Meet the Team
Our experienced teachers are at the core of our community. They boast extremely diverse backgrounds, making each class at Little Mandarin a unique and enriching experience.
Together we will help you realise your potential and celebrate your progress.
Jowing Zhang (English/普通话)
My yoga journey began as a quest for greater flexibility and a sanctuary from the stresses of my graphic design career. What started as a physical pursuit quickly deepened, drawing me into the meditative and spiritual essence of yoga.
As a dreamer, I envisioned a life intertwined with yoga, and with a leap of faith, I transitioned from graphic design to yoga instruction. Over the past 15 years, my dream has flourished in Melbourne, a city that captivates me with its vibrant culture and charm.
My biggest dream, however, was to create a sanctuary not just for myself but for a global community—a place where individuals from diverse backgrounds could gather, learn, and grow together. This vision came to life with the birth of Little Mandarin.
I invite you to join our welcoming, multicultural family. Experience the unique energy of Little Mandarin, discover your hidden strengths, and connect with a world of new friends and possibilities!
Nurşah Dikmen (English/Turkish)
From an early age, I have been interested in movement disciplines such as pilates and yoga, so after graduating from the physiotherapy undergraduate program as a valedictorian, I have completed my Yoga Teacher Training, Restorative Yoga Teacher Training, Pranayama Training, Mat and Reformer Pilates Instructor Training.
I have run my own physiotherapy, pilates, and yoga clinic for three and a half years in my home country Turkey and one of my specialties as a physiotherapist is pelvic floor rehabilitation & sexual health therapy and I believe pre and postnatal pilates and yoga work best when combining these two modalities together.
I greatly enjoy giving lessons in pilates and yoga, and I also give online ‘Yoga Anatomy’ lessons to students who are in their yoga teacher training. The learning journey never stops, with that motto in my heart, I moved to one of the most liveable cities in the world, Melbourne, to do a postgraduate degree in physiotherapy.
Kelly Foong (English, Malay, 粵語，華語 and 日本語）
I moved to New York City with my husband and dog, Harper in July 2019 and after four amazing years, in August 2023, we moved home and I am ready to settle back into Melbourne and return to the beautiful Little Mandarin community for a new chapter of life. I am so excited to be back!
In 2016, I completed my 200-hour vinyasa yoga teacher training with Meghan Currie. I am always a student and have since completed various other training, such as hands-on adjustments, yin, aerial and Ashtanga. In my personal practice, I am a student of the Ashtanga intermediate series. Whilst I was in NYC, I was an Ashtanga assistant and teacher at Ashtanga Open Practice, and I also taught at various Y7 Studio and CorePower Yoga locations in NYC.
My hope is to share the practice with others in a welcoming and non-judgmental manner. Expect classes that are sneakily challenging, and focused on slow transitions so you can start to build strength and flexibility whilst learning to align as you move with your breath. I love the juxtaposition between the fluid and creative sequences of vinyasa with Ashtanga’s logic and structure and so in my classes, I try to bring aspects of both of my loves into my teaching. Hands-on adjustments are always provided with permission. Leave expectations behind, trust the process and just come play!
Paul Gere (English）
Since a young age, I have been attracted to mindful movement practices founded on functionality. In my youth, I competed nationally in Judo and later went on to study several forms of traditional Chinese Kung Fu. The parallels between martial arts, Yoga, and Pilates were immediately clear to me. I have a personal Yoga practice that spans two decades and have found a daily practice to be the perfect balance to my often demanding work as a designer in the fashion industry.
I have a particular interest in longevity science and consider mindful movement practice to be essential at all stages of life. My goal is to deliver a deliberate-paced class with smooth transitions, extended holds, and a focus on gently encouraging students to discover a strength within themselves and their practice. Expect to be invited to find your edge, wherever that might be today.
Suellen Zhang (English/普通话/Français)
A friend's invitation to yoga opened a new world for me, where I quickly fell in love with the practice. Yoga has not only sculpted my body but also enriched my soul, guiding me toward a happier, more authentic self.
My journey took me around the world until Melbourne became my cherished home, where I live my dream as a Yoga teacher. In teaching, I celebrate joy and togetherness, inviting everyone to join in this collective exploration of life.
My practice blends the strength and alignment of Vinyasa with the introspective calm of Yin, embodying the perfect balance between power and peace. I invite you to join me in class, to find your own harmony in mind, body, and spirit.
Emma Cartwright (English)
I am a yoga/aerial/yin teacher and Biodynamic Craniosacral Therapist. My passion for health and well-being is constantly growing and evolving. I began in remedial massage and aromatherapy amongst many other modalities.
As a therapist, I dived into yoga to keep my body and mind balanced and grounded. I am now very excited to be spreading my wings further with Little Mandarin! I love connecting with like minded souls creating a vibrant community.
I encourage students to listen to their bodies and forget about what the pose is ‘supposed’ to look like. I aim to inspire yogis into moving, feeling and adapting into the shape to serve their individual anatomy. I love to incorporate massage skills in adjustments to facilitate a deep experience. My love of pranayama and the subtle yet powerful aspect of energetics are intuitively woven into my classes, leaving students feeling connected and whole. See you on the mat :)
Priscilla Neow (English/Bahasa/粤语）
Deeply humbled and inspired by my peers, teachers, and the environment – my journey into yoga began through a rehabilitation and stabilisation practice to support my professional dance and aerials training 9 years ago. My experience in teaching first began in various forms of dance. I discovered Aerial Yoga in 2014 and uncovered a new sense of freedom in movement. This led me to specialise in teaching Aerial Yoga in order to expand my personal discovery and to share the love I have for the form with others.
As time went on, I found myself was deeply drawn to the philosophy of yoga and naturally my path has diverted deeper down that road which has led me to where I am today.
I aim to bring to individuals from all walks of life a sense of empowerment, peace, introspection through a practice that aims to unify. Intentions, asana, pranayama, and meditation will be incorporated to support each and every student's goals, whether it be to embody the teachings and philosophy of Yoga into their daily lives or to simply live happier within
a more connected and fluid body.
I believe Yoga is for all regardless of race, religion, shape, and circumstance, and I find true joy in sharing my practice. Join me on the mat where we will explore the deeper connection within the self through flow, breathwork, mindful movement, and balance.
It is my privilege to be able to share my practice with you.
Ellen Lee (English/한국어/普通话）
After completing my masters in both Western medicine and Traditional Chinese Medicine, I practiced as a kidney specialist in Shanghai. After relocating to Australia, I have been practicing TCM for over ten years and have a clinic in Camberwell.
As I became a mother of two girls and witnessed the musculoskeletal and mental health illnesses of my patients, I REALLY wanted to discover a way to help connect body and mind.
I felt positive energy to help connect the body and mind through my Pilates practice and now I really have found the effective way of a holistic mind-body-lifestyle.
My group sessions include alignment and sculpting, like Yin-and Yang, focusing on toning the body, correcting posture to reduce pain and balance mind and body to ENJOY life more.
Join my journey together to balance mind, body and LIFE.
Jin Xiong (English, 普通话）
In the banking and financial industry, I was easily getting anxious about my work. I started my yoga journey a few years ago. I was quite surprised when I started to practice, emotions came up more like joy and happiness, and it eased a lot of negative thoughts in my mind. As I spent more time practising, I found the truth that the practice of yoga is not about changing the brain, body, or headstands, or even about gaining greater happiness and joy. I practiced hard as I was addicted to it because I found yoga opened up the possibility of connecting to what I already have — to who I am already. Then I recognised the capacity to relax with the clarity, the space, and the open-ended awareness that already exists in minds. I’m still on this journey to practice and teach. I also like to share my deep passion for teaching and transmitting my practice energy.
Violetta Kapiniaris (English/Greek)
I have been playing basketball since I was 8 years old. After many years of playing basketball and being a very active person (I also tried running, surfing & gymnastics), I knew that the health industry is my home.
I am a fitness instructor and I have 5-years experience of teaching TRX, Spinning, and Aerobic & Body training. I was introduced to Pilates in 2019 when I got my first Pilates certification in Greece. The same year I moved from Greece to Melbourne and I fell in love with pilates. I practiced Pilates (and yoga) every day during the lockdowns and I felt the strongest I ever felt. I expanded my knowledge by getting my second pilates certificate in Melbourne with “One Hot Pilates”.
I also practise Yoga and love handstands and calisthenics which I only practice every now and then the last year.
Working as a full-time Pilates instructor since I moved to Melbourne, I am very excited to see my students making progress, getting physically and mentally stronger, and making them feel free through the movement!
As Joseph said “change happens through movement & movement heals”, I agree and believe that people should always move their bodies in a way that makes them feel good.
You may expect a challenging class with me. So get ready to sweat, a lot! But, don’t worry! I will be right next to you to encourage you and give you a modification that suits you the most!
Claudia Aparicio (English/Spanish)
I am a professional choreogrpaher, dancer and Pilates instructor from Bolivia, South America. From an early age, I discovered a passion for movement and wellness. I became a Pilates instructor in Argentine due to my belief in its potential for training and toning the body, correcting posture and balancing the mind and body.
I have a range of professional experience teaching Pilates in Bolivia, Argentina, Mexico, Cambodia and Australia, and enjoy teaching diverse groups of students from all around the world. I have found that teaching Pilates is a great way for me to get to know and stay connected to my community, and to make a valuable contribution to the people around me.
I love to help my students realise their fitness objectives, and nothing makes me happier than to see my students grow and become more confident in their movement and in themselves.
Elva Wei (English, 普通话)
After completing my Juris Doctor at the University of Melbourne, I started working as a solicitor. Three years into this desk-bound job, my chronic back pain became unbearable. I then began practicing aerial yoga as a sort of physical exercise relief for my back pain. I cherished the physical aspect of yoga and the way a vigorous, sweaty practice made me feel. It didn't take me long to commit to a daily practice, which not only soothed my back pain but also gifted resilience and serenity to my mind.
Yoga has humbled and inspired me in ways I never anticipated, and it sparked a desire that led me to finish an aerial yoga teacher training program. Now I am ready to share my love and joy of practicing yoga with anyone who is willing to step on the mat and take a hold of the silk.
Yihan Hu (English/华语）
With nearly a decade of yoga practice and teaching experience in Asia, I have personally witnessed and embraced the profound benefits of yoga for both myself and my students. Yoga embodies a way of life, and my true calling lies in sharing this holistic practice with a wider audience. My firm belief in the unique advantages of all yoga forms drives my classes, which focus on harmonizing the yin and yang aspects of physical and mental practice. Whether gentle, strong, or intense, my ultimate goal is for the students to find joy in their yoga journey, always emphasizing safety and enjoyment. A blissful savasana at the end provides a serene oasis of calm and grounding.
The selflessness and generosity of my own teachers continue to inspire and motivate me as a dedicated teacher today. Additionally, I express immense gratitude to my students, who have given me the privilege of humbly sharing their passion.
Lela Jamil (English/华话）
With a family history of chronic back pain, I made a promise to myself to be the one to break the cycle. Like most people, my perception of yoga is that it was a slow and gentle form of exercise until I attended one power yoga class. From then on I was hooked. Yoga now is more than an asana practice; it’s my form of moving meditation, it clears my mind, brings peace, and reminds me to be present. 8 years after my ruptured disc in my spine, I strongly believe that because of yoga I am not in any form of pain.
One of the eight limbs of yoga that resonate with me, sthira-sukham asanam, strength and ease, which I am constantly working on during my practice and that I take with me off my mat.
My practice has evolved, I have also included reformer pilates and aerial yoga to complement my mat practice.
I am forever grateful to yoga for not only my physical health but my mental health. I love sharing my love for yoga and reformer with you, hoping that you will find the same joy I do and how it changes life for the better.
Jas Kaur (English/华语/Bahasa）
I began my journey in Pilates and Wellness in 2021 when I moved to Melbourne. I work professionally in the financial services industry and I realised I needed something energising and therapeutic to add to my work-life balance. Pilates was my answer and I became an instructor because I love interacting with people and helping them improve their fitness.
I have worked in Pilates studios teaching reformer and also personalised one-on-one mat work with individual clients.
As an instructor, I enjoy being vocal and encouraging. I place an emphasis on technique and enjoyment so clients can get the most out of my classes and have fun doing it.
I’ve met so many lovely people through Pilates who have become friends of mine. I’m looking forward to meeting even more people through Little Mandarin and I can’t wait to say hello and have a chat.
Ariel Wu (English/國語/台語)
I come from Taiwan and currently reside in Melbourne. I am deeply fascinated by the culture and vibrancy of this city, and I hope to establish the lifestyle I have always dreamed of here - to enjoy working as an aerial yoga teacher. Teaching yoga is a way for me to express and share love, allowing everyone to have a healthier and more complete self.
I am more than willing to share my knowledge and experiences with each and every student. I hope to witness their growth through their practice, not only in terms of physical improvement but also in their spiritual and inner selves.
In my classes, I strive to create a warm, supportive, and respectful environment where every student can feel safe and accepted. I believe that each person has a unique body and abilities, so I tailor the practice intensity accordingly and incorporate both advanced and modified training methods to ensure that each student can practice within their comfort zone.
Yoga is not just a physical exercise; it is an inner exploration and journey of personal growth. Through the integration of breath and meditation, I aim to guide students into the present moment and help them find balance and inner freedom in their practice.
Each class is an opportunity for deep communication with one's inner self, allowing for more space and freedom without being constrained by societal labels. It brings me great joy to see this balance and joy being carried into their daily lives. Let us continue to grow together!
I hope you can find the same joy here and experience how yoga can make life more beautiful.
Eva He(English/普通话）
I first discovered yoga when I was overloaded with stress and anxiety coming from the hotel business that I was running back in 2017, with endless sleepless nights. I started to practice yoga, and through regular practice, it turned more into flexibility. I was enjoying how much more flexible and supple my body was becoming and then it turned into a whole life approach of changing the way that I interact with the rest of the world and actually respecting my body and myself.
Yoga is literally being aware of the breath and when we’re aware of our breath we can tell when we’re feeling stressed. If our breath is short and rapid, then we’re in the kind of fight-or-flight mode but if it’s deeper and more relaxed, we tap into the parasympathetic nervous system and we can actually bypass the mind and check our body into being in that calm state. It’s really exciting to share the practice and bring people to a calm and centered state every day.
Lyda Chan (English, 粤语）
I delved into the fitness world after moving to Melbourne from Hong Kong, and I realised that yoga is an important part of my wellness journey. Through practising yoga poses and mindful breathing, I find that yoga provides stillness when I desire calm; it is a place of energy when I want to be uplifted. As my passion for yoga grew, I decided to undertake my teacher training in 2017 to understand yoga more deeply.
I am not only a yoga instructor, but also a Pilates instructor, an Australian qualified personal trainer, and a fitness professional. I like to incorporate my knowledge of anatomy and human body movement into my yoga classes, with dynamic sequences and the Sanskrit names of poses. I will also explain how the poses affect the body, and make adjustments for people of all ages, abilities, and fitness levels.
With a passion for yoga, I want my students to find strength in their bodies and calmness in their minds.
JoJo Wu (English/普通话）
Being a dedicated yoga and Pilates instructor, I embody the essence of breath, control, and awareness. With a profound journey that began in 2009, my yoga path was forever altered when I encountered Jowing, who emphasized to me the need for a yoga practice. Inspired by her in 2012, I made the decision to leave my banking career and embark on a transformative training journey.
As a mother of three and having experienced an injury which took 11 months to heal, I understand the unique and diverse nature of every individual's physical body. I recognize that each person’s needs and abilities are distinct, and thus, my approach is tailored to focus on the finest details during practice.
Together with the practice of Yoga and Pilates, I discovered more sense in balance and inner strength with flexibility. This newfound equilibrium has not only enriched my personal journey but also informs my teachings, ensuring a comprehensive experience for all participants.
Come and join me to discover the transformative power of these practices as you embark on your own journey towards physical and mental well-being.
Tony Dennis (English)
My journey to yoga began in the ’90s essentially looking to rehab from injury and to see if I could finally touch my toes!
I practiced with an Iyengar teacher here in Melbourne for many years before moving to the Byron Bay region with my family.
It was not until I stumbled upon an Akhanda yoga class that I finally found my deepest connection to yoga. Essentially Akhanda means whole and complete. It is yoga from the foothills of the Himalayas passed from guru to disciple in the Vedic, Nath tradition.
Pranayama, Asana, Mantra, Yogic philosophy, and Meditation are the key tenets.
I have also studied under my root guru Geshe Doga at Tara institute in Mahayana Buddhism; both philosophy and meditation practices.
I love that, in teaching, no matter where we are on our path, beginner, intermediate or advanced, we all learn. I am a lifetime student of yoga and my classes aim to take us from the outer grosser levels of awareness through to subtler levels of attention to mind, body and breath.
Jane Zhan Shen (普通话/English)
I was an aerobics teacher in China. I found that practicing yoga was really helpful in relieving my pressure both physically and mentally from my teaching job. I enjoyed how yoga helped me to improve my body alignment and mental stress in a more static way rather than an intense activity.
With such thoughts in mind, after moving to Melbourne with my family, I began practicing aerial yoga regularly at Little Mandarin. During my practice, I had a new cognition of aerial yoga that it is not just those hard poses and fancy moves. It taught me that we can look at things from different angles.
I was pregnant during covid lockdown. It was a very difficult time for many of us. Yoga became my spiritual support. Although we couldn’t attend face-to-face lessons, I still persisted in mat yoga on Zoom. After the birth, I could regain low silk alignment which not just eased the stress from my upper back but also corrected lots of physical changes caused by my pregnancy. Meanwhile, I completed a small goal that I always wanted to achieve “aerial yoga training”. Thanks to Little Mandarin for giving me this opportunity to communicate and learn with others.
Namaste🙏
Chloe Wong (English/粤语/普通话)
Being curious about how Pilates benefits our health, I began my Pilates journey when I was a fourth-year physiotherapy student. After two years of practice, I started to teach private and group Pilates in Macau.
As a physiotherapist, my speciality is movement analysis, and I am confident in providing clinical assessment as well as prescribing tailored exercise in a safe environment.
Pilates has been my one and only exercise for the past four years. I realize my own strengths and limitations by practicing Pilates therefore I am very keen to share this amazing art with people.
In my class, I encourage the integration of breathing, mind and body which allows my students to listen to and control themselves. It is always rewarding to see the progression of my students, and this is why I love teaching Pilates. Come to join our community and glow up together!
Janice Lei (English, 普通话, 粤语)
I am a second-year Doctor of Physiotherapy student with an academic background in biomedical science and public health. Having studied anatomy and physiology extensively, I realised that being capable of moving our bodies is a privilege. I have always loved sports growing up and experienced how energising and uplifting exercise can be. Currently, I am especially fond of combining Pilates with powerlifting training to achieve a balanced exercise routine.
I hope to create a safe space for every individual to move, build strength, and grow together in class. As a future healthcare professional, I strongly believe that movement is an essential part of health and well-being, not only for the present but also for your future. It would be my pleasure to share the same empowering exercise experience with everyone who steps foot into the studio.
Nicole Yuen (English/粤语/普通话)
My yoga journey began when I was living in Hong Kong and working as a finance professional in the corporate world with a hectic work schedule. Initially, I practised yoga to alleviate my work stress and chronic pain. However, it wasn't until I moved to Melbourne in 2020 that my yoga path expanded to a broader and deeper level. That's when I started practising Iyengar yoga and Aerial Yoga, and eventually completed the Aerial Yoga Teacher Training in October 2022.
As I dedicated myself more to yoga, I further realised yoga is a philosophy and a way of life that unifies our body, mind, and soul, bringing about balance and centeredness. The essence of alignment is not just about perfecting physical forms of poses (Asana), but rather directing awareness and consciousness towards our body movement, breath control, and concentration of our mind. I cherish the sense of peace and bliss that yoga has brought to my life, and I'm still learning and growing every day on this journey. I have also explored other forms of meditation and mindfulness practices. I find that these practices complement my yoga practice and help me to stay grounded and present in my daily life.
Whether you are new to yoga or a regular looking to achieve physical and mental liberation or to restore and rejuvenate your well-being, I am happy to listen and share my joy and experiences with all of you. Namaste.
Yinan Chen (English/普通话)
I have shown my interest in Pilates since 2018. My journey with Pilates began as a personal quest for holistic well-being, but it slowly evolved into a passion and a profession. With a keen eye for detail and a focus on individual needs, I strive to create a supportive and empowering environment in my classes. I believe in the importance of building a strong and resilient body, not just for fitness goals, but also for overall health and vitality.
I work part-time as a registered nurse, and I've witnessed firsthand the impact of lifestyle choices on health outcomes. This perspective informs my approach to Pilates instruction, emphasizing not only physical fitness but also long-term wellness. Beyond the studio, I find inspiration in the connections between mind, body, and spirit that Pilates fosters. My goal is to empower each person I work with to unlock their full potential and embrace a life of strength, balance, and well-being through the practice of Pilates.
Yan Zhong (English/粤语/普通话)
I have shown an interest in yoga at a young age. Yoga makes me feel calm and healthy. Guiding me through dark periods.
I believe yoga is not only an exercise, art or philosophy but a way of life. It’s my life’s journey.
I studied anatomy, functional holistic rehabilitation, and dietetics in China, and completed reformer Pilates and mat Pilates courses in Australia.
I’m a qualified Yoga and Pilates instructor specialising in
- Alignment Hatha Yoga
- Flow Yoga (Slow Flow & Vinyasa)
- Yin Yoga
- Reformer and Mat Pilates.
My journey is my client’s journey to better health.
Karen Chong (English/普通话）
I started my Pilates journey a few years ago after developing a chronic lower back issue from my desk job. I began reformer pilates for rehabilitation and then continued practising both mat and reformer for a couple of years as my form of exercise. I became very passionate about pilates and therefore wanted to learn more about the discipline.
I have a full-time career as an analyst at a consulting firm after completing my bachelor's degree in commerce. After 2 years in the corporate world, I decided to complete my matwork and Reformer pilates certification so I could help others live healthier, happier and more balanced lives, especially those who work desk jobs.
In the corporate world, it’s very easy to let life pass you by and forget about taking care of your own health. Practising Pilates allows you to spend time for yourself and focus on improving your own mental and physical well-being.
I am excited to share my knowledge and practice, and hope you can enjoy the positive effects of Pilates!
Kelsey Huang (English/国语）
As an experienced yoga teacher from Taiwan, I'm passionate about both aerial yoga and mat yoga. What started as a mere curiosity soon evolved into a profound realisation of self-connection and self-improvement through practice. Yoga not only offers physical benefits, but I find the most significant benefit to be the ability to connect with one's heart and understand oneself better. It's a present to be able to understand the messages our bodies convey and respond accordingly.
Teaching yoga is an honour, and I'm privileged to impart the same life-changing experience to my students. I value feedback and growth from my students, which drives my continuous improvement as an instructor. In my class, I strive to create a safe, happy, and positive learning environment by utilizing my professional knowledge, empathy, and sincere love for yoga and students. My goal is to help students have a mind-body connection and experience the pure beauty of yoga.
Fascinated by the culture and the beauty of Melbourne, it has been a lifelong dream to teach yoga in this beautiful city and share my love for yoga with everyone. Aerial yoga is an art form that expresses emotions through the flow of the body, just like dancing! I specialize in guiding students to practice incorporating emotions and elegant details into their movements, creating a story with their bodies rather than just performing a sequence of movements.
Yoga brings us together, no matter where we're from or who we are. We all share a deep affection for this soulful practice.
Carman Ng (English/粤语/普通话）
Before I practised yoga, I was someone who focused on work and neglected rest, which eventually affected my physical health. When a friend invited me to a yoga class, I initially thought yoga was just a form of exercise, aiming to sweat and lose weight. However, as I continued practising, I realised that yoga not only brought physical changes but also a sense of inner calm.
I enjoy teaching and I had the chance to teach students with different backgrounds. My teaching philosophy is everyone can practice yoga. Because yoga is not a competitive sport, it’s about the development of students’ mind, body and spirit.
Now I am in Melbourne, I am excited to share the beautiful philosophy of yoga with everyone. Hope can see you on the mat. Namaste!
Angel Tong (English/粤语/普通话)
I am a dynamic individual with a diverse interior design, retail, and clinical administration background. As a dedicated mother of two, I understand the challenges of balancing a busy life. After experiencing back pain post-labour, Pilates became my source of rejuvenation, bringing relief and newfound energy to my daily life.
Passionate about fostering positive connections, I love meeting new people and sharing good vibes. My dedication to spreading wellness led me to become a certified APPI mat and reformer Pilates instructor through United Health. I enjoy guiding others towards a healthier lifestyle and am enthusiastic about creating personalised experiences for every client.
With a love for mat and reformer Pilates, I'm on a mission to build a community focused on holistic health. Confident and eager to connect with each individual, I look forward to helping others meet their wellness goals and sharing the transformative power of Pilates. Join me on this journey to a healthier, happier life!
Alan Chen (English/上海话)
With a double degree in Sports Science and Psychology, I believe in a holistic approach to health by connecting the mind and the body through purposeful movement.
My Pilates journey started during the rehab phase of a severe injury and has helped build me back up to participating in full-contact sports again. Throughout this journey, my appreciation for the benefits of Pilates has continued to deepen. Whether you're an athlete or an office worker, there is value in it for everyone.
If you're looking for strength, stability, stress reduction, or anything in between, my classes will have something in it for you. You'll find yourself in a safe and friendly space where you are free to be yourself.
Natalie Lim (English/华语）
From a very young age, I was drawn towards movement, and in particular, dance. I first came into contact with Pilates as a dancer, wanting to learn how to strengthen my own body and rehab injuries. I also became intrigued and obsessed with the ‘why’ after several experiences left me physically impaired.
After noticing changes in my body and my dance practice, I quickly wanted to help others know how to move well, leading to my enrolment and recent completion of a Diploma in Professional Pilates Instruction at National Pilates Training. I am constantly amazed by how the body adapts, learns movement patterns and strengthens. I also hold an Advanced Diploma in Dance and a Bachelor of Business and Creative Industries and dance professionally locally and internationally with companies such as Princess Cruises.
I also teach the Pilates method to young dancers to help them better understand their bodies, prevent injuries and educate them on how to strengthen and condition their bodies so they can move well for life.
I adopt an attitude of ‘always a student’ to ensure I keep my thirst for learning alive.
Together We Grow
Please submit your cover letter and CV to hello@littlemandarin.melbourne if you’d like to join our growing team.