classical Pilates, thoughtfully taught. Movement with purpose. Progress with intention.

David founded Breakthrough Pilates to create a studio where the Classical method is respected, every individual receives meaningful attention, and strength, mobility, and control develop through consistent practice.

Schedule a Private →

PROFESSIONAL TRAINING & EXPERIENCE

A career built on continued education

Classical Pilates Education

2010 · Frank Zito Teacher Training Program
2017 · Romana's Pilates Teacher Training Program
RPI Level 5

NASM Certifications

2013 · Certified Personal Trainer
Corrective Exercise Specialist
Senior Fitness Specialist

Licensed Massage Therapy

2015 · California Licensed Massage Therapist
Deep Tissue · Sports Massage
Craniosacral Therapy

Studio Founder & Educator

Founder, Breakthrough Pilates
West Hollywood, California
Private instruction · Small-group Classical Pilates · Teacher mentorship

The Story Behind the Practice

David Minicucci founded Breakthrough Pilates with a simple belief: Pilates should be taught with integrity, precision, and respect for the person in front of you.

His Pilates education began in 2010 with the Frank Zito Teacher Training Program. In 2017, he continued his Classical education through Romana's Pilates, deepening his understanding of the method as a complete, interconnected system.

Alongside Pilates, David became an NASM Certified Personal Trainer in 2013 and a California Licensed Massage Therapist in 2015. His additional training in corrective exercise, senior fitness, deep tissue massage, sports massage, and craniosacral therapy contributes to his understanding of how people move.

Before entering the movement profession, David spent two decades in interior design and showrooms. That background shaped his appreciation for structure, proportion, craftsmanship, and thoughtful detail—qualities that continue to influence his teaching and the studio he has created.

Pilates isn't about doing more. It's about learning to move better, with intention, precision, and control.

Today, David's approach remains grounded in the Classical method. Whether working with a new student or an experienced practitioner, he emphasizes concentration, control, consistency, and the development of strength and mobility that support life beyond the studio.

Jenny Kwon, Classical Pilates instructor at Breakthrough Pilates

CLASSICAL PILATES INSTRUCTOR

Jenny Kwon.

Romana's Pilates Level 5 Teacher

Balanced Body Certified Pilates Instructor

Physical Education Graduate

A PILATES JOURNEY BEGINNING IN THE EARLY 2000s

A lifelong exploration of movement, grounded in the Classical Pilates method.

Jenny brings an international perspective to Pilates, combining a background in physical education with more than two decades of personal study and experience across multiple movement disciplines. Her teaching is informed by working with clients of different ages, abilities, and experience levels.

Schedule a Private → View Class Schedule → Korean Pilates Inquiries →

PROFESSIONAL TRAINING & EXPERIENCE

An international foundation in movement

Classical Pilates Education

2019 · Began Romana's Pilates Training
2023 · Romana's Pilates Level 5 Teacher
Continuing education with Trish Garland

Physical Education & Pilates

University Graduate in Physical Education
South Korea
Balanced Body Pilates Certification
Austin, Texas

Additional Pilates & Movement Training

Peak Pilates
Yamuna Ball Body & Table
Continued workshops, classes, and professional education

Bodywork & Specialized Studies

CST Therapy I & II
SER Therapy I & II
Complementary studies in bodywork and movement

Jenny's Pilates Journey

Jenny Kwon's movement education began in South Korea, where she graduated from university with a background in physical education. She later moved to New York to continue her studies.

In the early 2000s, Jenny discovered Mat Pilates at Broadway Dance School in New York. From her very first class, she felt an immediate connection to the practice, beginning what would become a lasting commitment to Pilates.

Several years later, she earned her Balanced Body Pilates certification in Austin, Texas, before returning to South Korea. Her professional development continued through additional training and workshops in Peak Pilates, CST Therapy I & II, SER Therapy I & II, and Yamuna Ball Body & Table.

Over the years, Jenny has worked with people from a broad range of backgrounds, ages, body types, and Pilates experience levels. Those experiences have deepened her understanding of the human body and the many ways individuals approach movement.

A deeper understanding of movement begins with curiosity, continued study, and respect for each individual body.

In 2019, Jenny began her education in the Romana's Pilates program, pursuing a deeper understanding of the Classical system. Following her relocation to the United States, she became a Romana's Pilates Level 5 teacher in 2023.

Jenny continues to study and practice with Trish Garland, further developing her knowledge of Romana's Pilates and her commitment to the Classical method.

For inquiries about Pilates sessions in Korean, please contact Breakthrough Pilates at info@breakthroughpilates.com.

Monique Watson, Pilates instructor and professional dancer at Breakthrough Pilates

PILATES INSTRUCTOR

Monique Watson.

Certified Pilates Instructor

Romana's Pilates International Apprentice

Balanced Body Mat & Reformer Training

Professional Dancer

CLASSICALLY GROUNDED · CONTEMPORARY VERSATILITY

Movement that supports the body for a lifetime.

Monique Watson is a professional dancer and certified Pilates instructor who brings athletic intelligence and classical precision to her teaching. Drawing from her background in gymnastics and professional dance, she helps clients develop strength, improve movement efficiency, and build the physical awareness needed for lasting performance. Her approach is energized, detailed, and thoughtfully challenging.

Schedule a Private → View Class Schedule →

PROFESSIONAL TRAINING & EXPERIENCE

Classical education meets athletic experience

Classical Pilates Education

Romana's Pilates International
Comprehensive Teacher Training
Under Trish Garland
Certification in progress

Foundational Pilates Training

Balanced Body
Mat & Reformer Training
Maria Leone · BODYLINE Pilates
Beverly Hills, California

Professional Dance & Gymnastics

Professional Dancer
Gymnastics Background
Movement mechanics · Athletic performance · Coordination & control

Teaching Approach

Classical Pilates Principles
Contemporary Movement Versatility
Strength after injury · Movement efficiency · Long-term performance

Monique's Pilates Journey

Monique Watson is a professional dancer and certified Pilates instructor who believes movement should support the body for a lifetime.

Her foundational Mat and Reformer training through Balanced Body under Maria Leone at BODYLINE Pilates inspired her to pursue comprehensive certification with Romana's Pilates International under Trish Garland. Through this rigorous program, she continues to deepen her understanding of the Classical method across the full Pilates apparatus.

Drawing from her background in gymnastics and professional dance, Monique brings a trained eye to movement mechanics and athletic performance. She helps movers and athletes rebuild strength after injury, improve efficiency, and develop the physical awareness needed for long-term performance.

Movement should support the body for a lifetime.

Classically grounded with contemporary versatility, Monique delivers an energized, detail-oriented experience where clients are challenged to work deeper and build a practice that evolves with them.

Shanise Gunter, Pilates instructor at Breakthrough Pilates

CLASSICAL PILATES INSTRUCTOR

Shanise Gunter.

Power Pilates Comprehensive Training — In Progress

Classical Pilates Instructor

Background in Yoga & Meditation

2½ YEARS OF MENTORSHIP AT BREAKTHROUGH PILATES

Intentional movement. Thoughtful alignment. Strength with awareness.

Shanise brings a calm, nurturing presence to Classical Pilates, combining her background in yoga and meditation with a deep commitment to precision and purposeful movement. Her teaching is supportive yet challenging, encouraging clients to build strength, improve alignment, and develop a greater understanding of their bodies.

Schedule a Private → View Class Schedule →

PROFESSIONAL TRAINING & EXPERIENCE

A thoughtful approach to movement education

Classical Pilates Education

Power Pilates
600-Hour Comprehensive Program
Certification currently in progress

Classical Pilates Mentorship

2½ Years
Breakthrough Pilates
Continued mentorship and study of the Classical Pilates method

Yoga & Movement Background

Years of Personal Movement Practice
Yoga & Body Awareness
An understanding of mindful, intentional movement

Meditation & Mindful Practice

Meditation Background
Concentration · Awareness · Alignment
Bringing focus and a calm, supportive approach to instruction

Shanise's Pilates Journey

Shanise Gunter's approach to Pilates is shaped by years of movement practice and a background in yoga and meditation. Through these disciplines, she developed an appreciation for awareness, alignment, and the connection between the mind and body.

She was drawn to Pilates after experiencing the clarity and lasting changes it brought to how her own body felt and moved. That personal experience inspired her to deepen her understanding of the method and pursue Pilates instruction.

For the past two and a half years, Shanise has been mentoring at Breakthrough Pilates, developing her understanding of the Classical method and its emphasis on precision, control, and intentional movement.

She is currently completing the 600-hour comprehensive Classical Pilates certification program through Power Pilates, continuing to build her knowledge of the complete Pilates system.

Move with intention. Build strength with awareness. Find confidence through consistent practice.

Shanise teaches with a strong focus on intentional movement and alignment. Her calm and nurturing presence creates a welcoming environment where clients can focus on their practice while being supported and appropriately challenged.

Her approach is both accessible and purposeful, meeting clients at their individual experience levels while encouraging continued progress. Through thoughtful instruction, she helps clients build strength, develop greater body awareness, and find more confidence in movement.

Thais Gruppioni, Pilates instructor at Breakthrough Pilates

PILATES INSTRUCTOR

Thais Gruppioni.

Balanced Body Certified Pilates Instructor

Classical & Contemporary Pilates

Comprehensive Training — Bodyline Pilates

TEACHING PILATES SINCE 2024

Pilates with precision. Movement with purpose. Strength through practice.

Thais brings a dynamic approach to Pilates, drawing on her extensive background in dance, athletics, and movement. Trained in both classical and contemporary Pilates, she combines precise technique with energetic, thoughtfully structured instruction to help clients build strength, awareness, and confidence in their bodies.

Schedule a Private → View Class Schedule →

PROFESSIONAL TRAINING & EXPERIENCE

A foundation in movement and continued education

Comprehensive Pilates Certification

Balanced Body Certified
Bodyline Pilates · Beverly Hills
Comprehensive training under master instructor Maria Leone

Continuing Pilates Education

Core Conditioning
Roger Gonzalez-Hibner
Additional study in Pilates technique and movement

Classical Pilates Mentorship

David Minicucci
Breakthrough Pilates
Ongoing mentorship and study of the Classical Pilates system

Movement & Teaching Experience

1,500+ Teaching Hours
Ballet · Jazz · Tap
Martial Arts · Athletics
Fifteen years of personal Pilates practice

Thais's Pilates Journey

Thais Gruppioni's passion for movement began long before she became a Pilates instructor. With a background in ballet, jazz, tap, martial arts, and other athletic disciplines, movement has always been an important part of her life.

Her Pilates journey began approximately fifteen years ago with Mat Pilates. What started as a personal interest quickly developed into a passion for the Reformer, Cadillac, and the complete range of Pilates apparatus. Through her own practice, she discovered how Pilates could improve strength, flexibility, coordination, control, and overall athletic performance.

Inspired by the changes she experienced in her own body, Thais decided to study the complete Pilates system and pursue teaching professionally.

She completed her Balanced Body comprehensive Pilates certification under master instructor Maria Leone at Bodyline Pilates in Beverly Hills. She continued expanding her education with Roger Gonzalez-Hibner at Core Conditioning.

Thais has also spent approximately a year and a half mentoring with David Minicucci at Breakthrough Pilates, deepening her understanding of the Classical method and its application across the Pilates apparatus.

Precision creates awareness. Consistent practice builds strength. Thoughtful movement creates confidence.

Trained in both classical and contemporary Pilates, Thais draws on her varied movement background to create engaging, energetic, and thoughtfully structured sessions. Her approach is supportive yet challenging, with an emphasis on proper technique, precision, and the fundamental principles of Pilates.

With nearly three years of teaching experience and more than 1,500 teaching hours, Thais is passionate about helping clients of different experience levels develop greater strength, movement awareness, coordination, and lasting confidence in their bodies.