tansy blaik-kelly
founder of turning tide pilates, and a multi-disciplinary movement educator
Her childhood background in dance first introduced her to Pilates in 1987, then aged 12, at ballet school in London’s Covent Garden, where Alan Herdman (Founder of the UK’s first Pilates Studio) was her teacher. Having grown too tall for a career in ballet, Tansy turned to her other love, and enjoyed two decades studying, then working in, theatrical costume and haute couture, in London’s West End; her beaded and embroidered gowns adorned celebrities and royalty on many a red carpet!
Throughout that time, Tansy continued learning Pilates, and in 2006, trained to teach Pilates Matwork with the late Anoushka Boone, through the Pilates Foundation. Having ignited a passion for teaching, Tansy decided to leave the world of theatre in 2011, and teach full-time. In 2012, she trained and qualified as a Comprehensive Pilates Practitioner with Polestar Pilates.
A lifelong learner with a curious mind, a passion for movement science, and a holistic approach to movement, Tansy has supplemented her Pilates groundwork with consistent further education, and additionally holds qualifications to teach a diverse range of movement disciplines.
“i teach sustainable, anatomy-informed movement that supports both your body and nervous system. i’m here to support your movement journey toward nourishment, strength, and connection. rather than micromanaging you to create aesthetic shapes and ‘perfect’ alignment, i’ll encourage you to deepen the connections to your own body, finding autonomy, and create your own body-map. when you feel safe in your body and experience full connection, healthier movement becomes a consistent way of life.”
Tansy’s interests lie in whole-body health. She specialises in working with conditions such as Osteoporosis, MS, Fibromyalgia, Parkinson’s, and Hyper-Mobility, alongside rehabilitation after injury, surgery or stroke, but is equally at home tailoring a programme to enhance your sporting performance, or athletic training.
Tansy also taught, for many years, alongside Ana Barretxeguren at her studio, Brighton Pilates, and was an Educator with Evolve Movement Education on many courses, including their Comprehensive Pilates Teacher Training.
Since 2017, Tansy has collaborated with Wellbeing In The Wild, cohosting their popular Pilates Day Retreats and Wellbeing Events at The Secret Vineyard in Herstmonceux, East Sussex.
Tansy was named ‘Best Yoga/Pilates Instructor in Sussex’, at the 2019 Muddy Stiletto Awards.
additional professional qualifications
Moving Fascia® Teacher Training - Moving Fascia® (Qualifying October 2026)
Teaching Yoga for Immune and Respiratory Health - Yoga Campus (Qualifying December 2026)
Modern Yoga 200hr - Heart + Bones Yoga
Pilates For Neurological Conditions - The Neuro Studio
Pre/Post Natal Pilates - Pilates Foundation
Breast Cancer Exercise Specialist - Pink Ribbon Programme
Advanced Face Yoga Teacher - Danielle Collins Face Yoga Method
Facial Gua Sha Teacher - Hayou Method and The Skin Whisperers Method
Reconnect to Your Pelvic Floor - Mary Thornton Movement Education
Teaching Yoga for for Digestive Health - Yoga Campus
ELDOA Method - Soma Training
Seated Shiatsu - Walk In Backrub Centre
Reiki - Gateway Workshops
Meditation - Gateway Workshops
Vibration Training - Power Plate UK
“tansy teaches with kindness and patience. her enthusiasm is infectious, and she has a unique ability to educate clients about their own anatomy, physiology, and movement, in an easy to understand, and accessible way. she grounds her teaching in the tradition of the pilates method, alongside the latest research about movement, fascia and biomechanics.”
ttp client