The Instructors

Founders: Michelle Koton and Debby-Lee Maister

“ We are both passionate about the ability of the Pilates method to help stretch and strengthen muscles and to build and maintain spinal flexibility. We genuinely trust the system to be a client’s greatest insurance policy for longevity and quality of life!”

Both Michelle Koton and Debby-Lee Maister trained in Sydney under the instruction of Cynthia Lochard (Master Trainer).

Their Internationally recognized certification was awarded by Romana Kryzanowska, noted by Joseph Pilates himself in his book “Return to Life”, as his most “conscientious disciple”.

Their teaching style is passionate and committed.

Each session is designed to be different from the previous session, whilst aiming at all times to be specific to the particular needs and goals of each individual.

They are continually learning new skills in an effort to enhance the experience of their clients.

 

Caitlin Ryan

Caitlin began her Pilates journey in 2003 through the support and encouragement of her mother, who is also a Pilates teacher.  She completed her comprehensive Pilates certification training through the PhysicalMind Institute as she was completing her B.A. in Psychology from the University of British Columbia in Vancouver, Canada.

After spending a couple years teaching in Vancouver, Caitlin relocated to Paris France, where she also became a Registered Yoga Teacher. Having also studied Reiki (level 3) Caitlin has a very holistic, intuitive approach to her teaching, and she has been fortunate to teach all types of clientele, from the elderly, to professional athletes, from  Oscar nominated actresses to children.

Since arriving in Sydney, Caitlin has also completed STOTT Pilates Intensive Reformer training, and will soon complete her Xtend Barre teacher training.  “I’m so excited to be living in working in Sydney, sharing Pilates’ genius with yet another part of the world!”

 

Kirsty Cutting

Kirsty began dancing at the age of 4, as a student in her mother’s London-based dance studio. So passionate about dance, Kirsty dedicated her life to years of committed training in London and eventually in New York.

Working as a dancer, she explored life as a Ballerina and Jazz dancer and eventually qualified as a teacher of these disciplines.

Incorporating her dance background with her passion for Pilates has been a natural progression for Kirsty, as each system embody the same principles of grace, form and technique.

“I look forward to teaching people that exercise does not have to separate the body from the soul; in fact it should unite the two. Learning to move with strength and grace in your own body is the ultimate goal in my training. It is a gift that every body can achieve! See you in class”

 

Shay Stafford

After a dance career spanning nearly 20 years, 13 spent in Paris at the famous Moulin Rouge and Lido as a lead performer and dance captain, Shay retired from the stage to take on motherhood.  She moved home to Sydney with her young family and threw herself into Pilates training to regain her pre-baby dancer’s body. And then she discovered Xtend Barre. “Xtend and Pilates are a match made in heaven, and I now feel stronger than ever.”

Shay is delighted to be teaching Xtend Barre. She is trained in Pilates Mat and Reformer in the Elixr Pilates Method, is a registered fitness leader with Fitness Australia and she continues to teach dance workshops. Shay is also the author of Memoirs of a Showgirl.

 

Tracie Morley

Tracie has carved an outstanding career in the Entertainment Industry performing in Musical Theatre, Film & TV and is highly regarded as one of Australia’s most sought after performers.
Tracie was first introduced to Pilates over 15 years ago and has continued to use The Pilates Method as her major form of supplementary exercise. As a professional dancer she understands how important it is to keep the body conditioned.
Since being awarded The Graduate Certificate In The Pilates Method (Foundations of Pilates Method 1 & 2 & The Professional Training In The Pilates Method) through The University Of Technology Sydney, Tracie has gone on to teach Pilates all over Australia and is eager to pass on the knowledge she has gained through her experience. She has a true passion for teaching Pilates & is excited to be a part of the Bondi Pilates Team.

 

“Suffice to say that incorrect habits are responsible for most of our ailments. Equally true is the statement that only through proper education is it possible to replace bad habits with good ones….(and so)…one can be assured of regained health and renewed happiness.” JOSEPH PILATES