FOUNDATION
Foundation is an introductory level course and will explore information about the body in motion and human anatomy.
Foundation includes 15 hours of group learning, and an overall commitment of approximately 45 hours for folks wishing to receive a certificate of completion.
Foundation will be taught by Robyn Breen, and feature guest lecturer Madeleine Shen Lopez.
Register for Foundation in Hamilton, ON, January 2026 now!
Click here to see schedule and apply.
Register for Foundation in St. John's, NL, February 2026 now!
In Foundation, we focus on anatomy to start learning how to talk about bodies in motion. We believe it’s impossible to learn all there is to know about the body in a weekend course, so we’ve curated a small group of muscles to develop your base of anatomical knowledge. Rather than learning everything a little bit, we’ll learn a few things in great depth. Each muscle we discuss will be paired with a foundational, functional movement.
Anatomically, Foundation focuses on the core, Spinal Mobility and standard functional movements like Squatting and Walking. Methodologically, Foundation is informed by the principles of Pilates. By the end of Foundation, we'll use what we know thus far to start exploring other movements, and begin the practice of self-study.
About The Instructors
Your main course leader at the Academy is Robyn Breen, who's been a movement educator for over 18 years. Robyn started teaching dance as a teenager, before taking her first Pilates Teacher Training Course in 2007. She holds a BFA (Honours) in Dance from York University, and is a graduate of the School of Toronto Dance Theatre (now known as Dance Arts Institute).
Robyn's full list of certifications, courses and workshops is long and diverse (and available by request). Some highlights include:
Balanced Body (Movement Principles, Pilates Reformer Levels 1, 2, and 3)
Yoga Detour's extensive Pre and Post Natal Certification
Madeleine Shen Lopez and Camila Seeger's Integrative Axis Syllabus Course
Mindful Strength's Teacher Program for Strength Training (focus: strength training, progressive class programming, pain science, and accessibility)
-
Your guest lecturer for Foundation is Madeleine Shen Lopez, a movement educator, certified Axis Syllabus teacher and a Doctor of Chiropractic. Madeleine lives amongst the vast mountains of Patagonia, Argentina, where she dedicates her time to teaching movement, dancing, and helping people connect with and regain agency over their bodies. Madeleine teaches the Axis Syllabus wherever people will lend an ear, holding regular classes when she is in Toronto, and offering workshops in Canada, the USA, Brazil, Argentina and Chile.
CONTACT CROSS SEA COLLECTIVE
© 2025 CROSS SEA COLLECTIVE