Daniela Sartore-Lewis (“Dani”) discovered Pilates in 2006 after moving to the United States from Brazil, and she quickly fell in love with the method. Since then, Pilates has remained a constant in her life. While she has explored a variety of studios and styles, she is especially passionate about the classical approach.
Dani has always led an active lifestyle. Growing up, she played multiple sports, including basketball, volleyball, and handball, and developed a strong passion for dance, training in both ballet and jazz.
In Brazil, Dani also competed in more than ten triathlons. Although running was her favorite discipline, the physical demands led to several injuries. Pilates became an essential part of her recovery, helping her rehabilitate and build a stronger, more balanced body.
Her personal experience with the benefits of Pilates inspired her to pursue formal training. In 2015, she began a 13-month comprehensive Pilates instructor program under Mary J. Brown at The Core Center in St. Louis, Missouri. During her training, her family relocated to Nashville when her husband accepted a position at Vanderbilt University, and she completed her certification in 2016.
Dani is a NPCA Nationally Certified Pilates Instructor and continues to deepen her expertise through ongoing study. She is classically trained and currently studies under Master Instructor Sonje Mayo.
Guided by the core Pilates principles—breath, concentration, centering, control, precision, and flow—Dani believes that Pilates can improve posture, enhance the mind-body connection, increase body awareness, and develop long, lean muscles and a strong core.
For Dani, teaching Pilates is deeply rewarding. She is passionate about helping others move better, feel stronger, and improve their overall quality of life.
