About - Michelle Pilates

I’m Michelle Ribbens, Founder of
Michelle Pilates

Michelle’s own journey through healing and movement led her to the art of Classical Pilates — a practice that empowers you to move with strength, grace, and balance.

About Me

Michelle’s journey with Pilates began after undergoing Microdiscectomy surgery in 2017. Searching for a way to heal, she discovered the power of Classical Pilates while training with Jeanique Pilates in Dubai. Experiencing its transformative effects, she knew she had found her true path.

Determined to deepen her knowledge, Michelle completed the Advanced Teacher Training Program with The Pilates Center in Boulder Colorado, one of the most respected programs in the world, achieving over 950 hours of training.

With a lifelong background in movement, Michelle started dancing at the age of four and trained at The Centre of Performing Arts in London. She went on to earn her Associate teaching qualifications with the Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing in Ballet, Tap, and Modern. Her career included performing and choreographing across the UK, seven years as a professional dancer on cruise ships, and over a decade running her own Dance studio, Prima Performing Arts, in Dubai.

Now based back in the UK, Michelle has brought her passion and expertise together to create Michelle Pilates a welcoming space where clients can discover strength, mobility, and confidence through the art of Classical Pilates.

Founder of the Pilates Method

Joseph Hubertus Pilates (Uncle Joe) – (1883-1967) was the creator of the Pilates method, originally called Contrology. Born in Germany, he overcame childhood illnesses through fitness and dedicated his life to developing a system that combined strength, flexibility, and mindful movement.

During World War I, Joseph began refining his exercises while working with injured soldiers, even creating equipment using bed springs – the foundation of today’s Pilates machines.

In 1926, he moved to New York with his wife, Clara, and opened the first Pilates studio. Dancers and athletes quickly embraced the method for building core strength, improving posture, and preventing injuries.

Joseph Pilates’ legacy lives on worldwide. His method, once a niche practice, is now one of the most popular forms of exercise, helping millions achieve balance, strength, and well-being.