PILATES

STRENGTH

CONDITIONING

Welcome to your wellness journey,

Im Yayoi, and my movement journey began at the age of eight with classical ballet, leading me to study at the prestigious New Zealand School of Dance in Wellington. At 18, I embarked on an exciting adventure, leaving New Zealand to pursue a professional dance career. Over the next five years, I had the privilege of performing with various ballet companies around the globe.

After retiring from my dance career, I returned to Auckland, and spent a year teaching ballet. My passion for movement then led me to Les Mills International, where I became an international fitness presenter and choreographer for their group fitness programs. During this time, my love for Pilates grew, prompting me to complete my Polestar Pilates Comprehensive teacher training.

In Auckland, I built a strong reputation working with top studios and nurturing young dancers through Pilates, conditioning, and coaching. In 2023, my husband and I relocated to Arrowtown, where I launched Studio Yayoi offering private personalised Pilates sessions with a focus on strength building, alignment, technique, and personal progress.

In 2024, we are excited to introduce Arrowtown Mat Pilates at the Arrowtown Community Center, Jack Reid Park. Our 50 minute small group classes combine strength and conditioning exercises with classical and contemporary Pilates, ensuring progressions and regressions to suit all abilities. Join us in a beautiful, encouraging space where we sculpt, lengthen, find balance, and revitalise both mind and body.

Move with me.

Home Private

Tailored and personalised 1 hour private session.
Community Mat Pilates

Arrowtown Community Centre - Rugby Club. Monday - Friday
Kinross / Gibbston - Wednesday 5:30pm
Ayrburn - Saturdays 8am
Groups / Corporates

6 or more - 1 hour private group session.
Pre / post natal

Mum’s & Bub’s - Fridays 10am at Arrowtown Community Centre.
Highly personalised 1 hour private session.

"Yayoi brings a beautifully unique style in her classes that highlights her background in movement and dance. Yayoi is an empathetic instructor who will guide you in your Pilates journey with the upmost care and consideration. Her classes encourage giving confidence in movement and mobility."

Kate Benefield ‘MVM.Pilates’
“Working with Yayoi has been nothing short of life-changing. I was new to Pilates, totally stiff, inflexible and mis-aligned. Yayoi’s patience, expertise and personalised approach have helped me gain flexibility, strength and a sense of well-being. It’s been transformative.”

Justin Crane
"I have had the privilege of being taught pilates by Yayoi for a few years now. I absolutely love her classes. Her calm energy and expert knowledge has led to a noticeable improvement to my form. I feel so much stronger and leaner, and I always look forward to her classes.”

Victoria Harris
"We are lucky enough to have Yayoi as a valued member of our team at Reform Queenstown. Her background in dance translates seamlessly into her classes, with effortless style and incredible strength. Yayoi’s attention to detail is admirable, allowing each and every client to feel supported & encouraged within the studio space. After any class with Yayoi you will leave feeling challenged, re-aligned, lengthened & light.”

Gemma Tabak, Reform Queenstown
“Yayoi is an incredible teacher. She makes the classes challenging without you noticing it, as they’re always made enjoyable and fun with her light and beautiful energy. You get into a real flow! I love Yayoi’s teaching style and highly recommend her!”

Emma Lewisham