Our Instructors
Donna Leuenberger
Studio Owner and Instructor
Donna has always had an interest in health, science and wellbeing. After studying Biochemistry she worked in the Healthcare sector primarily with clinical data and has experience working in a Biochemistry Laboratory.
Her transition to a Pilates instructor allowed her to deepen her understanding of the human body. This enabled her to share her passion of health and wellness in a more tangible way.
She also loves that Pilates is for all fitness levels, ages and abilities. She is committed to improving the health and fitness of herself and others with Pilates in a joyful environment.
Donna has the following certifications with BASI® Pilates: Comprehensive Teacher Training Program, Mentor Program, Pilates for Injuries and Pathologies and Pilates for Pregnancy and Beyond, Mat Class with Props, Verbal and Tactile Cueing, Achieving Flow in a Mat Class.
Donna teaches Group classes in English and Private classes in English and Basic German.
Bettina Weber (Betty)
With a childhood immersed in ballet and diverse artistic pursuits, Betty developed a passion for Pilates during early adulthood. Although, initially studying Communication Design, her commitment to Pilates led to a Pilates Certification and membership in the German Pilates Association.
Pilates became a transformative force, fostering strength and confidence. Betty shares this knowledge, emphasizing mindful and conscious movement for self healing. She advocates that internal wellbeing surpasses external perfection. Her mission is to guide participants towards holistic health, happiness and personal success.
Continuously expanding her knowledge and expertise, Betty has completed further training in Flying Pilates, Fascia therapy, Vinyasa Power Yoga and QiGong.
Betty has the following certifications with BASI® Pilates: Comprehensive Teacher Training Program.
Betty teaches in German.
Betty will teach pop up classes on the following Saturdays: 13.4.23, 20.4.23, 11.5.23, 25.5.23, 15.6.24, 29.6.24, 13.7.24, 27.7.24, 10.8.24, 24.8.24
Mariana Taffarel
Mariana believes that movement is an excellent tool to balance body and mind.
Born and raised in Brazil, movement, rhythm and dance have been a huge part of her life. She danced ballet for 8 years, and has been practicing different styles of dance and movement for over 20 years.
She was introduced to Pilates in 2012 by her physiotherapist as a treatment for scoliosis and back pain. She loves that Pilates is both challenging and relaxing.
Her goal is to provide her clients with the integral benefits of Pilates, such as greater flexibility, muscle strength, body awareness, stress relief and joy.
Mariana has the following certifications with BASI® Pilates: Comprehensive Teacher Training Program, Pilates for scoliosis, Pilates for pregnancy and beyond, Advanced mat, the principle of flow in a mat class, mat with props, and teaching methodology – verbal and tactile cueing.
She has the following additional qualifications:
Classical dancer at Ballet Redenção, Porto Alegre
Brazilian rhythms and dances at Núcleo de Arte e Dança
Language Bachelor: Portuguese – English, Universidade Federal Rio Grande do Sul
Mariana teaches in English, Brazilian Portuguese and German. She will teach at the studio on Tuesdays, starting from 20th February 2024.