astarti athanasiadou

Astarti Athanasiadou teaching classical Pilates in Amsterdam, guiding students with a safe, engaging approach, a touch of humor, and a focus on individualized movement progress

“My goal as a Pilates teacher is to guide my students through the classical repertoire with a safe, engaging approach and a touch of humour. I love making the method accessible and meaningful in each student’s body while witnessing their movement skills evolve. Every class is a rich and challenging journey, both physically and mentally. I work with people of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds, always emphasising the process over the product, respecting individual learning rhythms and needs. Most of all, I want to pass on everything that keeps me hooked on Pilates—its depth, precision, and the endless discoveries it offers through movement—and the joy of  connecting with you in this shared passion.”

  • Astarti was introduced to Pilates during her dance education in Athens, Greece, where she experienced firsthand its impact on strength, body awareness, and posture. This deep connection led her to pursue teaching, completing her mat and equipment training at Smartbody Pilates Studio in Amsterdam in 2009 under the guidance of Jelena Petrovic and Anna Levin. Further, she is a graduate of BASI pilates comprehensive training and a post-graduate of the Heritage Training, a comprehensive program dedicated to the work of legendary dancer and pilates teacher Kathy Grant, taught by Kathy’s long-time student and Astarti’s mentor, Cara Reeser. Astarti continues to expand her skills and knowledge by training with and following workshops given by worldwide acclaimed teachers such as Michael Johnson, Kirk Smith, Sharon Gallagher, Tom McCook, Jessica Cresey, Amit Younger, Jessica Fundim, as well as by practicing and integrating other relevant somatic insights inspired by Alexander technique, Rolfing, Feldenkrais and martial arts. Beyond Pilates, she is actively involved in dance and performance projects and serves as a lecturer at ArtEZ University of the Arts, Home of Performance Practices in Arnhem, the Netherlands.

teaching language: English, Dutch, Greek

  • Pilates, a term coined in honor of its founder Joseph Pilates, is a comprehensive physical exercise method that brings in performance mind and body in balance. J. Pilates developed the method spanning the 1920s to the 1960s, and subsequently, his teachings were embraced by his community of students. In the present day, research linked to pilates, in conjunction with advancements in anatomical science and other somatic practices, continues to undergo evolution and development.

    The roots of pilates can be traced back to the response against the health challenges prevalent in the late 19th century. Next to attracting practitioners from diverse backgrounds, the method became very popular in the community of modern dance of NYC. Today, pilates remains a relevant practice to all kinds of people of different backgrounds, physical needs and goals. The popularity of the method comes from promoting overall well-being and fostering bodily resilience against the challenges of daily life. Committed practitioners experience significant outcomes in physical support and exceptional performance within targeted populations.

  • Somatics is a field of study and practice that focuses on the body as experienced from within, emphasizing the internal perception and experience of the body rather than its external appearance. The term "somatics" comes from the Greek word "soma," meaning "body." This field is concerned with the relationship between the mind, body, and movement, often emphasizing the awareness of physical sensations, posture, movement, and breath.

    In somatics, the body is not just seen as a physical structure but as a living, dynamic process that is intimately connected to thoughts, emotions, and overall well-being.

    My somatic practice that I m sharing through my teaching entails many awareness and alignment exercises that I draw from Alexander, Rolfing, Feldenkrais, Laban-Bartenieff as well as performance and theatre practices.

  • Contact us to make an appointment. Whatever brings you at the door of the studio is the strongest moment of your practice. Together we will share a process of physical growth and companionship in understanding and honouring the needs of your body.