About Marcelle

Movement specialist

Marcelle has been involved in body work ever since her introduction to ballet at the age of 4, studying classical ballet throughout her school years, including as a school subject. Ballet and dance would prove a lifelong activity, and it was through her ballet teacher — the highly esteemed Jennifer Paynter (RAD examiner and teacher trainer) — that she was introduced to the Pilates method as an adult.

An interest in body mechanics, anatomy, and the search for how to make the body work correctly was sparked, starting an ongoing study of the human body and subsequent Pilates training in the Body Control Pilates method, followed by full instructor certification through Pilates Conditioning (PTAF, South Africa) and STOTT Pilates (Canada). Marcelle also holds a Master’s Degree in Music (cum laude, Stellenbosch University) 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, the Franklin Method, fascial integration work, Pranayama and meditation — combining everything she has learnt into her classes, thereby creating unique lessons with a different focus for each student.

Qualifications

MMus — University of Stellenbosch (cum laude). Thesis: Breathe in for nothing: an interpretative phenomenological analysis exploring the influence of a Pilates warm-up in singers
BA.DHE — University of Cape Town
STOTT Pilates — Matwork and full equipment (Canada)
Pilates Conditioning — PTAF (Pretoria Technikon, South Africa)
Ongoing study in Yoga, Reiki, Franklin Method, fascial integration, Pranayama, meditation

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

What clients say

“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.”
— M.B., Policewoman (she successfully ran a half-marathon some years later)

“I fractured part of my lower spine in a horse riding accident. I booked in for 5 private sessions to see if Pilates would be able to help ease my back pain… 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. Two years later 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.”
— R.E., Career woman

“I have suffered all my life from a weak back which caused me pain of varying degrees. 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.”
— A.A., Retired Policeman

“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.”
— J.V., business woman & mom (Barre online)

“Marcelle has an amazing ability to teach via video conference and make you feel like you are in the room with her. She notices everything and provides very specific feedback and encouragement.”
— J.S., international business woman