ABOUT US
BASI Pilates Johannesburg
Ashley Ritchie
Principal Trainer
Ashley Ritchie has been on her toes from the age of 4. Her career went on to embody 23 years of Royal Academy of Dance ballet training, 7 years as a Ballet teacher and 25 years as a Pilates Practitioner – All encapsulated by the natural body intuition and enthusiasm she brings to her teaching.
She is a Principal Faculty Member for BASI (Body Arts and Science International) and presents BASI Pilates Teacher Training Programs and Advanced Education Certifications globally, from South Africa, USA, UK, Europe, Australia and as across the the whole of Asia. Ashley developed and presents Pilates through Pregnancy and Beyond certification for BASI across the globe.
BASI Pilates Academy was founded by Ashley in 1998 and is in the heart of the northern suburbs. It the largest Pilates, specialised training and education facilities in Johannesburg.
Hilde Mc Cullough
Senior Trainer
With nearly 2 decades of teaching experience, I've had the privilege of guiding countless individuals on their Pilates journey. Certified by BASI Pilates in 2005, I've been and integral part of the BASI Academy Johannesburg family, sharing my passion for movement and wellness.
My teaching philosophy is rooted in compassion and understanding. I believe everybody has their unique story, and I'm dedicated to helping each client unlock their full potential.
My expertise lies in:
- Personalised instruction tailored to individual needs
- Precise alignment and correction
- Mind-body connection and awareness
- Injury rehabilitation and prevention
- Muscle activation
I have developed a keen ability to "read the body", intuitively sensing areas of tension or imbalance. This allows me to customised sessions that address each client's specific needs, empowering them to move with greater ease, confidence and fluidity.
I am honored to be part of the BASI Academy community.
Melanie Eisenberg
Senior Trainer
From a career and personal perspective, Melanie (Mel) has always been extremely passionate about developing people. Her caring nature and commitment to her clients’ progress are focused on helping them achieve their potential through movement and exercise. She concentrates specifically on improving posture, spinal flexibility and muscle strength.
To advance her understanding and application thereof, Mel successfully attained her certificate from the American Council on Exercise in 1990, whilst studying Microbiology, Zoology and PR.
After graduating from the BASI Comprehensive Teacher Training Course, she also attended the BASI Pilates through Pregnancy and Beyond Certification Course. She has also completed the BASI Human Anatomy Certification, Pilates for Injuries and Pathologies, Low Pressure Fitness (level 1), Douglas Heals' Muscle Activation Course.
Mel enjoys keeping herself up to date, reading as much as possible around topics related to her work. Mel is a devoted senior instructor at BASI Johannesburg who finds joy and fulfilment in Pilates, both in her own practice as well as in her work with her clients.
Evan Booysen
Trainer
Evan Booysen is a qualified Physiotherapist, BASI Pilates Comprehensive instructor and former professional rugby player who aims to provide a holistic form of training and rehabilitation to his clients.
While dealing with injuries during his professional rugby career, he turned to pilates to supplement his own recovery and rehabilitation - finding that the mind-body connection of pilates unlocked a deeper, more sustainable level of fitness and mindfulness.
Today, Evan continues to bring this multi-faceted approach to all of his forms of training: aiming to provide unique and challenging sessions for every body. He also enjoys working with athletes, understanding the demands they place upon their bodies, while applying the BASI pilates principles to their respective sport disciplines to help improve their performance or rehabilitate from an injury
Through his pilates and physio work he offers a safe space for all clients regardless of age or fitness level so they may unlock their most confident selves and progress their fitness journey.
Fun fact: speciality coffee connoisseur and jiu-jitsu fanatic
Melissa Schafer
Trainer
Melissa’s interest in Pilates and Barre began through her years of dancing. At times finding herself working through injuries, she began to learn the benefits of Pilates in posture, movement, flexibility and most of all injury prevention.
Her teaching career began in 2017 after completing her Comprehensive Teacher Training Course with Basi Pilates. With an interest in continued education, she has furthered her skills to include Pilates with Kids and Barre time classes. She thrives on helping kids of all ages and skill ranges with the aim of teaching them how to live well in their bodies. Her much-loved adult Barre classes offer an enjoyable mix of it all helping everyone feel the benefits she believes in.
With her love and knowledge of dance and passion for helping people build their bodies, Pilates and Barre are the perfect platform to combine her passion with her career and share it.
Kristie-Kim Atkinson
Trainer / Social Media
As a BASI Comprehensive Qualified instructor, I bring a wealth of experience and passion to my Pilates practice. My journey began with a background in dance and horse riding, but after sustaining injuries from horse riding, I discovered Pilates as a holistic approach to rehabilitation. This personal experience ignited my passion for the rehabilitative side of Pilates.
I am dedicated to helping individuals realize their bodies’ potential, no matter what that may be. I believe that every body is unique, and that is what I love most about my work. I work with a diverse range of clients, from young children as young as three, teaching them the importance of mind-body connections, to athletes, focusing on form, function, strength, and flexibility.
I also specialize in working with moms-to-be, guiding them through the physical changes of pregnancy, and with older adults, emphasizing balance and control. My holistic approach ensures that each client receives personalized attention tailored to their specific needs.
I truly love my job and am passionate about helping people achieve their fitness and rehabilitation goals through Pilates.
Jahne Maree
Trainer
BASI Pilates
2019- BASI Pilates Mat Teacher Training
2020- BASI Pilates Comprehensive Teacher Training
2020- Pilates through Pregnancy amd Beyond
2021- Pilates for Scoliosis
2021- Pilates for Kids
2023- BASI Pilates mentor program
I am an innovative and creative mover. I believe in giving 100% and helping people move better and connecting mindfully. BASI Pilates has given me purpose driven ways of moving and learning and remaining a student is the goal.
Working both as an Instructor and behind the scenes has taught me a lot and I look forward to applying that in new spaces in the future within the BASI community.
Balance, hard work and kindness is what I aim to apply to every day.
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
Growing up I was in the jazz band and loved the dramatic arts – little did I know then that my true passion would lie in movement! After completing my law articles, I was still searching for my true passion. And I am so happy to announce from the rooftops that I found it at the Basi Johannesburg studio. I completed my mat course in 2023 and soon after realised I was hungry for more. I signed up for the Comprehensive Teacher Training course which I completed in 2024. I am so inspired to teach Pilates as it is physically and mentally empowering. Pilates provides long term functionality to the body which is the underlying goal I aim for with each client. Added to that, I love how Pilates captures a busy mind, taking one away from the worries of a busy lifestyle to a focus the breath patterns, movement and of course to have a few laughs along the way! As Joseph Pilates said, “physical fitness is the prerequisite to happiness” and I hope to provide my clients with just that!
Bernadette Colborne
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”
Kim Trezona
Administrator
With over nine years of experience with BASI Pilates Academy-Johannesburg, Kim is your highly skilled and experienced admin go-to and Personal Assistant to Ashley Ritchie.
Kim’s meticulous attention to detail, communication skills, empathy and ability to handle multiple tasks in high-pressure situations have made her an indispensable part of the team.
Kim is also a trained Aquacise Instructor and is passionate about health and fitness.
Zukiswa Matsabisa
Administrator
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.
Ashley Ritchie
Principal Trainer
Ashley Ritchie has been on her toes from the age of 4. Her career went on to embody 23 years of Royal Academy of Dance ballet training, 7 years as a Ballet teacher and 25 years as a Pilates Practitioner – All encapsulated by the natural body intuition and enthusiasm she brings to her teaching.
She is a Principal Faculty Member for BASI (Body Arts and Science International) and presents BASI Pilates Teacher Training Programs and Advanced Education Certifications globally, from South Africa, USA, UK, Europe, Australia and as across the the whole of Asia. Ashley developed and presents Pilates through Pregnancy and Beyond certification for BASI across the globe.
BASI Pilates Academy was founded by Ashley in 1998 and is in the heart of the northern suburbs. It the largest Pilates, specialised training and education facilities in Johannesburg.
Hilde Mc Cullough
Senior Trainer
With nearly 2 decades of teaching experience, I've had the privilege of guiding countless individuals on their Pilates journey. Certified by BASI Pilates in 2005, I've been and integral part of the BASI Academy Johannesburg family, sharing my passion for movement and wellness.
My teaching philosophy is rooted in compassion and understanding. I believe everybody has their unique story, and I'm dedicated to helping each client unlock their full potential.
My expertise lies in:
- Personalised instruction tailored to individual needs
- Precise alignment and correction
- Mind-body connection and awareness
- Injury rehabilitation and prevention
- Muscle activation
I have developed a keen ability to "read the body", intuitively sensing areas of tension or imbalance. This allows me to customised sessions that address each client's specific needs, empowering them to move with greater ease, confidence and fluidity.
I am honored to be part of the BASI Academy community.
Melanie Eisenberg
Senior Trainer
From a career and personal perspective, Melanie (Mel) has always been extremely passionate about developing people. Her caring nature and commitment to her clients’ progress are focused on helping them achieve their potential through movement and exercise. She concentrates specifically on improving posture, spinal flexibility and muscle strength.
To advance her understanding and application thereof, Mel successfully attained her certificate from the American Council on Exercise in 1990, whilst studying Microbiology, Zoology and PR.
After graduating from the BASI Comprehensive Teacher Training Course, she also attended the BASI Pilates through Pregnancy and Beyond Certification Course. She has also completed the BASI Human Anatomy Certification, Pilates for Injuries and Pathologies, Low Pressure Fitness (level 1), Douglas Heals' Muscle Activation Course.
Mel enjoys keeping herself up to date, reading as much as possible around topics related to her work. Mel is a devoted senior instructor at BASI Johannesburg who finds joy and fulfilment in Pilates, both in her own practice as well as in her work with her clients.
Evan Booysen
Trainer
Evan Booysen is a qualified Physiotherapist, BASI Pilates Comprehensive instructor and former professional rugby player who aims to provide a holistic form of training and rehabilitation to his clients.
While dealing with injuries during his professional rugby career, he turned to pilates to supplement his own recovery and rehabilitation - finding that the mind-body connection of pilates unlocked a deeper, more sustainable level of fitness and mindfulness.
Today, Evan continues to bring this multi-faceted approach to all of his forms of training: aiming to provide unique and challenging sessions for every body. He also enjoys working with athletes, understanding the demands they place upon their bodies, while applying the BASI pilates principles to their respective sport disciplines to help improve their performance or rehabilitate from an injury
Through his pilates and physio work he offers a safe space for all clients regardless of age or fitness level so they may unlock their most confident selves and progress their fitness journey.
Fun fact: speciality coffee connoisseur and jiu-jitsu fanatic
Melissa Schafer
Trainer
Melissa’s interest in Pilates and Barre began through her years of dancing. At times finding herself working through injuries, she began to learn the benefits of Pilates in posture, movement, flexibility and most of all injury prevention.
Her teaching career began in 2017 after completing her Comprehensive Teacher Training Course with Basi Pilates. With an interest in continued education, she has furthered her skills to include Pilates with Kids and Barre time classes. She thrives on helping kids of all ages and skill ranges with the aim of teaching them how to live well in their bodies. Her much-loved adult Barre classes offer an enjoyable mix of it all helping everyone feel the benefits she believes in.
With her love and knowledge of dance and passion for helping people build their bodies, Pilates and Barre are the perfect platform to combine her passion with her career and share it.
Kristie-Kim Atkinson
Trainer / Social Media
As a BASI Comprehensive Qualified instructor, I bring a wealth of experience and passion to my Pilates practice. My journey began with a background in dance and horse riding, but after sustaining injuries from horse riding, I discovered Pilates as a holistic approach to rehabilitation. This personal experience ignited my passion for the rehabilitative side of Pilates.
I am dedicated to helping individuals realize their bodies’ potential, no matter what that may be. I believe that every body is unique, and that is what I love most about my work. I work with a diverse range of clients, from young children as young as three, teaching them the importance of mind-body connections, to athletes, focusing on form, function, strength, and flexibility.
I also specialize in working with moms-to-be, guiding them through the physical changes of pregnancy, and with older adults, emphasizing balance and control. My holistic approach ensures that each client receives personalized attention tailored to their specific needs.
I truly love my job and am passionate about helping people achieve their fitness and rehabilitation goals through Pilates.
Jahne Maree
Trainer
BASI Pilates
2019- BASI Pilates Mat Teacher Training
2020- BASI Pilates Comprehensive Teacher Training
2020- Pilates through Pregnancy amd Beyond
2021- Pilates for Scoliosis
2021- Pilates for Kids
2023- BASI Pilates mentor program
I am an innovative and creative mover. I believe in giving 100% and helping people move better and connecting mindfully. BASI Pilates has given me purpose driven ways of moving and learning and remaining a student is the goal.
Working both as an Instructor and behind the scenes has taught me a lot and I look forward to applying that in new spaces in the future within the BASI community.
Balance, hard work and kindness is what I aim to apply to every day.
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
Growing up I was in the jazz band and loved the dramatic arts – little did I know then that my true passion would lie in movement! After completing my law articles, I was still searching for my true passion. And I am so happy to announce from the rooftops that I found it at the Basi Johannesburg studio. I completed my mat course in 2023 and soon after realised I was hungry for more. I signed up for the Comprehensive Teacher Training course which I completed in 2024. I am so inspired to teach Pilates as it is physically and mentally empowering. Pilates provides long term functionality to the body which is the underlying goal I aim for with each client. Added to that, I love how Pilates captures a busy mind, taking one away from the worries of a busy lifestyle to a focus the breath patterns, movement and of course to have a few laughs along the way! As Joseph Pilates said, “physical fitness is the prerequisite to happiness” and I hope to provide my clients with just that!
Bernadette Colborne
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”
Kim Trezona
Administration
With over nine years of experience with BASI Pilates Academy-Johannesburg, Kim is your highly skilled and experienced admin go-to and Personal Assistant to Ashley Ritchie.
Kim’s meticulous attention to detail, communication skills, empathy and ability to handle multiple tasks in high-pressure situations have made her an indispensable part of the team.
Kim is also a trained Aquacise Instructor and is passionate about health and fitness.
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.
