About Danipilates
About Dani
Hi, I’m Danielle, founder of Danipilates, which I established in 2010. My Pilates journey began in 1998 when I first started taking classes to strengthen my back after years of pain caused by scoliosis throughout my teens and early twenties. Through Pilates, that pain gradually disappeared, and I experienced first-hand how transformative the method can be.
In 2006, I trained with Body Control Pilates and qualified as a matwork instructor. A pivotal moment in my career came in 2010 when I met Kirk Smith, a second-generation Pilates teacher, who introduced me to Classical Pilates and the studio system. This completely changed my understanding of the method. My body transformed, and I truly grasped the brilliance and integrity of Pilates for the first time. I undertook my classical training with Kirk and have never looked back.
Today, I work from my small boutique home studio, fully equipped with Gratz apparatus including the Reformer, Tower, Chairs, and Barrels. I offer bespoke one-to-one and duet sessions, tailoring each programme to support your body’s individual needs, goals, and history.
Alongside Pilates, I am also a qualified Muscle Activation Techniques (MAT) Specialist, having certified in 2020. MAT is a hands-on assessment and treatment approach that identifies and corrects muscle inhibition. By improving muscle activation, MAT helps restore balance, increase stability, and reduce pain—allowing the body to move more efficiently and with greater confidence, both in daily life and in Pilates practice.