Dima Alakhras is an internationally experienced movement educator, Nationally Certified Pilates Teacher (NCPT), Master Instructor, and founder of Dima-Lates®, Ajax's first dedicated, fully equipped Pilates studio. She is also the founder and Lead Educator of D-Lates Academy of Movement™, Durham Region's only NPCP Verified School, offering a Comprehensive Pilates Teacher Training Program that includes Mat, Reformer, Cadillac, Tower, Chair, Ladder Barrel, Spine Corrector, and Magic Circle. Through evidence-informed education, hands-on mentorship, and a commitment to excellence, Dima is dedicated to educating the next generation of highly skilled Pilates instructors.

With over 20 years of experience in movement education, studio leadership, and instructor development, Dima brings a comprehensive and holistic approach to teaching. Her education spans both classical and contemporary Pilates and is complemented by certifications in Yoga, Personal Training, and Fascial Stretch Therapy (FST). This diverse background enables her to help clients and instructors move with greater strength, confidence, efficiency, and purpose.

Dima's professional journey began in the Bahamas, where she spent eight years leading the Yoga program at Mandara Spa while teaching Pilates at the world-renowned Atlantis Resort. In 2013, she relocated to Canada and continued her career in studio leadership, education, and instructor development before pursuing her dream of creating a studio centred on excellence, mentorship, and community.

Known for her precise cueing, strong understanding of anatomy and biomechanics, and compassionate teaching style, Dima has developed the signature Dima-Lates® Method —an approach that combines technical precision with individualized programming to help clients improve movement quality, reduce pain, build strength, restore confidence, and develop a lifelong appreciation for Pilates.

After becoming a mother, Dima stepped away from corporate studio management to build a small home-based Pilates studio. What began as a one-woman vision has grown into Dima-Lates®  Studio and D-Lates Academy of Movement™  a boutique Pilates studio and nationally recognized teacher-training academy committed to raising the standard of Pilates education.

One of Dima's greatest accomplishments has been mentoring clients into successful Pilates instructors. Several members of the Dima-Lates® teaching team first began as students before completing their comprehensive education under her guidance and joining her teaching team a reflection of her belief that exceptional instructors are developed through mentorship, high standards, and continuous learning.

Today, Dima leads comprehensive Pilates teacher training covering Mat, Reformer, Cadillac, Tower, Chair, Ladder Barrel, Spine Corrector, and all major Pilates apparatus. As the founder of an NPCP Verified School and an approved Continuing Education Provider for both the National Pilates Certification Program (NPCP) and canfitpro, she is passionate about helping instructors build meaningful, sustainable careers while elevating professional standards throughout the Pilates industry.

In addition to education, Dima is the creator of the DLR1™ line of premium Pilates equipment, developed to support studios, instructors, and home practitioners with high-quality apparatus designed for exceptional performance, durability, and movement excellence.

Professional Highlights

• Nationally Certified Pilates Teacher (NCPT)
• Founder & Owner, Dima-Lates® Studio
• Founder & Lead Educator, D-Lates Academy of Movement™
• Founder of Durham Region's only NPCP Verified School
• NPCP Continuing Education Provider
• canfitpro Continuing Education Provider
• Over 20 years of experience in movement education
• International teaching experience in the Bahamas and Canada
• Creator of the DLR1™ Pilates Equipment Collection
• Mentor to numerous Pilates instructors now teaching professionally

Mission

"To elevate the standard of Pilates education through exceptional instruction, meaningful mentorship, and a supportive professional community that empowers both clients and instructors to reach their fullest potential."

Whether you are beginning your Pilates journey, recovering from injury, improving athletic performance, or pursuing a career as a Pilates instructor, you will find expert guidance, genuine mentorship, and a welcoming community at Dima-Lates®.