Sara's Experience
Professional Ballet Dancer and Classical Pilates Teacher
My name is Sara Ouwendyk, an Australian professional ballet dancer and Classical Pilates instructor with a deep passion for movement and the human body. My journey with Pilates began at the age of 12, alongside my dance training. While Pilates initially served as a supportive practice for dance, it wasn’t until my professional career that I truly understood its profound impact on performance, injury prevention, and overall body awareness.
I spent three formative years training at the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts (WAAPA), where I also began working with my first personal trainer in the gym. This introduction to strength training deepened my commitment to physical conditioning. As my dance career progressed, I discovered how Pilates could complement and enhance my training—helping me stay strong, recover from injuries, and develop a deeper understanding of my body.
After completing my studies, I joined the West Australian Ballet (WAB) and later relocated to Geneva, where I have been based for the past six years. Living in Geneva allowed me to continue my professional ballet career while deepening my connection to Pilates, which became an essential part of my daily routine. Since stepping away from the professional dance world, Pilates now supports my life and overall physical well-being and forms the foundation of my work today.
Alongside dance, I developed a strong interest in weight training, and Pilates proved to be the perfect complement to both my gym training and dance background—providing balance, resilience, and long-term physical support throughout my movement journey.
As a Classical Pilates instructor, I am passionate about sharing my experience and helping others understand their bodies and move with greater awareness. My goal is to support you in building strength, improving mobility, and finding confidence and joy in your own practice—whatever your movement or fitness goals may be.
Sara x
Training & Certifications
I completed my comprehensive Classical Pilates teacher training through the Classical Pilates Centre (UK), a programme rooted in the traditional Romana Kryzanowska lineage — directly connected to the original teachings of Joseph Pilates himself.
The training covers the full classical repertoire across all apparatus: Reformer, Cadillac, Wunda Chair, Ladder Barrel, Magic Circle and Mat. This thorough grounding in the complete system is what makes Classical Pilates so different from contemporary or reformer-only approaches.
Prior to teaching, my understanding of the body was shaped by over a decade of professional ballet performance — including with the West Australian Ballet and the Grand Théâtre de Genève — and by training at the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts (WAAPA), one of Australia's most respected performing arts conservatoires.
Today I teach at Le Pilates Loft in Thônex, Geneva — a fully equipped Classical Pilates studio with the complete range of original apparatus.
Classical Pilates
Classical Pilates is the original technique developed by Joseph Pilates in the early 20th century. It emphasizes a specific sequence of exercises designed to build core strength, flexibility, balance, posture, and overall body control.
A key principle of Classical Pilates is the focus on precise, controlled movements. Each exercise is performed with strong emphasis on technique, alignment, and breath control, which maximizes its effectiveness.
In our Pilates coaching sessions, we will train using all the classical Pilates equipment, including the Reformer, Cadillac or Tower, Wunda Chair, and Magic Circle. These apparatuses were invented by Joseph Pilates himself and are designed to support and challenge the body in specific ways.
Why Try Classical Pilates?
Classical Pilates offers numerous benefits, from improved posture and flexibility to enhanced core strength and reduced stress. It’s more than just physical exercise; it integrates mental focus and breath control, promoting a mind-body connection that enhances overall well-being.
This practice suits all ages and fitness levels, making it accessible whether you're a beginner or a seasoned practitioner. No matter your current fitness level, Classical Pilates can be adapted to suit your individual needs. The technique provides a strong foundation of fundamental movements that through practice will deepen your mind-body connection as well as overall well-being.
"Pilates is a technique designed to support your life. You should move in a way that brings you joy and feels good. Move to continue doing the things you love, to easily accomplish everyday tasks, and to achieve new skills and reach your goals"