Our People
Elise Watts
BBSc. Psych, Cert. IV Pilates Instruction, Dip. Hyp.
Studio Principal
Elise found Pilates as an athlete and personal trainer, realising that her early experience was closely aligned with the traditional practice of the Pilates Method.
“As a gymnast, dancer and elite aerobic athlete, I spent my youth practising the very principles that Joseph Pilates taught within “Contrology”. In studying pilates I recognised that I had been intuitively practicing the discipline all my life!”
Elise initially trained to an elite level in gymnastics, and in her teen years explored various forms of acrobatics, dance and diving.
Elise represented Australia in Sport Aerobics and is a Former State & National Aerobics Champion [Open Individual & Fitness Teams]. Elise has taught everyone from professional athletes to children.
“After many years of study and work experience, I get the greatest pleasure teaching others the brilliance of the Pilates Method. I am very privileged to witness the amazing transformations my clients make as they embark on their Pilates journey...”
Elise has additional education in Behavioural Science and Hypnosis at an advanced level and has further training in Kinesiology, Esoteric body-work and Energy Healing.
“My passion for physical healing and rehabilitation is rivaled only by my passion for psychological wellbeing and natural healing. I love to use my intuitive skills within Pilates, and feel the future of wellbeing is founded in a holistic approach to wellness.”
Elise also participates as an Educator within the Pilates Industry, delivering government accredited course-work within established National Training Bodies. She is excited to be a part of the future of the Pilates Method.
Louise Davis
Pilates Instructor
Louise began teaching Pilates as a natural progression of her background in dance, sports massage and competitive aerobics. Her passion in Pilates is for the movement-based approach that comes from practicing exercises in the classical Pilates technique.
“My view of Pilates has been formed through years of my own daily practice and teaching. I have taught, together with many other dedicated Pilates instructors, people of all ages and walks of life. All of these people have been my teachers. Through them I have learned that Pilates is a way of re-educating our minds and bodies.”
After training and working in the UK, Canada, and the USA, Louise has returned to Melbourne where she specialises in the small-studio environment, assisting clients of all ages and abilities to enjoy a healthy, active lifestyle. She emphasizes functional re-patterning of postural habits, resulting in a stable yet more mobile body.
“Thought is key, every movement in Pilates is deliberate and demands constant concentration.”
Eve Tache
Pilates Instructor
Eve has been trained by D.M.A. Clinical Pilates for 4 years where she initially worked for one year. She also has Certificate 3 in Fitness and is a trainer for Physio-related Pilates.
Eve has extensive dance background and experience having danced professionally in Australia and overseas for some years. She worked in London teaching Yoga and Pilates for two years.
Eve is passionate about Pilates and enjoys improving people's postures and working with injuries through the discipline of Pilates, its principles and its creative application in her teaching style.
Lee Jaaksoo
Pilates Instructor, Studio Administrator
Estonian-born Lee has a dancing background, having began her dancing career at 7 years of age.
She began practicing Pilates and Yoga six years ago after a serious back injury. Pilates and Yoga helped her reduce the pain levels and allowed her to manage the injury without a surgery.
As a result of her background and experience, Lee has a strong interest in movement through the harmony and connection of body & mind.
Her qualifications include:
- PMA Pilates Instructor traning course (Spain)
- CorpusPilates Foundation and Level 1 course
- Power Yoga
- Certification in PortdeBras Level 1
- Fitness trainer -Estonian Fitness Trainers Education
Lee also holds a Bachelor of Entrepreneurship from Estonian Business School, which includes studying in Spain for one year in San Pablo CEU University. In line with her entrepreneurial spirit and ambitions, Lee is interested in Motor Racing and has a strong passion for sports, body movement and helping people achieve their goals in health and fitness.
She has recently relocated to Melbourne where she is embracing the warm sunshine, amazing food and wonderful people and hoping to further her skills and experience with Soma and its clients.
Ina Becker
Yoga Teacher
Profile to be completed.
Zoe West
Yoga Teacher
Zoe West is a certified teacher who trained in dynamic Vinyasa flow-style yoga with Dominique Santana-Solerno at the Australian Yoga Academy, as well as attending yoga workshops by other senior teachers of yoga. She teaches students who are new to yoga as well as those who are advanced. Zoe teaches with humour and passion, encouraging students to move beyond their perceived limitations. Zoe is continually opening and expanding her knowledge of yoga and nutrition to be able to teach with integrity and knowledge.
Zoe aims to deepen a student’s awareness in body and mind facilitated by an environment that is safe and welcoming. Zoe’s classes are dynamic Vinyasa flow style yoga with a focus on pranayama techniques and an element of philosophy. They are energising, mixed-level and most importantly – FUN!
Tahja Jupp
Pilates Mat Instructor
Tahja graduated from Michael King Matwork and Reformer courses in 2001 and 2002 and holds a Certificate 3 in Fitness Instruction. She is currently completeing a Pilates International Diploma of Professional Pilates Instruction. Tahja has a background of intensive Classical Ballet training for three and a half years at National Capital Ballet School in Canberra. Prior to that she had trained and performed on stage in various dance styles. Apart from dancing, Tahja's professional background includes teaching studio Pilates for two years at City Centre Physiotherapy and Dance Injuries Clinic in Brisbane. Tahja also has a Diploma in Textiles and Fashion and has worked as a costume assistant. She has a small eco-clothing label.
Her style of instructing features teaching Pilates that is suited to all different abilities in all forms, gentle but challenging at the same time. Physical movement has been a part of Tahja's life from a very young age. She enjoys teaching people how to be in touch with their bodies and improve their mobility and flexibilty in order to make their daily life and health better.
