Founder of BARRE Fitness, dance educator, personal trainer, and passionate advocate for holistic health and wellness.
Where it all began
My journey began in Bethlehem, South Africa, where I was born and raised. I took my first ballet class at the age of four in a small studio in Winklespruit, Amazimtoti under the guidance of Wendy Reinhardt. Ballet became my foundation, and around the age of twelve, I added Modern Theatre dance to my repertoire.
Dance qualifications & early career
Over the years, I worked through every level of both Ballet and Modern Theatre, completing all ISTD exams from Pre-Primary through to Advanced 2. In 2008, I achieved my Associate Diploma in Modern Theatre, officially becoming a qualified dance teacher. As much as I loved dance, I found a new fascination with fitness and strength training after finishing school. I discovered a knack for weight lifting and loved the empowering feeling that came with it.
Exploring fitness & adventure
Education & corporate career
Family & moving to New Zealand
At 19, I met my husband, and we embarked on a life of adventure together. In 2018, we made the big move from South Africa to New Zealand with our 2-year-old son, first settling in Taupō before moving to Pōkeno. Like many migrants, we faced our share of challenges – work stress, financial pressure, and the emotional toll of starting over. Somewhere along the way, I lost touch with the things that lit me up inside. By the end of 2023, my health had hit a low point.
A turning point
That wake-up call pushed me to re-evaluate everything. I knew I had to return to what truly mattered – movement, health, connection, and community. In February 2024, I opened BARRE Fitness, and the response was incredible. Ballet and BARRE classes started filling up, and the studio quickly became a space of empowerment and healing for others – and myself.
Taking the leap
In 2025, after a particularly difficult season of corporate restructuring and job losses, I made the life-changing decision to leave my day job and fully commit to my calling. I haven’t looked back since.
Barre Fitness today
BARRE Fitness is more than a studio – it’s a vision for whole-person wellness. From joyful children’s dance classes that encourage creativity and confidence, to strength classes that foster physical resilience and better health outcomes in the community, everything I offer is rooted in genuine care and lived experience.