Movement with Purpose. Teaching with Passion.

At BASI Pilates Johannesburg, we believe movement has the power to transform lives. Whether you’re recovering from injury, improving athletic performance, preparing for motherhood or simply looking to move with greater ease, our studio offers a welcoming space where every body is supported.

Movement with Purpose. Teaching with Passion.

At BASI Pilates Johannesburg, we believe movement has the power to transform lives. Whether you’re recovering from injury, improving athletic performance, preparing for motherhood or simply looking to move with greater ease, our studio offers a welcoming space where every body is supported.

Our Story

At BASI Pilates Johannesburg, Pilates is more than exercise—it’s a lifelong journey of movement, education and personal growth.

Founded by internationally respected educator Ashley Ritchie, our studio has become one of South Africa’s leading Pilates education centres, offering world-class instruction while helping clients move with greater strength, confidence and ease.

For over two decades, we have welcomed individuals of all ages and abilities, creating a space where every client receives personalised attention and every movement has purpose. Whether you’re stepping onto a reformer for the first time or continuing your Pilates journey, our experienced instructors are committed to helping you achieve your goals.

Our philosophy is simple: exceptional teaching, intelligent movement and a genuine passion for helping people live healthier, more balanced lives.

Why Choose BASI Pilates Johannesburg?

We combine internationally recognised Pilates education with personalised instruction, creating an experience that is both professional and welcoming.

International Education

Train and learn through the globally recognised BASI Pilates method.

Individual Approach

Every client receives personalised guidance tailored to their unique goals and movement.

Expert Instruction

Highly trained instructors with extensive knowledge of anatomy and movement.

Supportive Community

A welcoming environment where clients of all ages and abilities feel comfortable.

Premium Equipment

Professional Pilates apparatus designed to support every stage of your journey.

Lifelong Wellness

Helping you build strength, mobility and confidence that lasts beyond the studio.

Meet the Team

Ashley Ritchie

Principal Trainer

Ashley Ritchie has been dedicated to movement from the age of four. Her early training in Royal Academy of Dance ballet, spanning 23 years, was followed by seven years as a ballet teacher and more than 28 years as a Pilates practitioner. These experiences, combined with her natural body awareness, intuition and enthusiasm, have shaped her approach to movement and education throughout her career.

 

Ashley is a Principal Faculty Member for BASI (Body Arts and Science International), presenting BASI Pilates Teacher Training Programs and Advanced Education Certifications across South Africa, the United States, United Kingdom, Europe, Australia and Asia. She is also the developer and lead presenter of BASI Pilates' Pilates Through Pregnancy and Beyond certification program, which is taught internationally through BASI.

 

In 1998, Ashley founded BASI Pilates Academy in the heart of Johannesburg's northern suburbs. What began as a vision to provide exceptional Pilates education has grown into one of Johannesburg's leading Pilates education, specialised training and movement facilities, welcoming both Pilates practitioners and aspiring teachers.

 

Ashley is passionate about education, intelligent movement and sharing the transformative benefits of Pilates. Her extensive training, international experience and commitment to developing others have established her as a respected leader within the global Pilates community. Through BASI Pilates Johannesburg, she continues to create an environment where clients, teachers and future practitioners can learn, grow and develop a deeper understanding of movement.

Hilde Mc Cullough

Senior Trainer

With nearly two decades of teaching experience, Hilde has had the privilege of guiding countless individuals on their Pilates journeys. She became BASI Pilates certified in 2005 and has been an integral part of the BASI Academy Johannesburg family ever since, sharing her passion for movement, wellbeing and helping others discover what their bodies are capable of.

 

Hilde has completed the BASI Comprehensive Teacher Training, BASI Pregnancy and Beyond, and the BASI Mentor Program, alongside a variety of industry-related workshops. Her extensive experience has developed a deep understanding of alignment, muscle activation, injury rehabilitation and prevention, as well as the connection between the body and mind.

 

Her teaching philosophy is rooted in compassion and understanding. Hilde believes that every body has its own unique story, and she has developed a keen ability to "read the body", intuitively recognising areas of tension, imbalance or restriction. This allows her to tailor each session to the individual, providing precise guidance and thoughtful corrections that support their specific needs and goals.

 

Hilde is passionate about empowering clients to move with greater ease, confidence and fluidity. She feels honoured to be part of the BASI Academy Johannesburg community and to continue sharing the transformative practice of Pilates with those she teaches.

Melanie Eisenberg

Senior Trainer

Melanie, affectionately known as Mel, has always been passionate about developing people, both personally and professionally. Her caring nature and commitment to her clients' progress are at the heart of her teaching, where she focuses on helping each individual discover their potential through intelligent movement and exercise.

 

Melanie has a particular interest in improving posture, spinal flexibility and muscular strength. Her commitment to understanding the body and how it moves began early in her career, when she attained her American Council on Exercise certification in 1990 while studying Microbiology, Zoology and Public Relations.

 

After completing the BASI Comprehensive Teacher Training course, Mel continued to expand her knowledge through further BASI education, including Pilates Through Pregnancy and Beyond, Human Anatomy, and Pilates for Injuries and Pathologies. She has also completed Low Pressure Fitness Level 1 and Douglas Heals' Muscle Activation Course. Her dedication to continued learning has remained an important part of her practice, and she enjoys keeping up to date with developments and research related to movement, exercise and wellbeing.

 

As a senior instructor at BASI Pilates Johannesburg, Mel finds great joy and fulfilment in both her own Pilates practice and in working with her clients. She is passionate about creating meaningful progress through movement and supporting each individual as they work towards becoming stronger, more confident and more capable in their bodies.

Evan Booysen

Trainer

Evan is a qualified Physiotherapist, BASI Pilates Comprehensive instructor and former professional rugby player who brings a holistic approach to movement, training and rehabilitation. During his professional rugby career, Evan experienced his own share of injuries and turned to Pilates to support his recovery and rehabilitation. Through this experience, he discovered how the mind-body connection of Pilates could unlock a deeper, more sustainable approach to fitness, movement and mindfulness.

 

Evan combines his knowledge of physiotherapy, Pilates and athletic performance to create unique and challenging sessions that can be adapted to every body. He particularly enjoys working with athletes, drawing on his understanding of the physical demands placed on their bodies while applying BASI Pilates principles to their individual sporting disciplines. His approach aims to support performance, improve movement quality and assist with rehabilitation following injury.

 

Through his Pilates and physiotherapy work, Evan strives to create a safe and supportive environment for clients of all ages and fitness levels. He believes that with the right guidance, every individual can develop greater strength, awareness and confidence in their body. His goal is to help clients progress through their fitness or rehabilitation journey while discovering what they are capable of.

Outside the studio, Evan is a speciality coffee connoisseur and a dedicated Jiu-Jitsu enthusiast.

Melissa Labuschagne

Trainer

Melissa's interest in Pilates and Barre grew through her years of dancing. Having experienced injuries along the way, she began to discover the benefits of Pilates within her own training and developed a deeper understanding of how movement could support, strengthen and care for the body. Her personal experience eventually led her to discover a passion for sharing that knowledge and helping others experience the same benefits.

 

Melissa began her teaching career in 2017 after completing the BASI Pilates Comprehensive Teacher Training course at BASI Pilates Johannesburg. Her passion for continued education has led her to further develop her skills in Pilates for Kids, Barre and Pre- and Post-Natal Pilates. She enjoys working with people of all ages and abilities, with a focus on helping each individual develop a stronger connection with their body and learn how to move and live well.

 

With her background in dance and her knowledge of Pilates and Barre, Melissa has found the perfect way to combine her passion for movement with her career. Her much-loved adult Barre classes bring together strength, mobility, coordination and enjoyment, creating an accessible and energetic experience for everyone.

 

Melissa is passionate about helping people build strong, capable bodies while finding enjoyment in movement. She believes Pilates and Barre provide a wonderful platform to develop confidence, strength and a greater awareness of the body, and she is grateful to share that journey with her clients.

Kristie-Kim Atkinson

Trainer / Social Media

Kristie-Kim is a BASI Pilates Comprehensive qualified instructor whose journey into Pilates was shaped by her background in dance and horse riding. After sustaining injuries through horse riding, she discovered Pilates as a holistic approach to rehabilitation and recovery. This personal experience sparked her passion for the rehabilitative side of Pilates and its ability to help individuals reconnect with and understand their bodies.

 

Kristie-Kim works with a diverse range of clients, from young children as young as three, where she introduces the importance of mind-body connection, to athletes, with a focus on form, function, strength and flexibility. She also enjoys working with mothers-to-be, supporting them through the physical changes of pregnancy, as well as older adults, where balance, control and confidence are central to her approach.

 

Her teaching is grounded in the belief that every body is unique and has its own potential. Kristie-Kim takes a holistic and personalised approach to each client, adapting sessions to their individual needs, goals and abilities. She is passionate about helping people build strength, improve their movement and achieve their fitness or rehabilitation goals through Pilates, and genuinely loves seeing her clients discover what their bodies are capable of.

Jahne Maree

Trainer

Jahna is an innovative and creative mover who is passionate about helping people move better while developing a deeper, more mindful connection with their bodies. Her own journey with BASI Pilates has given her a purpose-driven approach to movement and learning, shaping the way she continues to grow both as an instructor and as a student of the practice.

 

Jahna completed her BASI Pilates Mat Teacher Training in 2019, followed by the BASI Comprehensive Teacher Training course in 2020. She has continued to expand her knowledge through BASI Pilates Through Pregnancy and Beyond, Pilates for Scoliosis, Pilates for Kids and the BASI Mentor Programme. Her commitment to continued education reflects her belief that remaining a student is an important part of becoming a better teacher.

 

Having worked both as an instructor and behind the scenes within the BASI community, Jahna has gained a broad understanding of the studio and the people who make it what it is. She brings this experience into her teaching with a focus on mindful movement, connection and giving her best to every client.

Jahna believes that balance, hard work and kindness are important both inside and outside the studio. She looks forward to continuing to learn, grow and contribute to the BASI community while helping clients discover greater confidence, awareness and enjoyment in their movement.

Mariette Paul

Junior Trainer

Mariette is a passionate and dedicated Instructor who discovered the transformative power of Pilates later in her life.

While she enjoyed an active lifestyle and high impact activities for a long time, she eventually faced injuries, which led her to explore alternative forms of exercise.  She found healing through the practice of Pilates not only embracing it to strengthen her body but to be more connected to and empowered within her body.

In 2021, Mariette completed the Basi Pilates Comprehensive Teacher Training course at Basi Pilates Academy in Johannesburg. She has also pursued additional training in Pilates for Pathologies and Injuries, Pilates through Pregnancy and Beyond, and Movement Anatomy, further enhancing her understanding of the human body and its movement patterns.

Mariette’s teaching is characterised by attention to detail and her belief in treating each client as an unique individual with specific needs and goals. She aims to empower clients to achieve their desired outcomes through the transformative practice of Pilates.

Mia Nichol

Junior Trainer

From a young age, Mia was drawn to performance, taking part in jazz band and dramatic arts before discovering that movement would become her true passion. After completing her law articles, she continued searching for a path that felt right for her until she found it at BASI Pilates Johannesburg.

 

Mia completed her Mat course in 2023 and, eager to deepen her knowledge and practice, went on to complete the Comprehensive Teacher Training course in 2024. Her journey into Pilates has given her a deeper appreciation for the connection between the body and mind, and she is passionate about sharing that experience with others.

 

As a mother of two young children, Mia understands the challenges of finding time for yourself within a busy schedule. She encourages clients to use their Pilates practice as an opportunity to reconnect with their bodies, find enjoyment in movement and create consistency in their wellbeing. She believes that enjoyment is an important part of building a lasting practice, even when life doesn't always feel like your own.

 

Mia's goal with every client is to build lasting strength and functionality while creating space to step away from the demands of daily life and focus on breath, movement and enjoyment. Inspired by Joseph Pilates' belief that "physical fitness is the prerequisite to happiness," Mia hopes to help her clients experience exactly that.

Bernadette Colborne

Junior Trainer

Bernadette is a wife, mother and qualified BASI Pilates instructor whose own experience with movement led her to discover the transformative benefits of Pilates. While managing a degenerative lumbar spine condition, Pilates helped her develop greater core strength, improve her balance and posture, and become more aware of her movement, alignment, control and breath. This personal experience inspired her to help others discover what their bodies are capable of. After transitioning from a career in banking to Pilates, Bernadette found a renewed passion for movement, teaching and helping others.

 

Her commitment to continued education has led her to complete BASI training in Mat, Comprehensive Global, Pregnancy and Beyond, Pathologies and Injuries, Hyper-mobility and The Power of Aging. She has also completed the BASI Legacy Mentor Programme, Art of Cueing, B3 Certificates and Workshops, as well as further education in gait and scoliosis.

 

Bernadette believes movement should be accessible to everyone and takes great joy in helping clients discover their potential and achieve things they may once have thought impossible. She approaches each client's journey with patience, encouragement and humility, helping them develop greater strength, awareness and confidence in their bodies. Inspired by Joseph Pilates' words, "Change happens through movement and movement heals," she believes Pilates can create meaningful and lasting change.

Olivia King

Junior Trainer

Olivia's Pilates journey began as a client at BASI Pilates Johannesburg. After joining friends for weekly equipment classes, she quickly experienced the positive impact Pilates had on her physical, mental and emotional wellbeing. As a high school English teacher for seven years, Olivia often experienced the demands of a busy and stressful profession, and Pilates became an important part of helping her feel stronger, more balanced and better equipped for everyday life. Her practice also improved her balance and strength as a soccer player, helping to reduce the injuries she had previously experienced.

 

After leaving teaching at the end of 2023, Olivia began exploring what the next chapter of her career might look like. Her curiosity about movement and the body led her to complete the BASI Comprehensive Teacher Training course in 2024, allowing her to deepen her understanding of the practice that had already made such a meaningful difference in her own life.

 

Olivia's background as an educator continues to influence her approach to teaching Pilates. She believes every client has their own goals and potential, and sees her role as supporting them with patience, encouragement and care. She has continued her education through Pilates Through Pregnancy and Beyond and Pilates for Injuries and Pathologies, and remains passionate about lifelong learning. Olivia hopes to give her clients the same sense of confidence, possibility and wellbeing that she discovered through her own Pilates journey.

Nikki Said

Junior Trainer

Wife and Mum. Qualified BASI (Body Arts and Science International) Pilates instructor: Mat, Comprehensive Global, Pregnancy & Beyond, Pathologies and Injuries, Hyper-mobility, Power of Aging, Mentor Programme. 

My journey with Pilates started as a result of a degenerative lumbar spine.  Having joined BPA JHB first as a client, then a student, helped strengthen my core, improve my balance and posture, be consciously mindful of my body movement , alignment, control, breath and so much more. Mind body connection has been so crucial in my journey. 

Body movement in one form or another has always been something that I have been passionate about. 

Helping people move and achieve what they thought was not possible, brings so much joy and is indeed humbling.  BASI Pilates embodies and embraces movement for everyone. 

From Banking to Pilates. My passion is re ignited through pilates❤️

The quote from Joseph Pilates holds true for me: 

“Change happens through movement and movement heals”

Ravit Sasportas

Apprentice

Ravit's Pilates journey began in 2016, and her connection with BASI Pilates Johannesburg began in 2023 when she first joined the studio as a client. Inspired by her own experience with Pilates and the many benefits it brought to her life, she decided to take the next step in her journey and is currently completing her Comprehensive Teacher Training course at BASI Pilates Academy in Johannesburg.

 

Having always enjoyed an active lifestyle, Ravit developed a growing appreciation for the calmness and presence that Pilates brings to movement. She values the practice for its ability to develop greater body awareness while supporting strength, posture, control and overall health and wellbeing. Ravit approaches her training with focus, care and dedication, continually developing her understanding of mindful movement and the principles that underpin the BASI Pilates method. She is passionate about continued learning and looks forward to growing within the BASI community.

 

As she begins guiding clients through their own Pilates journeys, Ravit aims to create a warm and supportive environment where everyone feels encouraged in their progress. She brings kindness and empathy to her teaching and hopes to help each client work towards their individual goals while discovering their own potential through mindful movement.

Zukiswa Matsabisa

Administration

Zukie is a dedicated receptionist with a diploma in Retail Business Management and a passion for personal growth. She is also a mat Pilates student, blending her interest in wellness with her professional pursuits. Known for her calm and focused nature, Zukie thrives in creating organized and welcoming environments while continually striving to enhance her skills. With a long-term goal of becoming a Pilates instructor.

Kim Trezona

Administration

Kim has been an integral part of BASI Pilates Johannesburg for over 11 years, bringing warmth, reliability and a genuine passion for helping others to the studio. As Personal Assistant to Ashley Ritchie, she plays an important role in supporting the team, assisting clients and ensuring that the day-to-day operations run smoothly.

 

Known for her exceptional organisational skills, attention to detail and calm, caring approach, Kim thrives in a busy environment and enjoys finding practical solutions to challenges. Her strong communication skills, empathy and ability to manage multiple priorities have made her a trusted point of contact for both clients and the BASI team.

 

Kim takes pride in creating a positive and welcoming experience for everyone she encounters. She believes that kindness, clear communication and attention to detail are at the heart of great client service, and brings these values to everything she does at BASI Pilates Johannesburg.