Meet the Teachers
Cat Lane
FOUNDER & PILATES TEACHER
Cat completed her comprehensive Pilates training under BASI Master Teacher Nicole Sinoff at The Pilates Centre in South Africa. She holds a BA (Hons) in Theatre Dance and has undertaken further training in Barre, Dynamic Reformer and Pre- and Postnatal Pilates with Mama's Pilates. Cat discovered Pilates during her career in musical theatre, working in the West End and internationally, where she experienced first-hand its value as a method for building strength, conditioning the body and supporting injury prevention. After teaching freelance across a wide range of studios and approaches — from Clinical and Classical Pilates to more dynamic and contemporary practices — Cat founded Lark Pilates in 2020, with the Reformer studio at The Shala opening in 2025. Her teaching brings together her classical training and extensive movement experience with a creative, contemporary approach. Years as a professional dancer have given Cat a deep understanding of movement, alignment, musicality and flow, alongside personal experience of injury prevention and rehabilitation. Her work alongside physiotherapists as a Pilates lead has further developed her knowledge and interest in rehabilitation. Cat specialises in full-equipment Pilates, injury rehabilitation, pre- and postnatal Pilates and neurological rehabilitation, and particularly enjoys helping clients build strength, confidence and a greater understanding of their own movement. At the heart of her teaching is the belief that Pilates is a practice to develop over time — one that can support strength, resilience and freedom of movement throughout life.
Nicole Arend
PILATES TEACHER
Nicole discovered Pilates over 25 years ago and has been passionate about the method ever since. She trained with internationally renowned Body Control Pilates and The Lisa B Academy, qualifying as a Level 3 Body Control Pilates instructor. Her further training includes Advanced Classical Pilates, Level 3 Bone Health, Ante- and Postnatal Pilates and comprehensive Reformer training. Nicole brings a wealth of experience and a deep understanding of the Pilates method to her teaching. She has a wonderfully joyful and energetic approach, combined with an exceptional eye for detail and a strong focus on precision, technique and control. She loves challenging her clients to discover what they are capable of, encouraging them to push beyond what they thought possible while maintaining quality and integrity in their movement. For Nicole, one of the most rewarding parts of teaching is seeing a client develop — whether that's mastering a challenging exercise, finding greater confidence in their movement or watching a whole class come together through a flowing sequence. Her classes are challenging, inspiring and joyful, with a strong emphasis on developing a deeper understanding of the Pilates method and continually progressing your practice.
Katie Guy
PILATES TEACHER
Katie is an Australian who now calls London home. Being an enthusiast of Yoga and Pilates for 15 years, to counterbalance a demanding corporate career in advertising, the physical benefits of Pilates encouraged a career change. Katie completed Pilates Reformer, Matwork, Cadillac, Chair and Barrel (CCB) Instructor training with STOTT PILATES at YMCAfit in London. Katie offers individual adjustments for a personalised experience in her group classes and also welcomes pre or post natal clients. Her aim is to direct students to absorb the full tangible gains while also being inspired with improved mind body connection, alignment, flexibility and strength.
Toby Hine
PILATES TEACHER
With a varied background as City worker, performer, and over a decade as a movement educator, Toby brings a unique blend of analytical thinking, creativity, and enthusiasm to every session. His greatest passion is creating those "lightbulb" moments when movement clicks into place, helping you build not only strength and mobility, but also confidence and a deeper understanding of your body. He is fully trained in the STOTT PILATES® method, including Matwork, Reformer, Cadillac, Chair, and Barrels. Having discovered Pilates as a way to manage hypermobility and related conditions, he has first-hand experience of the transformative benefits of intelligent, precise movement. Outside the studio, he is a passionate aerialist and ballroom dancer. Whether you're discovering Pilates for the first time, refining established movement patterns, or optimising your athletic performance, Toby's broad perspective ensures every session is engaging, insightful, and enjoyable.
Bethany Martinez
DANCE TEACHER
With a deep background as a professional dancer and dance teacher, Béthany Martínez brings a unique and comprehensive approach to her work as a certified Mat and Reformer Pilates teacher. Based in South London and with roots in Uruguay and Brazil, Béthany has an extensive career spanning over 15 years in contemporary and Latin American dance. Her passion for the human body and its potential led her to become a Pilates instructor, training with HFE to deepen her expertise. She is also an E-RYT 200h yoga teacher, and holds a Bachelor's Degree in Dance Education and an MA in Expanded Dance Practice from the London Contemporary Dance School (UAL). Béthany is dedicated to creating a safe and empowering environment for every student. Her goal is to help individuals cultivate a profound appreciation for their bodies, promoting a transformative journey of self-discovery through mindful movement.
Danka Schoen
PILATES TEACHER
With vast experience teaching Pilates all over London, Danka has a particular passion for reformer Pilates and the creativity and huge benefits it brings to students. Expect huge and energy and fun in her sessions as her creative flare as an artist, keep her sessions creative and engaging. She loves to support women's body through every stage and is trained in pre/postnatal, also work with menopause symptoms, digestive issues and illness recovery. She is currently studying hormonal yoga which enhances her practice even further.
Dan Baird
PILATES TEACHER
Daniel first came into contact with Pilates while studying for his degree in Contemporary Dance at the Laban Centre in London. Many years of Mat and equipment classes gave him a strong foundation in Pilates and an appreciation for the deep strength and coordination it could give one. Working as a professional contemporary dancer gave him a vast knowledge of the body moving and even more importantly good teaching practice. Daniel is also deeply involved in Capoeira, teaching classes to adults and children to the present day. This has given him a massive wealth of teaching experience which informs my Pilates teaching. Having completed his Pilates training under Body Harmonics Pilates Method with Camilla Pasetto at Light Centre Monument, he has continued to train also completing the Body Harmonics Vertical Pilates Teaching Repertoire in January 2018 and Body Harmonics Pre & Post Natal Pilates Teaching Repertoire. Local to West Norwood, Daniel developed his practice at The Pilates Education Studio run by Matthew Attwell then continuing on to take his Pilates Reformer teaching Diploma.
Tyla de Nurden
PILATES TEACHER
With 10 years of coaching experience, Tyla is a Reformer Pilates Instructor certified through the London Pilates Academy (LPA), Personal Trainer and professional Musical Theatre performer. Known for her infectious energy, attention to detail and genuine connection, Tyla creates classes that challenge your body while making you feel supported every step of the way. She loves building communities where people feel seen, encouraged and excited to come back. Expect to discover muscles you never knew existed, build strength, mobility and confidence, and leave every class feeling stronger in your body and a little lighter in yourself!
Sophie Abdulla
PILATES TEACHER
Sophie is a BASI Pilates-trained teacher with a strong focus on precision, control and quality of movement. Her teaching is rooted in the Classical Pilates repertoire, combining traditional principles with considered, flowing sequences that build strength, stability and body awareness. Specialising in Mat Pilates, Sophie places great emphasis on detail and correct technique, helping clients understand how and why they move rather than simply moving through the exercises. She is attentive to individual alignment and encourages clients to develop greater connection between breath, body and movement. Her classes are thoughtful and purposeful, with a balance of challenge and control. Sophie encourages clients to work with intention, refining their technique while gradually building strength, mobility and confidence in their practice. Whether you're new to Pilates or looking to deepen an established practice, Sophie's considered approach creates a supportive environment in which to learn, progress and move well.
Sadie Bevan
PILATES TEACHER
Sadie is a London-based dancer and BASI Pilates teacher, specialising in Mat and Reformer Pilates. She first discovered Pilates through her dance training and quickly experienced its benefits as an essential part of her cross-training, using the method to develop strength, control, mobility and body awareness. After seeing how transformative Pilates could be in supporting both performance and everyday movement, Sadie qualified as a Pilates teacher in 2023, with a passion for sharing the practice with others. Her teaching combines the foundations of Joseph Pilates' original method with contemporary movement approaches, creating classes that are challenging, considered and accessible. With her background in dance, Sadie brings a strong understanding of alignment, flow and quality of movement, while encouraging clients to develop strength and confidence at their own pace. Mindfulness is also central to Sadie's teaching. She incorporates breathwork and moments of stillness into her classes, encouraging clients to slow down, connect with their bodies and become more present in their movement. Sadie's classes offer a balance of strength, precision, flow and mindful movement, helping clients develop a deeper connection between body and mind while continuing to build and enjoy their Pilates practice.
Teri Austen
PILATES TEACHER
Teri discovered the life changing benefits of pilates over 25 years ago and has consistency practised ever since. After becoming a mother, she made the decision to turn to her passion into a new career rather than returning to the City. Teri trained as a personal and group instructor with Stott where she qualified in both reformer and mat. She has been teaching since 2023 and currently works at studios across South London. She takes great satisfaction from seeing her clients make real progress on their journey to better flexibility, strength and wellness.
Diveen Henry
PILATES TEACHER
Diveen trained with Body Control Pilates qualifying in 2013. Her talent as a teacher was obvious and her passion for Pilates continued to grow. She also works as an actress, which makes her an open and natural communicator. this coupled with her own personal experience of pain and her own journey through Pilates, gives her a real empathy and understanding of her students. Her effervescent personality means her classes are uplifting, stimulating, full of laughter and always challenging. Her teaching is guided by precision and focus and she has a genuine desire to help students achieve their own personal goals.
Amy Schirlbauer
PILATES TEACHER
Amy is a multi disciplined movement artist and teacher, originally from the USA. As a former professional contemporary dancer she has been a passionate student herself of Pilates and Yoga since she was a young teen. She came to London in 2008 to attend Trinity Laban and has been teaching Pilates & Yoga throughout London since 2010. She completed her Pilates training in the USA with The Pilates Sports Center. As a mum she is particularly fascinated by the birthing experience and is Pre/Post Natal certified with The Center for Women’s Fitness Carolyne Anthony. She loves guiding all class participants into finding movements of both flow and strength within their bodies.