Teachers
ÖZLEM PEKER
Ozlem has over twenty years of experience in Pilates and movement. She took her first Pilates mat teacher training in Moscow and continued her education with BASI PILATES and the LEGACY PROGRAM with BASI. Her inspiration with movement is inspired by her teacher training in Ashtanga Yoga and mindfulness MBSR teacher training. Combining all of her studies and philosophies Ozlem creates space for practitioners while connecting with the breath. Technique and alignment are fundamental to her teachings. She is certified in pre-natal and post-natal Pilates with BASI and ensures her clients practice right movement and breath work.
Ozlem has completed her training in MCBT, Mindfulness based Cognitive therapy and MBCL, Mindfulness based compassion living.
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Movement is fundamental to all her teachings and her goal is to share this knowledge with everybody that joins her at Step in Pilates.
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Ozlem offers personalized Mindful Movement Coaching services that focus on improving posture, incorporating breathing techniques, and reducing stress through body movement sessions. Additionally, she hosts workshops designed to strengthen the body and alleviate stress during the pre and menopausal stages of life. Ozlem firmly believes that by incorporating mindful movement practices, individuals can prevent and alleviate various diseases, while also increasing physical strength and flexibility, and lowering stress levels.
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To book a session or workshop, send us an email.
KRISTEL PUNGARTNIK
Kristel is passionate about helping others heal through mindful movement. As a certified Pilates instructor with a focus on precision, control, and breathwork, she integrates her holistic approach to wellness into every class.
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Over the years, Kristel has seen how transformative these practices can be, not only for herself but for others. She believes that everyone deserves the benefits of a more balanced and fulfilled life, and she’s committed to helping others to achieve that.
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Kristel’s teaching style challenges her students to reach their limits while maintaining the quality of their movements, ensuring that each session strengthens both the mind and body. Her goal is to help you build a strong mind-body connection that you can take with you beyond the studio. Come move with Kristel and experience the transformative benefits of Pilates!
'Step out of your daily routine, let your mind lead and guide you through your body. Invest in creating a better understanding of your moving body.’
Cleo Kwaaitaal
CLEO KWAAITAAL
Cleo has been working with movement since she was very young. Cleo had a successful career in classical and modern dance. She studied at the Koninklijk Conservatorium for six years in The Hague and the Scapino Dans Academy. Later in life, Cleo continued her movement education, completing her Pilates Mat and studio education with Polestar. Cleo trained with Debbie Jenner in Pilates Reformer, and more recently, she follows classes with Ellen Meijer to teach Fascia Release. Cleo is a regular teacher at the University of Amsterdam (UVA) with CREA teaching ballet. Cleo teaches Fascia Release and Pilates mat classes in Amsterdam.
Cleo believes movement is essential to feel free and maintain a fit body and positive mind. Ballet, Yoga, Dance and MovNat inspire Cleo's teaching style for Pilates. Her classes concentrate on strength, flexibility and flow to support everyday movements. Cleo challenges her practitioners to let go of external daily pressure and to connect to their inner energy. Cleo's classes have a tempo and pace that creates momentum while moving. Her students often observe that they feel light-hearted and more connected to themselves after her class. Cleo brings a joyful touch to all of her classes.
All levels are welcome in her classes.
JULIE DUPAS
Meet Julie, a seasoned Pilates instructor with a unique journey that intertwines her love for biology and passion for Pilates. Formerly a Biology teacher for five years with a distinguished PhD, Julie adds a scientific touch to her holistic approach.
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In 2019, Julie completed her mat and comprehensive Pilates education at Smartbody, setting the stage for her role as a Pilates teacher in and around Amsterdam. Known for her attention to detail, Julie collaborates with you to reach your goals, whether it's recovering from an injury or simply feeling better in your body.
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This year, Julie is expanding her expertise by embarking on a massage education journey, further enriching her ability to support her clients comprehensively. Beyond the Pilates studio, Julie's heart beats to the rhythm of ballet. She danced at the Brest Conservatory for four years, founded the Morlaix ballet camp offering summer intensives for adults, and leads her own adult ballet company in Amsterdam, Amsterdam Amateur Ballet.
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Fluent in English and French, Julie is also mastering Dutch, reflecting her commitment to connect with and serve the diverse Amsterdam community. Step into a transformative Pilates experience tailored to your unique journey with Julie!
MARENS NIJLAND
Marens is a BASI-certified Pilates teacher. Pilates has always been a common thread running through her daily life. Her first encounter with Pilates was in 2001, but It wasn't until 2010 that Marens started practising regularly. First, as a hobby, and later, Pilates helped her recover from a hip injury. In 2018 Marens found a misalignment in her work/life balance and decided to change course. The choice to become a Pilates teacher was a natural next step.
When you practice with Marens, you are the centre of her attention. She says, 'everybody has a different body, and I will try my best to help you achieve your goals’. Whether you are a beginner or a more advanced pilates enthusiast, Maren will always find ways to challenge you.
It's true what Joseph Pilates says: in 10 sessions; you'll feel the difference; in 20 sessions, you'll see the difference, and in 30 sessions, you'll have a whole new body.
Marens looks forward to seeing you soon in the studio very soon.
PATRICIA ORTOLAN
Patricia is a Physiotherapist by trade and passion graduated in Brazil, specialized in the elderly and vulnerable.
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She has experience teaching personalized Pilates classes for rehabilitation, prevention of injuries and pains , women's health and elderly people.
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She has been a STOTT Pilates Instructor for the past 11 years. During that time she has also completed many equipment and MAT courses, and most recently BASI Pilates Teacher Training and BASI Pilates for Injuries and Pathology.
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Patricia learned about Pilates while she was in college and loved the way that it helps you mentally and physically.
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She believes that Pilates helps people empower themselves through movement and also assist them to improve their quality of life.
WIWIT JUWITA
Wiwit is a pilates instructor. She got her mat certification at Smartbody in 2015 and finished her comprehensive there in 2018.
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As a child Wiwit did competitive gymnastics, which left her with lumbar lordosis and lower back pain as an adult. While studying biology Wiwit started practicing pilates in 2006. Despite initial scepticism, she found pilates connected her to parts of her body she never connected with before and her lower back pain slowly but surely disappeared. This got her hooked. After a career as a tropical ecologist, she decided to combine teaching biology with teaching pilates.
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A class with Wiwit will always be different, as she keeps looking for new knowledge about the body and movement and loves to share this with her students.
BURCU ÖZDEMÄ°R
Burcu's journey into Pilates began with a love for movement that she's carried since her active childhood. After completing her Pilates Mat education in Amsterdam in 2015, she pursued Comprehensive BASI Pilates Teacher Training, deepening her passion for the practice.
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Burcu's inspiration to become a Pilates teacher came naturally - she couldn't stop doing it once she started. The effectiveness of Pilates movements for the entire body fascinated her. She believes that mastering the method's principles empowers individuals to control and balance their bodies, leading to the confidence to embrace more challenging activities.
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For beginners, Burcu emphasizes the benefits of Pilates in creating body awareness and teaching how to initiate movements correctly. It's about understanding your body's limits and honoring them. With time and practice, Pilates builds strength, control, and a liberated spine. Burcu's goal is to share the joy of Pilates with everyone and help them find balance and control through intentional movement.
FRANCESCA ORSO
Meet Francesca, Hailing from Italy, Francesca's journey through the world of movement began with a passion for sports and the performing arts, eventually leading her to specialize in circus arts with a focus on handstands. After honing her skills and working as an acrobat and choreographer across Europe, Francesca returned to Italy to pursue her true calling—teaching Pilates.
With certifications in Matwork, Reformer, and Cadillac Pilates, Francesca brings a wealth of knowledge and a creative, personalized approach to every class. Her teaching style is a harmonious blend of strength, precision, and fluidity, designed to help you build a strong foundation, enhance your flexibility, and improve overall body awareness.
Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced practitioner, Francesca’s classes offer something for everyone. Her unique background allows her to connect deeply with clients, understanding their individual needs and helping them achieve their personal wellness goals.
ADRIANO GONGORA
Meet Adriano, born in Brazil with Italian-Brazilian roots, he brings a passion for movement and fitness to every session. With a degree in Physical Education and specializations in Pilates Reformer and Mat, Fitness, and Personal Training, he has dedicated his career to guiding individuals on their path to better health and well-being. Over the years, he has had the privilege of working with people of all ages, from children to adults, across Italy, Brazil, and now the Netherlands.
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Currently, he offers a diverse range of training, including Personal Training, Pilates Reformer and Mat (including Pre and Postnatal), Boxing, Capoeira, Functional Training, and Bootcamp group classes. His mission is simple: to make his clients feel happy, confident, and strong by helping them achieve their goals and desires. There’s no greater reward for him than witnessing the transformation that fitness can bring into someone’s life. Let him guide you on your journey to reach your full potential!
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