About Our Studio
Welcome to Just Move Studio
We are not just a dance or fitness studio; we are a vibrant and supportive community dedicated to reshaping lives through the transformative power of movement. We believe that exercise should not only be effective but also enjoyable, therefore creating a consistent and sustainable commitment to health.
Founded by Debbie Race, Just Move Studio is the culmination of years of experience, love for dance, and a passion to get people of all ages and backgrounds to experience the joy of movement. Whether you are a seasoned dancer or taking your first steps into the world of fitness, Just Move Studio welcomes everyone with open arms. Our adult group classes are designed for all body types, fitness and experience levels. Our team strives to provide good quality service by offering a diverse range of classes to keep your fitness journey exciting and effective. What sets us apart is our commitment to providing not just physical exercise, but an experience that engages the mind, body, and soul.
Meet Our Team
Debbie Race
Founder & Instructor
Hi, I’m Debbie! I am passionate about all things relating to dance, fitness, health and overall well-being. I began my dancing journey in my hometown Pietermaritzburg at the age of 14 and I have never really looked back. From my very first Ballet class I loved how good movement felt in my body and knew that dance would remain a part of my life from that day on. After a lot of catching up in my training and extra lessons I decided to pursue a career in dance. It wasn't easy and took a lot of patience from my beloved Ballet teacher Brenda MacLachlan who kept pushing me to enter into as many competitions, exams and Eisteddfods as I could. I was accepted into UCT School of Dance and moved to Cape Town at the end of my matric year in 2009. Over the next 4 years I was introduced to teaching when I chose to specialize my BMus degree in the dance pedagogy stream. During my studies I began teaching adults on the side while I did my teaching practicals in the afternoons. This quickly turned into a passion. I graduated in 2013 and danced professionally for a brief season with Cape Town City Ballet. I then moved on to teach full-time, teaching children of all ages as well as adults. After working for various ballet studios, I decided to start something of my own by teaching my own adult classes in Claremont in January 2015. This is where Just Move Studio started. Because I myself had started late and struggled to keep up with those around me, I knew that I could help others through the same struggles. I have since qualified as a Pilates instructor through BASI, and I have also qualified as a pre and post-natal fitness instructor. Away from my career and the studio, I live with my amazingly supportive husband, Devin, and our three Cats: Lily, Chester and Ping 😻 I love using all the knowledge I have gained (and continue to gain) over the years to create a variety of classes where people can enjoy all the amazing benefits of movement and community.
Zoe Hannan
Instructor
Hi, I’m Zoe! When you see me teaching at Just Move you are welcome to call me Zo. My dance journey started at the young age of 6, in Port Elizabeth, where I trained with Debbie Ralph until the age of 11. In 2006 my family and I moved to East London where I completed all my RAD exams with the late Geraldine Cross. Subsequently, my Pilates journey started at the young age of 12 when I experienced bad lower back pain caused by my scoliosis. I was recommended that Pilates would be a strong support for my intense ballet training at the time and help my body deal with the everyday pain of life. This helped me to continue my Ballet training and achieve my RAD advanced 2 certificate with Distinction. I also had the privilege of travelling to Scotland and participating in the 2013 Genee Ballet Competition. I decided to never not do Pilates. After matric I did my Pilates teacher training course with BASI. I then moved to Cape town from East London and did my teachers diploma in Contemporary Dance teaching at UCT School of Dance. Once I completed these 3 years I joined Cape Town City Ballet. My professional ballet career did not last long, and I realized my true passion is to help other people gain strength from functional movement. I’ve been teaching Pilates part time in studios in and around Cape Town for the past 10 years. My full-time job is working as the general manager at Ballet World where I can foster my other passion for helping dancers find the right fit of ballet shoes as well as create a space where dancers can get helpful advice and guidance for their dance careers. I live with my husband, Matthew, our cat Ollie and our Corgi puppy, Bilbo, the newest addition to our family 🥰 I see myself continuing down the path of teaching Pilates to adults for the foreseeable future and will always continue to improve my teaching skills and grow my research in best Pilates practices for the body.
Our Customer Reviews
Hear what our customers are saying! We’re proud of the relationships we build and the positive impact we have on our customers. Here, you’ll find real reviews from real people about their experiences.
"This is such a great studio. The instructors are wonderful teachers and so kind and welcoming. They make sure the classes are a amazing workout and classes are small enough to allow individual attention preventing injury."
"A lovely dance studio with the warmest welcoming atmosphere and community of people. The instructors are amazing and accommodating to all; it feels like a dance/workout party with the gals having the best time and embracing our bodies "