Movement specialist

Why Pilates?

Marcelle has been involved in body work ever since her introduction to ballet at the age of 4 and she studied classical ballet throughout her school years, including as a subject in high school. Ballet and dance were to prove a lifelong activity and resulted in her being introduced to the Pilates method through her ballet teacher as an adult, the highly esteemed Jennifer Paynter (RAD examiner and teacher trainer). An interest in body mechanics, anatomy and the search for ‘how to make the body work correctly’ was sparked and started the ongoing study of the human body and subsequent Pilates training in the Body Control Pilates method and then Pilates instructor certification [Pilates Conditioning (PTAF) and STOTT Pilates (Canada)]. Marcelle also holds a Master’s Degree in Music (US) in which she researched the benefits of the Pilates method for classical singers specifically.

Marcelle has taught Pilates for over 20 years, on three continents and in different languages. She teaches Matwork, Pilates Equipment and Barre classes as well as Remedial classes and Workshops for musicians, dancers, performing artists and other specialists. Her passion for uncovering each student’s potential is what makes teaching rewarding for her and drives her continuous search for new ways of doing and understanding. As a result, she has studied various other somatic modalities such as Yoga, Reiki, Franklin Method, Fascial integration work, Pranayama and meditation and combines everything she has learnt into her classes, thereby creating unique lessons with a different focus for each student.

Please feel free to contact Marcelle to discuss how the Pilates method can be of value to you and how it might be able to assist you in your quest for a healthy and pain-free life. We only have one life, so we must live it actively and fulfill our true potential!

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This is what some of my clients have had to say about Pilates and about how I teach…

“The MRI scan showed that I had a protruding disc that had settled on the sciatic nerve and the follow up visit to the Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon showed that my back had stabilised. His only explanation was that Pilates had allowed me to develop core stability and therefore allowed the back enough stability to function on its own. The operation he was going to suggest was dropped - and all he could say was to carry on with Pilates. He did however mention that I would never run again.” M.B. - Policewoman (she successfully ran a half-marathon some years later).

“I fractured part of my lower spine in a horse riding accident…The worst side effect of my injury was that I was experiencing lower back pain predominantly down the right hand side of my lower back and found it extremely uncomfortable to sit for any period of time and driving more than about 30 minutes proved to be painful…I booked in for 5 private sessions to see if Pilates would be able to help ease my back pain. In those first sessions I learned some of the basic principles of Pilates but more importantly I learned about how the body doesn't always work for its own good! My muscles were trying to do one thing that they thought was helping to protect me but it was really just causing me pain. I needed to relearn how to use my body and how my conscious and unconscious thought processes could help or hinder this…Two years later and I'm still attending weekly small group sessions. I've learned lots of things about what my body wants to do incorrectly but now through a better understanding of how my brain and body work I at least feel that I am better equipped to work with my body as opposed to against it. I am now pain free although I do still sometimes get discomfort in my lower back but I have a far greater understanding of what is causing it and some ways of helping to alleviate it and keep it strong.” R.E. - Career woman.

“I have suffered all my life from a weak back which caused me pain of varying degrees. About 4 years ago I suddenly developed an excruciating pain in my upper back which 'attacked' me when playing golf or stretching up or sometimes just bending or turning. The Specialist … ended up by saying "there is nothing further I can do for you”…The fact that I have persevered with the Pilates lessons is entirely due to the skill, knowledge and encouragement of the teacher…The excruciating pain still comes, but I am noticing that after a lesson with Marcelle I am free from it for a day or two. I feel this is great progress and hope that with practice at home to consolidate the lessons that eventually I will be clear of it altogether… I went to Mrs. Sutton for my back but with her vast knowledge she is able to help with all sorts of ailments. If she is unable to help you she would tell you and not waste your time.” A.A. - Retired Policeman.

And about my Pilates Barre classes online:

“I love these classes. They are a perfect blend of creative, technical and physical challenge to keep me completely engaged  for the full hour. The workout cleverly ranges between the restorativeness of pilates and the vigour of barre, all to some really great classical music. Already looking forward to the next one.” J.V. - business woman & mom.