Valerie Ezzo Lopata began taking Pilates lessons in 1998 as a way to stay in shape and remain connected to her body after retiring from a career as a classical ballet dancer. It was then that she encountered and began training with Romana Kryzanowski , protege of Joseph Pilates and internationally recognized Pilates elder. She studied the Pilates Method of Body Conditioning under Romana from 1998 until 2001. Valerie received her comprehensive certification from the Pilates Studio of NYC in 2001, and opened the doors to Bodywise Pure Pilates.

Since then, she has continued her education by attending workshops with Pilates leaders such as Alycea Ungaro, Bob Liekens, Peter Fiasca, Sari Mejia Santo, Juantia Lopez, Mari Windsor, and Juan Estrada among others.

From 2013-2014, Valerie was one of five certified Pilates Instructors to work with Alycea Ungaro for the inaugural year of her Synthesis Mentor Project. In 2019, recognizing the growing need for well trained classical Pilates instructors, Bodywise Pure Pilates became a Host Studio for the Real Pilates Teacher Training Program. 

In 2022, Valerie was named a Lead Teacher Trainer by Alycea for her Real Pilates Teacher Training program and now travels internationally delivering coursework to aspiring instructors. Valerie brings with her over 2 decades of experience working with clients young and old, from professional athletes and dancers to those new to fitness in general. After 25 years with Pilates a constant part of her life, she continues to be in awe of the method for its ability to keep one’s body strong, pliable and feeling great throughout the many phases and stages of life.