purely instructors

Gemma Wright | Studio Director

Having trained as a dancer Gemma’s love of movement led her to begin her training as a Pilates teacher with Stott Pilates in 1999. She has since completed her full mat and equipment certification with Stott to Advanced level with distinction.

Gemma regularly works with post rehab clients, those who have special conditions such as osteoporosis, MS and arthritis as well as those training for a sport or simply wanting to get fit. She continues to attend a wide variety of courses and in 2013 undertook her first course in fascia movement. In 2024 she continued this education completing her MMIA certification with Paul Thornley and Joanne Avison becoming a Myofascial Movement Instructor.

Favourite Book: The Nightingale, by Kirstin Hannah
Favourite Place: Anywhere with a beach

Niamh Brangwyn

Niamh originally trained as a dancer, where her love for movement began.  She started Pilates as a way to rehabilitate her body after  an injury and has never looked back.   Growing up with a father as an osteopath, Niamh became facinated with how the body works, absorbing valuable information along the way.   She went on and trained to teach mat and reformer Pilates, later specialising in flexibility training; a complimentary practice alongside Pilates.  Niamh is a welcoming teacher who will help you feel at ease whilst helping you get the most out of your sessions.

Favourite book: Shantaram
Favourite place: Anywhere near moving water

Hannah Dallison

Hannah raced as an amateur British Triathlete before training as a Pilates instructor and breath worker. Her own experience of chronic fatigue and slipped discs led her to slow down and view the body more holistically. She has taken her PT knowledge of strength and mobility training and combined it with Pilates to create a gentle but progressive approach to aid rehab and recovery.

Hannah is a trained PT with pre and post natal qualifications, a Functional Range Conditioning coach, APPI Pilates instructor, and Oxygen Advantage Breath worker.

In her spare time you can find her playing the drums and swimming in the sea in Hove.

Favourite Place: LA (or anywhere by the sea)
Favourite Book: Brandi Carlile “Broken Horses”

Amanda Hyde

As a qualified England Athletics Coach in Running Fitness, Amanda knew the benefits of including Pilates into her training.  This was highlighted whilst she trained for a 50 mile trail event.  She incorporated Pilates into her training and ran the event with no injuries (except blisters!).  From this experience she was hooked and decided to train as a Pilates mat teacher.   Amanda is also trained in Pilates Reformer and Yoga.

Amanda enjoys working with those who want to get the most out of their preferred sport by including Pilates as a complimentary activity.  Her aim is to promote Pilates and movement for everyone for everyday activities at home, work, or with their children/grandchildren so as to get the most out of life.

Favourite song:  Finally, CeCe Peniston
Favourite place: Cabo de Gata, Spain

Jane King

Jane is a highly qualified massage practitioner and Pilates instructor with over 18 years’ experience. Her keen interest in anatomy and a desire to provide a balanced approach to her clients’ wellbeing led her to train with Body Control Pilates with further qualifications in Pilates for pregnancy, HIP (high impact) Pilates and studio equipment.

She is a friendly, professional and experienced teacher, and regularly updates her knowledge. Jane’s infectious enthusiasm for Pilates means that her classes and sessions are always rewarding.

Favourite book: To Kill a Mocking Bird, by Harper Lee
Favourite place: Nepal

Tamsin Lemkow

Tamsin originally trained as a dancer  and after achieving a career in that field she naturally progressed into becoming a Pilates teacher. Tamsin achieved her qualification in 2001 at The Pilates Institute, and continued her training attending workshops and conventions.  In 2022, Tamsin trained with Body Control Pilates and gained a conversion course, enabling her to achieve a Level 3 qualification.  She enjoys helping others enhance their well being through movement, her oldest client is 89 and she said she believes pilates with Tamsin has kept her alive!

Favourite book:  Women Who Run With The Wolves by Clarissa Pinkola
Favourite song:  I Just Want to Dance by SAULT

Nelly Lewis 

Nelly practiced gymnastics and classical ballet since she was 5.   She was first introduced to Pilates in 2003 during her corporal mime training studies .  She graduated from the European Academy for Physical Theatre and is a certified Mime Artist.  After touring around the globe as a dancer, mime, choreographer and masterclass workshop teacher (In Europe, Japan and Africa).  Nelly graduated in 2008 from Dror Raz Suzan Centre Dallal Schoolfor Classical Pilates.   Nelly brings both her passion and her expertise to Pilates, helping you believe and achieve! 

Favourite place:  Greece
Favourite book:  Solving the riddle of meaning by Tami Yaguri

Elda Martello

Pilates, for Elda, is a celebration of movement that is used to achieve well-being in body, mind and spirit. What started as a hobby, became her passion, and then took over as her career. Not content with simply certifying as a Comprehensive Pilates Instructor, she is continually drawn to an ever-deeper study of anatomy and exercises. Elda enjoys working with clients of all ages, abilities and experience. Seeing their transformation reaffirms her belief in the benefits of Pilates. “This development creates a positive energy we can both use to face change and to achieve our goals”.

Favourite book: The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho
Favourite place: Bukittinggi, Indonesia

Susi Owusu

Susi’s journey to becoming a Pilates teacher started when she was looking to get fit before 40.  Trying a variety of sports from swimming to boxing, she finally decided to train as a Pilates instructor as Pilates increased her performance in other sports and gave her the biggest sense of freedom of movement.  Completing her training with Alan Herdman,  her focus is on rehabilitation, functional movement, strength and stability.  Taking an integrated approach to movement Susi’s clients describe her as a fun, knowledgeable and calm instructor.  Since qualifying she has been working alongside Physiotherapists offering 1-2-1 rehabilitation and tailored classes to those wishing to prevent or recovering from injury. Susi is an Associate Member of the Chartered Society of Physiotherapists.

Favourite book: To Kill a Mockingbird  Harper Lee
Favourite song: Fighting with Fire  Naila (Susi’s daughter)

Suzy Titford

Suzy originally trained as a dancer, graduating with a Diploma in Teaching. After instructing ballet, for many years, Suzy moved to Dubai where she was introduced to Pilates. Upon returning to the UK in 2016, inspired by her Pilates practice and all its benefits, she decided to further her career by training to become a Stott Mat-work instructor. Suzy has a very intensive hands-on approach to teaching with a desire to make a positive impact on all her clients. To continually increase and enhance her knowledge, she regularly attends courses and workshops.

Favourite song: Unfinished Sympathy, by Massive Attack
Favourite place: New York

Kelly Washington

Kelly has a passion for movement, fitness and wellness. Learning to swim and dance as a child, she soon trained as an aerobics instructor and personal trainer, going on to teach step-aerobics and circuit training. With over 30 years’ experience, Kelly has taught for LA Fitness, David Lloyd, local centres and community classes.  Kelly found a deep love for Pilates after having her first child. Through Pilates, Kelly tackled her burnout and injuries. She discovered more strength, clarity of mind and energy.

Kelly’s range encompasses level 3 matwork, Reformer and equipment, with specialisms in pre- and post-natal and orthopedic conditions.

Favourite book: “The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time”

Favourite place: It has to be the beach

Jen Woolridge

Jen came to Pilates after suffering from a herniated  disc over 15 years ago.  She fell in love with Stott Pilates when she moved to Toronto (the home of Stott) in 2016 and once back in the UK in 2018 she completed her Mat training. She completed her Reformer training with Lisa Bradshaw in 2023.

Jen is pre and post natal trained through Mama’s Pilates and has completed fascia training with Evolve.  Jen is passionate about Pilates and loves working with clients to develop their movement in a safe and motivating environment.

Favourite song: “I would die for 4U” Prince
Favourite place: Kynance Cove Cornwall