POLESTAR PILATES
ABOUT US
We are a global community of scholars, changing the world of movement by producing the best Pilates instructors and setting the gold standard in Pilates instruction.
MOVING THE WORLD FOR 30 YEARS
Our mission is to shape world health by making Pilates available to everyone. Joseph Pilates’s original work was much more than just exercise. Polestar expands on this by adding critical thinking, assessment, accessibility, energy medicine, and teacher training into its programs.
Founded in the United States in 1992, Polestar today is found all around the world. We are at the forefront of Pilates education, leading the movement to spread the benefits of Pilates by producing the finest Pilates professionals in the world.
Brent Anderson, PT, PhD, OCS, NCPT
Founder and President, Polestar Pilates
Brent Anderson is a Physical Therapist, Pilates Educator, and author of the upcoming book, Principles of Movement… (learn more)
With over 30 years of experience in rehabilitation and movement science, Brent is passionate about the power positive movement experiences have in changing the world.
He is dedicated to sharing Pilates with the world and is an active consultant for hospitals, universities, and wellness organizations internationally. He is also an avid public speaker, lecturing at health conferences and forums worldwide. Brent has always been deeply involved in community service and has volunteered on many boards within the community, profession and faith, in line with his desire to impact the world one person at a time.
Shelly Power, BS, NCPT
Vice President, Polestar Pilates
Shelly is a senior Polestar faculty member teaching nationally and internationally and works closely with the Polestar licensees and senior educators. As a frequent presenter at international fitness and Pilates conferences, Shelly brings a unique and fresh approach to the work of Joseph Pilates. She studied Pilates and worked as a physical therapy aide with Polestar President Brent Anderson at his first clinic, Anderson Physical Therapy, and later moved to Miami in 1998 to become the co-founder of Polestar Pilates Center Miami.
Shelly has a certification in GYROTONIC®, having trained with Angela Crowley, and has completed the first year of Franklin-Method® training with Eric Franklin. She has been a member of the International Association for Dance Medicine & Science (IADMS), is a member of the Pilates Method Alliance, and is a Nationally Certified Pilates Teacher.
WHAT MAKES US UNIQUE
We are the first Polestar Pilates studio and the Polestar Teacher Training center in the GCC. Our methods are based on the most sustainable (holistic) approach to the human body, mind and spirit which is how we do it supported by the latest groundbreaking medical research.
Our priority is the well-being of our clients and teachers. We are the first Pilates studio in Dubai that has developed an in-house team of teachers working exclusively for us! All of our teachers are Polestar-educated and well-experienced; we use only licensed Polestar Reformer equipment.
OUR TEAM
CATHERINE KNOWLES
Catherine is originally from the UK and has been living overseas since 2007. Her journey into Pilates began when a progressive doctor prescribed her a 10-week course following a running injury. From that moment, she was hooked! After practicing for a few years, Catherine decided to train as an instructor to share the transformative power of Pilates with others. She has Qualified with Polestar Pilates Education in Mat, Reformer, and Studio-Comprehensive courses. She is also specialized in a small props and various populations, including Pilates for Runners, Scoliosis, Pre/Post Natal Pilates, Pilates on the OOV & Spinefitter. Catherine expanded her love of teaching and became an Educator for Polestar Pilates and having an international background of teaching the students. She loves teaching and mentoring new instructors, and she feels honored to accompany people on their Pilates journeys, learning as much from them as they do from her. Her goal is to ensure that every student leaves a session feeling better than they did when they arrived
INA MOCALINA
As the official representative of Polestar Pilates in Latvia, Ina is dedicated to promoting and advancing the practice of Pilates throughout the region. With extensive experience as a mentor and educator for Polestar Pilates educational programs, she is committed to fostering excellence in Pilates instruction.
She is a Certified Pilates Studio Practitioner and a Master Trainer for the Pilates Practice Studio Chain, bringing a wealth of knowledge and expertise to her role. Inna’s academic background includes a Master of Philology from the Latvian State University and a Fitness Specialist designation from Riga Stradins University.
Having been a Pilates instructor since 2004, Ina have sharpened her skills and passion for this transformative practice. Additionally, she is a Certified Coach (Category B, Certificate No. 4441), further enhancing her ability to guide and inspire others on their Pilates journey.
CHRISTINA SMITH
Christina is originally from Germany is a fully qualified Polestar Pilates Instructor with over 10-year experience in Pilates Mat, Reformer and Cadillac. Her vision as a Pilates instructor is to bring Pilates to every-BODY despite your age, shape or limitations and to have a deeper understanding of your body
POLESTAR PILATES
Our teachers at Polestar Pilates are real-world movement professionals. They bring extensive knowledge into the classroom to share with new generations of Pilates instructors. They are educators, mentors, movement masters, rehabilitation professionals, passionate scholars, and devoted teachers. All Polestar faculty serve as role models and guides, setting the high bar of excellence that is Polestar’s legacy.