About me
Hi, I am Marjolein
I am a multi-disciplinary coach and ex-professional ballerina who, besides being a wife, mom and entrepreneur has spent a lifetime learning about movement.
I bring over 35 years of training and extensive experience in teaching Pilates, Yoga, Kids yoga, Ballet, Progressive Ballet Technique and Barre for my client's success.
I have lived, worked and studied in Holland, US, UK, Belgium, Australia and the UAE.
This multi-cultural and multi faceted history adds the intrinsic quality to my work with a variety of clients.
I have created several signature classes and programs, such as Story yoga, Creative Ballet, Ballet Barre and now Stellar Body.
And I believe ....
LIFE IS MOVEMENT
We know that the Universe keeps on expanding , and on a micro level our cells are always in motion.
Even if we hold ourselves still, sit in meditation or sleep, our miraculous cells continue to express, communicate, regenerate...
Professional Ballet
As a child I sensed this movement of life so strongly I could never sit still. I was looking for ways to shape this awe- inspiring energy into form. I could often be found either dancing, hanging upside down or putting my body into (what I realise now) yoga-type poses. I just knew that how I aligned or moved my body would influence the way this energy would flow.
My journey really took off when I got into professional ballet school at age 10 in my home country The Netherlands. I loved the discipline of practicing hours a day;
I understood that focus and repetition would lead to effortless grace.
At age 16, I was invited on a scholarship to study at one of the top ballet schools in the world; the School of American Ballet in New York.
From there on I danced professionally with the Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre and later with the Royal Ballet of Flanders in Belgium.
Qualities of Ballet
Dedication, Discipline, Methodology, Grace, Flow, Alignment, Precision, the body as your instrument, growth mindset
A life of learning
You could say up until then my life was a little girls' dream come true, but an injury brought an abrupt end to my dancing career, and to what I thought was my calling.
I had to learn to move into a different live.
First I spent a handful of years working in the corporate world, and experienced moving up the ladder. I married my husband and for his job we moved countries another 4 times and traveled to many different places in the world. We had 3 kids and I became a full-time mum.
But, no matter what was going on in my life, movement always remained my passion and go-to. I kept on practicing Pilates and yoga , which I was introduced to during my dancing days, and I never stopped exploring and learning more.
It was movement that supported me and helped me overcome many changes.
Change happens through movement
And movement heals
"Joseph Pilates"
Impact
I never dreamt of becoming a teacher a coach, until I became a mom and realized the importance of sharing knowledge,
and the chance to positively impact someones life.
I obtained a multitude of teacher certifications in Pilates, Yoga, Kids yoga, Progressive Ballet Technique and Barre.
In this last decade I have been fortunate to teach many children and adults
it’s my passion to help others find effortless movement, this freedom in the body through mindful and conscious practice ;
To create a Stellar Body♦
