Pilates Instructor, Studio Owner
A passion for movement has always been a guiding force in Patti Jo’s life. From an early age, she knew she wanted to be a dancer. Just shy of her 18th birthday she landed her first professional job in the Las Vegas production show, City Lights. From there she joined other long-legged beauties on the stages of the MGM Hotel in Jubilee’ and the Tropicana Hotel in Les Folies Bergere. Over her decade-long dance career, she built up an impressive resume performing with headliners such as Sammy Davis Jr., Dean Martin, and Frank Sinatra. A highlight from that time was performing for the Queen of England at the world-renowned Palladium Theater in London
The grueling physical demands of being a professional dancer eventually took their toll, and recovery from knee surgery introduced her to Pilates. Marked improvements in strength and flexibility, along with a quick recovery, solidified the effectiveness of the method. The emphasis on alignment, breathing, control, and balance was a natural fit with her dance background. She fell in love. In 2006 she headed to Costa Mesa, CA. where she earned her BASI teaching credentials from Rael Isacowitz.
As the curtains closed on her dance career, another career evolved: Dressage. Having always possessed a secret passion for horses, she took up riding at the age of 30. The precision of movement, control, and rhythm developed through years of dance translated easily to the saddle, and Patti Jo became an accomplished equestrian, rapidly earning her silver and gold medals from the United States Dressage Federation. In 2004, she built Cooper Ranch, which at the time was Las Vegas’ premiere riding and show facility.
Another life chapter began when Patti Jo met the cowboy of her dreams. She soon traded the bright lights of Las Vegas for country life in the rural community of Waitsburg, Washington where she transitioned easily from showgirl to farmgirl.
In 2015 Amerein established Ten Pilates Studio in Walla Walla, WA where she and her team help people experience the joy of moving freely as the result of developing a healthy body.
Since her initial certification in contemporary Pilates, Patti Jo has switched over to teaching the classical method. She has specialized certifications in Injuries and Pathologies, Lumbo-Pelvic pain, and is a member of the Pilates Method Alliance.
She not only teaches Pilates, but she also writes and edits Pilates-related content. She is the author of several Pilates-related articles and is expecting her first book as an editor to be released this Fall.
Patti Jo understands movement, she understands the importance of being physically fit, and she understands success. Whether you’re a dancer wanting to improve the quality of your movement, a rider wanting to better your seat, or simply someone wanting to develop strong long lean muscles to support a vibrant healthy life, Patti Jo Amerein is dedicated to helping you accomplish your goals!