Meet the last living student of Joseph Pilates: At 90, Lolita San Miguel still inspires
Lolita San Miguel celebrated turning 90 years old on Oct. 9. Undoubtedly, this birthday is an incredible milestone to hit — but the more you learn about Lolita, the more it becomes clear why she continues to thrive. She is a living testament to the power of passion, dedication and holistic health.
Stepping into the world of dance at age 7, Lolita continued training with the prestigious School of American Ballet in New York City at 11 years old, eventually graduating from the Performing Arts High School in 1952.
She toured and performed all around the U.S. with stars like Mia Slavenska, Frederick Franklin and Alexandra Danilova before joining the Metropolitan Opera Ballet in 1954, where she performed with Maria Callas, Renata Tebaldi, Franco Corelli, Joan Sutherland and Birgit Nilsson. She lovingly referred to the Met as her “University” and home for over a decade.
During a crowded class in 1958, an ill-timed jump by a fellow dancer landed Lolita in Lenox Hill Hospital with a serious knee injury. There, Dr. Henry Jordan would unknowingly change the course of her life — instead of surgery, he recommended she begin rehabilitation through exercise and promptly sent Lolita on her way to her first mentor, Carola Trier.
It was at Trier’s studio in Manhattan where Lolita fell head-over-heels in love with Pilates, going on to complete a seven-year apprenticeship while she continued to dance and raise her family.
Pilates has seen a massive increase in popularity over the years, with studios and classes springing up everywhere, as more people discover its benefits for strength, flexibility and overall well-being. Despite this, many don’t realize the history behind the unique practice, originally known as “Contrology”, before its name was changed to match that of its founder, Joseph Pilates.
While she trained, Lolita assumed Pilates had long passed away in his home country of Germany. But when chatting with an assistant at Trier’s studio, Kathleen (Kathy) Stanford Grant, she discovered this assumption was pretty far off. She recalled, “I had always thought he was gone, but he was just up the street.”
It turned out, Kathy knew Joseph Pilates — he was alive and well at his home in New York. The two decided there was simply no better way to learn everything there was to know about the practice they both loved than by visiting the master himself.
Although apprehensive at first, Pilates agreed to take Lolita and Kathy under his wing and personally certify them. Little did they know, they would be the only two people ever to receive such a merit.
Reflecting on her time with Pilates, Lolita said: “Joseph had his good and bad days, but his passion for his teaching was unwavering.”
She remembers the years she worked closely with him, noting how he grappled with feelings of inadequacy regarding his life’s work. “He often expressed a deep concern that he had not perfected the method as much as he would have hoped,” she said.
Despite his struggles, including bouts of depression that were apparent to those close to him, Joseph’s dedication to Pilates truly kept him going.
“He worked tirelessly, demonstrating his techniques even at popular stores like Macy’s, trying to share his vision with the world”, Lolita said.
She also painted a detailed picture of Pilates and his wife Clara’s way of life.
“They lived extremely modestly, right next door to their studio. Their home was filled with simple furniture — clothes hanging on chairs, a small table and even a bed in the corner. It was very different from the spotless environment of Carola’s studio, which I had always admired,” Lolita said.
This humble setting offered a glimpse into the man behind the method; “I never imagined I would be one of the last to learn directly from him.” She received her official certification in 1967 and the very same year, Pilates died while Lolita was traveling abroad.
When asked what she thinks makes Pilates so special, Lolita describes its uncanny ability to integrate the mind, body and soul.
“Pilates isn’t about doing countless reps or going for the burn. It’s about understanding your body and strengthening it holistically, which is especially important considering how we move through the modern world,” Lolita said.
She also emphasized the importance of core and pelvic floor strength, reminding us that “Pilates teaches you to be your own teacher — helping you correct your body’s alignment in daily life.”
Lolita’s journey, both on and off the stage, has been defined by adaptability and resilience. She went on to teach both ballet and Pilates, eventually moving to Puerto Rico to cofound Ballet Concierto de Puerto Rico. Under her direction, the company thrived, touring internationally and gaining recognition despite the limited resources on the island.
In addition, she played a significant role in the global expansion of Pilates, helping form the Pilates Method Alliance and entering their Hall of Fame as an original pilates “Elder,” alongside Kathy Stanford Grant.
When asked about her continued love for the Pilates method, which she still practices daily, she reflected on its growth: “After the legal battle over the Pilates name, it became accessible to more people around the world, which was a wonderful change.” She believes the boom we are seeing now is just the beginning.
As a trailblazer, Lolita’s contributions to the Pilates community are countless. She founded the Lolita San Miguel Pilates Master Mentor Program and Lolita’s Legacy, programs designed to carry forward the original teachings of Joseph Pilates.
“Lolita’s Legacy integrates my experiences in ballet and other methods I’ve studied. It’s my way of giving back to future generations,” she said.
Seventy of her instructors from around the world, who call themselves “Lolita’s Disciples,” gathered in West Palm Beach, Florida to take a class with her and celebrate her birthday in style.
Lolita’s story is a powerful reminder that age is just a number when it comes to health and vitality. She remarks that “Pilates is adaptable — it’s excellent for rehabilitation, and seniors especially benefit from its ability to address the entire body while also teaching awareness and alignment. Once you become aware of your body and its positioning, you start to correct yourself without even thinking about it.”
In a world where we are usually focused on what’s right in front of us, Lolita’s life exemplifies the importance of long-term vision, commitment and good old-fashioned love. She spoke about a pivotal moment in her youth when she faced a tough decision between pursuing dance or following a more secure path in criminal law.
When she asked mother what to do — who she remembers as “always having something to say” — she was met with an unexpected answer. She told Lolita “It’s your life. You cannot go by what makes more money or offers more security. You have to choose what’s going to make you happy.”
With 90 years behind her and a legacy that is only expanding, her advice to younger generations is clear: “Listen to your intuition. Do what makes you happy. It’s easy to take the safest route, but your intuition knows what’s right for you.”
Thank you to Lolita for sharing her story with us — we look forward to seeing how Pilates will continue to change the world of holistic wellness.
