meet Rafaella
I’ve been dancing since I was five, growing up in my parents’ dance school and competing in Rock ’n’ Roll until my teens. By 17, I was already teaching Jazz and Modern dance to children and adults, and soon became a professional performer across Belgium, The Netherlands and Luxemburg.. and soon, at 21, I launched my own artist agency, which became both my passion and my work until I was 34, combining professional performance with managing the agency.
How Pilates Became My Path
A pelvic injury shifted my path and led me to Pilates, which not only eased my pain but gave me full awareness of my body. I began incorporating Pilates into my dance classes, and soon my passion for the method grew into professional training. I completed mat modules with Classical Pilates and Peak Pilates (Ernie Prevoo) in the Netherlands and apparatus training at Balanced Body in Brussels (Michael Lodge).
What began as a hobby soon grew into full classes in Belgium at Heracles Westerlo and NRG Lier, eventually leading me to open my first professional Pilates studio. Years later, I felt a deep desire to continue doing what I loved, teaching, but on the other side of the world (my dream). In the Dominican Republic, I discovered the vibrant, lush, and inspiring town of Cabarete, home to a large expat community passionate about sports, health, and wellness. Surrounded by greenery, ocean, and a rich local culture, I established my new Pilates studio here to continue sharing my passion.
Joseph Pilates
Joseph Pilates & the Origin of Pilates
Joseph Hubertus Pilates (1883–1967) was a German-born physical trainer who developed the Pilates method in the early 20th century. Drawing on his knowledge of anatomy, gymnastics, yoga, and martial arts, he created a system of exercises designed to strengthen the body, improve flexibility, enhance posture, and promote mind-body awareness. Originally called “Contrology,”
Pilates was first intended to help rehabilitate and strengthen injured soldiers during World War I. After the war, he moved to New York City, where he opened his first studio and began teaching his method to dancers, athletes, and the general public. The system emphasizes precise, controlled movements, breathing, and alignment to cultivate both physical and mental wellbeing.
