MARIANNE TAFANI

Founder & Instructor

With over 9,000 hours coaching experience, 2,000 new mothers supported since 2015, 75 certified instructors, and extensive knowledge of neuroanatomy and biomechanics, Pilates instructor and instructor trainer Marianne is known in the wellness industry for her fun yet technical classes, her engaging way of educating clients and instructors, and her perinatal expertise.

A former rhythmic gymnast, Marianne suffered multiple injuries in her teens and started using movement as a key recovery tool.

Marianne has worked in renowned studios and clinics such as Up and Running Sports Center, Dr Helena Taylor’s Clinic, and Bodytree Studio.

She is part of the faculty at BodyHack, the leading fitness instructor provider in the Middle East, and is also trained in prenatal and bhakti yoga, ScolioPilates (Pilates for scoliosis), NeuroPilates, RAD Mobility, and Sports Nutrition (Oxford University).

Prior to moving to the UAE, Marianne worked as Head of Office for a Member of the French Parliament and at the French National Health Service as a public policy adviser. It’s always been about health and education for her.

ALICE GRAY

Instructor

Alice Gray is a highly qualified vinyasa and prenatal yoga instructor whose teaching is known to foster a deeper awareness in her students. As the creator of a 200-hour Yoga Teacher Training (YTT) program, she leads trainings in Dubai and Scotland, specializing in vinyasa, anatomy, myofascial release, and prenatal yoga.

BRIT WILLIAMS

Instructor

Brit Williams is a former health journalist turned personal trainer 10 years ago. Brit’s ever-enquiring nature regularly takes her to the edge of new advances in movement science and back to her favourite personal playground: the weights room. Navigating two pregnancies and the birth of three girls (yep, twins!) fuelled her fascination and led her to publish a book on pre-natal fitness in 2019. Whether in private or group sessions, Britt loves to take an individual-led approach to finding adaptations that maximise the benefit of every exercise for everybody.

MARINE BAAKLINI

Instructor

Marine Baaklini began her yoga teaching journey in ashtanga (200-hour YTT), yoga nidra and by training under the renowned gynaecologist Dr. Bernadette de Gasquet for prenatal and postnatal yoga.With a 60-hour certification in hormone-balancing yoga from method founder Dinah Rodriguez, Marine offers a unique, science-backed yet intuitive approach to women's health that allows her to help women manage stress, fertility concerns, sleep issues, and hormonal imbalances.

PEEYUSH PALIWAL

Instructor

Peeyush Paliwal started his journey in the heart of the world's yoga capital, Rishikesh, his home city, in 2014. A postgraduate in Hatha Yoga methodology, as reflected in his teaching style, and with in-depth knowledge of anatomy, Peeyush has decades of yoga practice and over 6 years' teaching experience.Peeyush is a compassionate teacher who helps beginners and advanced students find inner peace through outer alignment.

RULA MBAYED

Instructor

Rula Mbayed fell in love with Pilates upon moving to Dubai 11 years ago, leading her to get certified with Balanced Body in 2020. Though she still holds a full-time corporate position, Rula, a ball of energy and positivity, dedicates a good part of her free time to teaching, and her students are all the happier for it.All of us at the studio are inspired by her commitment to her fitness and clients as she juggles this commitment and her corporate life.

YARA VOROKH

Instructor

Yara is a passionate Stott-trained Pilates instructor and women’s health advocate.A cancer survivor, she has experienced firsthand the power of resilience and healing through movement. Having navigated the physical and mental challenges of motherhood and cancer, she understands the importance of self-care and balance. Her classes are filled with love and make you feel IT in all the right places.
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Committed to empowering her community, Yara helps others to reconnect with their bodies through Pilates.

JULIETTE DUTOIS

Instructor

Juliette is a Contrology Pilates instructor and a sought-after osteopath who sees patients at Dr Helena Taylor's clinic. She also holds a post-graduate diploma in women's health and is a passionate prenatal yoga instructor.

SANDRA HANNA

Instructor

Sandra is a certified Mat, Reformer, and Perinatal Pilates instructor with a focus on mindful movement and maintaining healthy joint function. Inspired by how Pilates transformed her own sense of strength and well-being, she now helps others reconnect with their bodies through thoughtful, personalized sessions.

CHRISTINA HELOU

Instructor

Christina is a passionate Mat Pilates instructor who discovered Pilates during the pandemic while seeking a sustainable fitness routine and a way to improve her overall well-being after facing a few challenges. Her classes emphasize mindful movement, with a focus on core strength, mobility, and balance. Whether you’re looking for a slower-paced flow centered on breathwork or a dynamic, sculpting session, Christina is here to help you move and feel better in your body—always bringing a warm presence, a love for meaningful connection and always happy to share a good chat

zeina maktabi

Instructor

Zeina is functional nutritionist, registered dietician, and a Pilates mat instructor .With a deep passion for health that’s spanned decades, sharpened during COVID, Zeina brings clarity, compassion and calm to the often-noisy world of wellness advice.

aurelie legrand-sigogne

Instructor

Aurelia is a French Pilates enthusiast and proud mom of three, including a lively set of twins! She discovered Pilates 10 years ago, and it’s been a life-changing journey ever since. It helped her ease pregnancy aches, recover from injuries, and build strength, mobility, and balance - while deeply reconnecting with my body and mind. In her classes, you’ll enjoy a gentle yet deep and powerful workout focusing on alignment, building strength, body awareness, and feeling good from the inside out in a warm and welcoming environment.