A Life in Motion — From Dance to Pilates

Movement has been the defining thread of her life. From an early age, she dedicated herself to Korean traditional and creative dance, later expanding into ballet and discovering the profound art of expressing emotion through movement. These formative experiences naturally led her to Pilates—a discipline where precision, strength, and intention are woven together with elegance.

Graduating at the top of her class in Dance, she demonstrated both exceptional artistry and academic excellence. She continued her professional studies in Physical Education at Ewha Womans University, exploring the science of how the body moves, heals, and transforms. Through this journey, she came to understand Pilates not merely as exercise, but as an elevated practice of reconnection, refinement, and inner strength.

Her desire to create meaningful impact through movement led her to establish Barbie Dance Studio, a space where education, artistry, and wellness harmoniously coexist. Over the years, she has guided a broad spectrum of students—from young beginners to highly trained performers—and has appeared as a guest instructor on national television, teaching celebrities and professional athletes the power of intelligent, mindful movement.

Committed to lifelong learning, she is currently pursuing the RMT program to deepen her expertise in anatomy, rehabilitation, and therapeutic practice. This advanced training enriches her holistic teaching approach, allowing her to deliver a uniquely integrated Pilates experience rooted in both scientific understanding and artistic intuition.

At the core of her philosophy lies a timeless belief: “Movement has the power to heal, transform, and return us to ourselves.” As a director and educator, she strives to inspire strength, balance, and grace—helping each individual discover a deeper connection to their body and their well-being.

Hazel is fluent in both Korean and English.

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Credentials • Director, EPS Global Pilates Association — Vancouver Branch • B.A. in Dance, Valedictorian • M.Ed. in Physical Education — Graduate School of Education, Ewha Womans University • Featured Guest Instructor on multiple Pilates & Wellness TV programs (Trainer for celebrities and professional athletes) • Master’s Thesis (2019, Ewha Womans University): The Effects of Occupational Identity on Teaching Efficacy and Job Satisfaction in Dance Instructors

A Life in Motion — From Dance to Pilates Movement has been the defining thread of her life. From... Read More

Bella Kim began her movement journey through yoga, where she discovered how much she enjoys helping people feel deeply connected to their bodies. Later, after experiencing a back injury, she found Pilates—a practice that completely transformed her understanding of alignment, strength, and mindful movement. This personal experience brings depth to her teaching, allowing her to guide clients with genuine empathy and a strong emphasis on safety and effectiveness.

Bella brings a background in athletics, intuitive body awareness, and continuous education in Pilates. She has completed numerous workshops in small equipment—including the ball, BOSU, circle ring, and foam roller—as well as specialized training in prenatal, kids, and senior Pilates. These qualifications enable her to support clients across different abilities, life stages, and movement goals.

Known for her clear cueing, uplifting energy, and warm, encouraging presence, Bella pays close attention to alignment and movement patterns. She offers personalized modifications and progressive variations so each client can move confidently and successfully.

Bella’s goal is to create a space where clients feel supported, motivated, and genuinely cared for. She hopes Pilates becomes a meaningful part of each person’s life—something that helps them feel stronger, more balanced, and more connected to themselves every day.

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For her, Pilates is not simply exercise—it is an elevated journey of body awareness, intentional movement, and long-term well-being. She is dedicated to offering thoughtfully tailored sessions, ensuring each individual experiences movement that is safe, effective, and deeply aligned with their unique needs.

Drawing from her clinical background, she approaches every client with insight, care, and a discerning eye for detail. Her goal is to help each person cultivate a healthier, more balanced life—one grounded in strength, alignment, and mindful connection to the body.

She looks forward to guiding you on a transformative movement experience, where strength meets elegance, and where every session brings you closer to your most empowered self.

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We are honored to welcome Kay Lee, Director of NAME Pilates & Academy in Korea, as our special guest instructor.

Kay is a fully certified STOTT PILATES® Instructor with deep expertise in Pilates education, rehabilitation, and pre- and postnatal training. She holds a Master’s degree in Sports Psychology and Human Engineering Therapy from Yonsei University Graduate School, where she cultivated a deep understanding of the mind-body connection.

She is also a Merrithew™ Certified Pre & Postnatal Specialist, having completed both the theory and practical components of the Merrithew™ Pre & Postnatal Mat program. In addition, she is a certified instructor through the KPEE International Lifelong Education Institute and currently serves as a Master Education Instructor at NAME Pilates & Academy.

With years of experience as both an educator and studio director, Kay brings a refined, evidence-based, and holistic approach to movement — blending science and art to guide clients toward physical alignment, functional strength, and inner balance.

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I first started Pilates to relieve chronic neck pain I had struggled with for years. As I continued practicing consistently, the pain gradually improved, and that’s when I truly became drawn to Pilates. It wasn’t just exercise anymore—it became a powerful tool that transformed my body. That experience led me to pursue certification and begin my journey as a professional instructor.

Even after becoming certified, I didn’t stop learning. I’ve continued to take workshops focused on rehabilitation and postural correction, deepening my knowledge and skills. Seeing my clients experience relief from pain, little by little, brings me so much joy and fulfillment—because I’ve been there too, and I genuinely understand their journey.

To this day, I’m still working on healing and realigning my own body. Pilates has become more than just movement—it’s a lifelong tool for self-care and healing.

Through Pilates, I’ve come to realize how deeply connected the body and mind truly are. With every session, I’ve learned to tune into my body more, noticing even the smallest changes, and giving myself the space to breathe and reset. These personal experiences have shaped the way I teach—my goal isn’t just to guide people through movements, but to help them understand and respect their own bodies.

I’m committed to continuing this path of growth, and I hope to support many more people on their own journeys of recovery and self-discovery.

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