By a Professional Ballet Dancer & Pilates Instructor
The Great Pilates Debate
One of the questions I’m asked most often is:
“Should I start Pilates at home, or should I join a studio?”
As both a professional ballerina and a classical Pilates instructor, my answer is always the same:
There isn’t one “perfect” choice. There is only the choice that’s perfect for your life.
For some women, walking into a boutique Pilates studio each week provides the guidance, accountability and motivation they need. For others -especially busy mums, professionals or anyone juggling a full schedule-being able to roll out a mat at home for a 10-minute workout is what makes consistency possible.
The beautiful thing about Pilates is that it doesn’t have to fit into one box. Whether you’re exercising in a peaceful studio or your living room while the kids are napping, you’re still investing in your body.
At Studio Martelle, I believe Pilates should support your lifestyle -not create more stress. My goal is to help every woman develop a stronger core, beautiful posture and elegant movement, whether she’s joining me for private Pilates in my Kew East studio or following my Pilates Like a Ballerina online program from home.
Because ultimately…
The best Pilates workout is the one you’ll actually do consistently.
Why Ballet and Pilates Go Hand in Hand
People are often surprised to learn that professional dancers rely heavily on Pilates.
Throughout my ballet career, Pilates wasn’t just another workout—it was essential. It helped develop the deep muscles that support graceful movement, balance, control and strength while reducing unnecessary tension throughout the body.
One of the biggest misconceptions is that ballet is about being naturally flexible or slim.
It isn’t.
Ballet is about learning how to use the correct muscles.
It’s about standing taller without stiffness.
Walking with confidence instead of collapsing into your hips.
Moving with strength while appearing effortless.
This is exactly what I love bringing into my Pilates teaching.
My classes combine the precision of classical Pilates with the elegance of classical ballet, helping women build functional strength while creating beautiful posture and fluid movement—without needing any ballet experience whatsoever.
What Studio Pilates Offers
There are so many benefits to learning Pilates in person, especially if you’re new to the method or have specific goals.
At Studio Martelle in Melbourne’s Kew East, I offer private sessions, semi-private sessions on our two English Made Align Reformers- intimate classes so every client receives plenty of individual attention.
Here are some reasons why studio Pilates (specifically Private sessions) can be such a wonderful investment:
Personalised Technique Corrections
One of the biggest advantages of working with an instructor is learning exactly how your body should move.
Small adjustments often make a huge difference.
Sometimes lifting your ribs less, engaging your deep abdominal muscles more, or changing the position of your pelvis completely transforms an exercise.
These are the subtle details that create long-term results.
Rather than simply “getting through” a workout, you’ll learn how to move correctly so every exercise becomes more effective.
Reformer Pilates
The Reformer is an incredible piece of equipment.
Using spring resistance, it can both support and challenge your body while helping improve strength, mobility, posture and coordination.
Many clients are surprised that the Reformer isn’t simply about making exercises harder.
Sometimes it actually helps you discover muscles you’ve never been able to activate before.
Individual Attention
Unlike large commercial classes where instructors are teaching 15–20 people at once, Studio Martelle keeps sessions intentionally small.
Private sessions allow me to tailor every exercise specifically to your body.
Semi-private sessions offer the same personalised experience while sharing the session with one other person.
Our small group classes are also designed so you never feel like you’re simply another number.
Accountability
Let’s be honest.
If you’ve booked a session, you’re much more likely to show up.
Having someone expecting you creates consistency—and consistency is where real transformation happens.
A Calm Boutique Experience
Many people feel intimidated walking into busy gyms.
I wanted Studio Martelle to feel completely different.
It’s a welcoming boutique space where women of all ages and abilities can move confidently without comparison or pressure.
Whether you’re completely new to Pilates or returning after years away, you’ll be supported every step of the way.
The Benefits of At-Home Pilates
Studio Pilates is wonderful -but so is home Pilates.
In fact, it’s why I created Pilates Like a Ballerina.
As much as I love teaching in person, I also know life gets busy.
Many women simply can’t make multiple studio sessions every week.
Between work, children, school pick-ups and everything else life throws at us, sometimes finding an uninterrupted hour feels impossible.
That’s where home Pilates truly shines.
Flexibility Around Your Life
One of the biggest advantages of online Pilates is freedom.
You can complete a workout before the children wake up.
During lunch.
After dinner.
Or even squeeze in five minutes while dinner is cooking.
You don’t have to organise childcare.
You don’t have to drive anywhere.
Your workout is ready whenever you are.
Short Workouts That Actually Work
One of the biggest myths in fitness is that workouts need to be long to be effective.
They don’t.
Inside Pilates Like a Ballerina, many workouts are between 5 and 20 minutes because that’s what busy women can realistically maintain.
Done consistently, these short sessions can completely transform your posture, strength and body awareness.
Small daily habits almost always outperform occasional marathon workouts.
Learn Without Feeling Self-Conscious
Beginning something new can feel intimidating.
At home, you can pause the video.
Repeat an exercise.
Watch it again.
Take your time learning the movements without worrying about anyone watching.
For many beginners, this builds confidence much faster.
Beautiful Posture Begins with Your Core
One thing I hear all the time is:
“I just need to remember to stand up straight.”
Actually…
Great posture isn’t something you force.
It’s something your muscles naturally support (your body learns muscle memory!)
When your deep core, glutes and upper back become stronger, standing taller becomes effortless.
That’s exactly what my online program is designed to teach.
No Ballet Experience Needed
Despite the name, Pilates Like a Ballerina isn’t a ballet class.
You won’t be learning choreography.
Instead, you’ll learn the principles dancers use every day:
• Beautiful posture
• Elegant alignment
• Deep core control
• Graceful movement
• Strong, mobile hips
• Improved balance
• Better body awareness
Everything is taught in a beginner-friendly way using classical Pilates with subtle ballet inspiration.
Studio Pilates vs At-Home Pilates
| Studio Pilates | Pilates Like a Ballerina |
|---|---|
| Personal instruction | Guided video coaching |
| Reformer equipment | Mat Pilates from home |
| Fixed class times | Work out anytime |
| Personal corrections | Repeat lessons as often as you like |
| Boutique community | Learn wherever you are |
| Ideal for technique | Ideal for building consistency |
The truth is…
Both work.
The best option depends on what fits your lifestyle.
Which One Gets Better Results?
This might surprise you.
The biggest factor isn’t whether you’re using a Reformer.
It isn’t whether you’re in a studio.
It isn’t whether your class costs $30 or $300.
It’s consistency.
Someone completing four thoughtful Pilates sessions every week at home will almost always see better progress than someone attending one studio class every fortnight.
Your body responds to regular movement.
Not occasional perfection.
My Favourite Approach: Combining Both
If you can, I genuinely believe a combination of both worlds offers the best experience.
Visit the studio occasionally to refine your technique.
Learn new exercises.
Receive personalised corrections.
Then continue building your strength at home between sessions.
This is exactly how many of my clients work with me.
They enjoy private or semi-private sessions at Studio Martelle while using Pilates Like a Ballerina throughout the week to stay consistent.
It creates beautiful momentum.
What Makes Pilates Like a Ballerina Different?
There are thousands of online Pilates workouts.
But this isn’t just another fitness program.
It’s built around the movement principles I’ve developed through years of professional ballet training and classical Pilates.
Inside the 8-week program you’ll find:
✔ Short 5–20 minute workouts
✔ Progressive weekly challenges
✔ Classical Pilates with elegant ballet-inspired movement
✔ Deep core strengthening
✔ Exercises to improve posture and alignment
✔ Low-impact sessions that are kind to your joints
✔ Workouts suitable for busy mums and beginners
✔ Coaching that teaches you how to move -not just what to do
The goal isn’t simply to exercise.
It’s to help you move with confidence every single day.
Is Studio Pilates Right for You?
Studio Pilates may be perfect if you:
• Enjoy personalised coaching
• Want to use the Reformer
• Are recovering from injury (with appropriate healthcare guidance)
• Love face-to-face accountability
• Want detailed technique corrections
Our private and semi-private classes at Studio Martelle are designed to give every client the attention they deserve in a calm, welcoming environment.
Is Pilates Like a Ballerina Right for You?
My online program could be perfect if you:
• Have a busy schedule
• Are a mum trying to fit movement into your day
• Are new to Pilates
• Prefer exercising at home
• Want beautiful Ballerina posture
• Would love a stronger, deeper core
• Enjoy graceful, low-impact movement
• Want to feel stronger without high-intensity workouts
Frequently Asked Questions
Is home Pilates really effective?
Absolutely.
When you follow a structured program and practise consistently, home Pilates can dramatically improve your core strength, posture, balance and body awareness.
Can beginners do Pilates Like a Ballerina?
Yes.
The program is designed for beginners through to intermediate levels.
Every workout focuses on learning good movement patterns first before progressing.
No dance experience is needed.
Do I need a Reformer?
Not at all.
The online program is mat-based, making it easy to complete at home with very little equipment.
If you’d like to experience the Reformer, you can also join me for private or semi-private sessions at Studio Martelle.
Will ballet-inspired Pilates make me look like a ballerina?
While no workout can promise a particular body shape, Pilates and ballet share movement principles that can help improve posture, build strength, increase body awareness and create a more graceful way of moving. Many people notice they stand taller, feel stronger through their core and move with greater ease over time.
Final Thoughts
As a professional ballerina, I’ve spent years learning that true strength isn’t about pushing harder.
It’s about moving well.
Using the right muscles.
Standing with confidence.
Building a body that supports you for life.
Whether you join me at Studio Martelle in Kew East for private, semi-private or small group Pilates, or begin your journey from home with Pilates Like a Ballerina, my goal is exactly the same.
To help you develop elegant posture, deep core strength and the confidence that comes from moving beautifully.
Because Pilates isn’t about becoming a ballerina.
It’s about discovering the strength, grace and confidence that’s already within you.
Martelle 
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