Comprehensive Mentors

  • Wanda Nieuwdorp

    Wanda Nieuwdorp

    Wanda was introduced to Pilates through her education to become a dance teacher. Whilst it was a confronting experience for her, with practice she found new strength and resilience. Having completed her mat training in 2019 and shortly after that the Comprehensive training, she is now mentoring current students.

    ‘Change happens through movement and movement heals. For me this quote represents my journey trough life and finding Pilates to bring the energy that was needed to empower myself. This quote refers refers to moments in life where I needed to make changes for the better and it is something I reflect on regularly, because I believe it's fundamental in life to find happiness during your journey to grow.’

    Wanda is a wonderful Pilates Instructor, you can find her at Waves Leuven!

  • Marina Bilterijst

    Marina Bilterijst

    ‘I started with Pilates at a very young age when I was dealing with hypermobility during my dance career. Soon after I started taking Pilates classes I barely got injured. It was only after a couple of years that I realised teaching could complement my dancing career and that’s how I became a Pilates teacher.’

    Marina’s first Pilates education was in New York, where she lived for a couple of years. Returning to Amsterdam she discovered Polestar Pilates under the direction of the first educator in the Netherlands, Leila Kester.

    For classes with Marina, you can find her at her wonderful studio Marina Moves in Breda.

  • Donui Agbokou

    Donui Agbokou

    “My first Pilates class was in Amsterdam in 2013. I certified from Polestar Pilates in Mat in 2018, Comprehensive Studio in 2019. I opened balans.balans in Roeselare (Belgium) the following year. I have been a Polestar Pilates Mentor since 2024 and train with my own mentor every other week. “

    Donui loved her career in Finance over 2 decades and 3 countries, but Pilates is her thing.

    “The rigour, the precision, combined with a breadth and a depth to meet virtually any body where they are at and take them where they want to go fills me with wonder. Ultimately though, what we do in the studio really takes its full meaning when it shines through outside the studio.”

    You can reach out to Donui if you would like to meet up in her studio, Balans Balans, in Roeselare!

Mat Mentors

  • Wanda Nieuwdorp

    Wanda Nieuwdorp

    Wanda was introduced to Pilates through her education to become a dance teacher. Whilst it was a confronting experience for her, with practice she found new strength and resilience. Having completed her mat training in 2019 and shortly after that the Comprehensive training, she is now mentoring current students.

    ‘Change happens through movement and movement heals. For me this quote represents my journey trough life and finding Pilates to bring the energy that was needed to empower myself. This quote refers refers to moments in life where I needed to make changes for the better and it is something I reflect on regularly, because I believe it's fundamental in life to find happiness during your journey to grow.’

    Wanda is a wonderful Pilates Instructor, you can find her at Waves Leuven!

  • Turid Dramé

    Turid Dramé

    Turid danced many years in West-Africa and studied International Politics in Amsterdam, she encountered the Pilates Method due to her many hernia’s and 15 year of back pain. Due to training Pilates 3 times per week, she recovered completely and became certified by Polestar Pilates as Pilates teacher more than 10 years ago.

    ‘To quote Joe Pilates: “Change happens through movement and movement heals.” And adding on, moving with a smile and having fun whilst doing it. If people enjoy a class they will come back.’

    Turid is mentor for the Mat Course and mentor in training for the Comprehensive Course. She is also a teacher for several workshops.

    You can contact Turid for privates through the studio, Bodyvita in Amsterdam.

Mentors In Training

  • Turid Dramé

    Turid Dramé

    Turid danced many years in West-Africa and studied International Politics in Amsterdam, she encountered the Pilates Method due to her many hernia’s and 15 year of back pain. Due to training Pilates 3 times per week, she recovered completely and became certified by Polestar Pilates as Pilates teacher more than 10 years ago.

    ‘To quote Joe Pilates: “Change happens through movement and movement heals.” And adding on, moving with a smile and having fun whilst doing it. If people enjoy a class they will come back.’

    You can contact Turid for privates through the studio, Bodyvita in Amsterdam.

  • Ianthe Basson

    Ianthe Basson

    Ianthe has been in the professional movement and wellness industry since 1999. After suffering multiple spinal disc herniations as a professional dancer, she turned to Pilates as a primary rehabilitation aid. Ianthe met Dr Brent Anderson at a conference in 2016 and was blown away by his workshops and teachings - at that stage she had been teaching Pilates for 12 years. She decided then and there that she wanted to learn more from Brent and Polestar.

    Ianthe’s mission and vision are alive with knowledge, vast experience, vibrant enthusiasm, and unwavering determination to bring joy to the lives of others through her Pilates teaching.

    Ianthe has her own studio, The Swan Pilates Studio. For classes and privates you can reach out to her by email.

  • Lynn Derickx

    Lynn Derickx

    Lynn grew up on the Belgian coast, she went from a 9-to-5 job to ‘loving the Pilates life’. She started crossfit in her twenties and truly believed (and still believes) that weight training is beneficial. The lack of body awareness in combination with crossfit gave her severe hip pain so she started doing Pilates. Seeing the change in her own body made her fall in love with Pilates and it gave her a hunger to help people in a way that Pilates has helped her too.

    You can also find Lynn in her beautiful studio in Veurne, House of Pi! She teaches group classes, duo classes and privates.

  • Brooklyn Harley

    Brooklyn Harley

    Brooklyn was first introduced to Pilates as a young ballet dancer navigating the challenges of hypermobility and injury. Pilates became a turning point in her dance journey, unlocking a deeper awareness of her body and harnessing more power through control. What began as a rehabilitation tool quickly grew into a lifelong passion.

    Polestar Pilates soon became her passport to the world, allowing her to travel, teach, and connect with movement communities across the globe. With a background rooted in dance and a deep appreciation for movement mechanics, Brooklyn brings creativity, clarity, and empathy to her teaching.

    Now, as a Polestar Mentor in Training, Brooklyn is passionate about sharing her love for quality teaching with the next generation of instructors. She is especially interested in deepening the connection between Pilates and its application across all sports and skill levels.

    You can reach out to Brooklyn for privates or join her group classes through Waves Leuven.

  • Ria Kontou - Polestar Pilates Benelux

    Ria Kontou

    Ria arrived in Luxembourg in 2013, bringing the Greek sunshine with her, thanks to her vibrant origins and even brighter personality.

    One of the most joyful people you’ll ever meet, Ria has transformed her natural talent for connecting with others into a mission: helping people become stronger, healthier, and more confident through the power of Pilates.

    Don’t be fooled by her warm smile and welcoming attitude - Ria is a passionate, disciplined, and rigorous trainer. Her dedication will challenge you to push past your limits and discover new potential in your body.

    With a unique gift for motivating and inspiring people of all ages and fitness levels, Ria turns every Pilates class into a fun and rewarding experience. She’s especially known for her extensive expertise in working with clients recovering from spinal injuries or disorders, supporting pregnant women in staying strong, and helping athletes improve specific skills through tailored programs.

    You can find Ria in her beautiful studio, PilatesMas, in Luxembourg!

Maria Pervykh - Polestar Pilates BENELUX

WANT TO BECOME A MENTOR?

As a Mentor, you play an essential role in guiding students through their Teacher Training journey. You’ll support them in understanding the curriculum, refining their teaching skills, mastering exercises, and preparing for their final exam. Mentors are a key part of the Polestar community, offering encouragement, feedback, and expertise every step of the way. Interested in taking this next step? We’d love to welcome you to the team.