Leyla Ali

I was born and raised in Melbourne, Australia, where I began dancing at a very young age. Over the years, dance and performance evolved from a childhood passion into a fulfilling career.

After landing my first professional performance job, I came to appreciate the importance of moving with intention and control—and of building the strength my body needed to meet the demands of the stage.

That experience inspired me to explore the world of fitness and deepen my understanding of physical wellness. In 2013, I became a certified personal trainer. Still, I longed for something that resonated more deeply with the way I preferred to move—something that connected back to dance. That’s when I discovered Pilates. It transformed both my body and mind, and I felt a strong desire to share this newfound passion with others.

In 2018, I moved to New York, where I found a community of like-minded Pilates lovers and continued to train while teaching.

Today, I’m grateful to be part of the Pilates People team, where I can keep learning, growing, and sharing my love for movement. It brings me so much joy to see others gain strength and confidence through each class.