Our Team
Meet your Instructors
Nora Hameidani (Founder, Creative Director)
Originally from Maryland USA, Nora found her love of dance at a young age, starting out at a ballet and contemporary dance training academy before continuing her training at University, graduating from George Mason University with a BFA in dance performance and arts administration.
After graduating, Nora moved to New York City to train and perform with several contemporary dance companies which is where she fell in love with the boutique fitness scene, becoming a regular at Spin, Yoga, and Barre classes.
This led Nora to be selected and trained at Physique 57, teaching at their Manhattan and Hamptons Studios.
Always wanting a challenge and to further her career and gain a more worldly perspective, Nora was selected to relocate to Dubai in the summer of 2013 to be the Master Trainer & Assistant Director of Recruitment for the Middle East franchise.
Since moving to the Middle East, Nora has continued teaching Barre as well as taught Spin and Megaformer classes at various boutique studios. Nora is a REPS and NASM Certified Personal Trainer, an avid yogi, and mother of three!
Follow me on IG @norasdanceparty
Inspiration:
My MomMantra:
‘Everything happens for a reason’Guilty Pleasure:
Krush BurgerMusic Style:
House, Techno, DanceFavorite Holiday Location:
Ibiza
Ivy Scott (Instructor, General Manager)
Ivy was born in New York and raised in London. After graduating from Dance college in 2008 with a 3-year Diploma in Performing Arts she spent many years traveling the world in various shows and performing with a commercial company.
In a quest to seek her next adventure and further her career Ivy moved to Dubai in 2015 and soon fell in love with Barre, becoming a full-time instructor. Realizing her newly found passion in group fitness and stimulated by helping groups of clients acheive their goals, she has progressed even further by including Cycling, Hammock Yoga, and Megaformer to her repertoire.
When Ivy isn’t teaching she can be found exploring Dubai with her husband and beloved English Bulldog, and planning their next adventure!
Follow me on IG @mrsivyscott
Mantra:
'Fail to prepare, prepare to fail'Favorite Hidden Gem in Dubai:
Kite Beach Centre in UAQGuilty Pleasure:
Popcorn!Music Style:
RnB/Hip HopFavorite Holiday Location:
South of France
Ingrid Barclay (Instructor)
Originally born in South Africa, Ingrid successfully graduated in Human Resources studies in the Franschhoek winelands. Her earlier years were marked by a deep involvement in dance and gymnastics, instilling a lifelong passion for fitness and movement.
After completing her studies and spending 3 years working and travelling the world on superyachts she decided to embark on a corporate career back in South Africa. Her job allowed her the opportunity to move to London in 2019 and Dubai in 2021 which is where she now calls home.
Off the back of graduating as a health coach in 2021, Ingrid was inspired to align her career with her passion for wellness and fitness. She transitioned from the corporate world to become a qualified fitness instructor and established her wellness brand "&Well," where she offers personalized 1-on-1 health support, health programs, and more. Ingrid thrives in her role as a health coach and gym instructor in both Barre and Reformer Pilates, passionately helping others achieve their wellness goals be that a 1-on-1 session or in studio.
Follow me on IG @ing_rid89
Inspiration:
My MumMantra:
Choose health, choose happiness, every small step, every dayFavorite Holiday:
Italy!Guilty Pleasure:
Chocolate BrowniesMusic Style:
Deep House, Techno
Hana Boosh (Instructor)
Originally from the US, Hana comes from a 20-year dance background, performing and training for years before teaching dance classes at various studios, coaching a highschool dance team, and co-directing a contemporary dance company in Portland, Oregon.
Hana's love for coaching and teaching dance turned to fitness after discovering Barre and becoming a FlyBarre instructor. Hana is certified in Barre method, and has completed her Level 2 Group Fitness qualification, with 6 years of experience teaching group fitness classes.
She loves to cross-train and challenge herself in different methods and disciplines within the fitness sphere, but her first love is Barre and belives in the benefits it hold for all as long as they are ready to work for it and have fun!
Follow me on IG @coachbooshy
Inspiration:
My Sister, and MusicFavorite Food:
Any cuisine with a form of noodle is usually a go-toMantra:
Working out is a celebration of what our bodies can do, not a punishment of what we ate - i.e. the noodles.Guilty Pleasure:
PicklMusic Style:
Gotta keep the variety, but you'll get House / Techno, Hip-hop, and Drum & Bass.
Sophie Burgess (Instructor)
Sophie is from Brisbane, Australia and has always had a love for dance and fitness. She originally moved to Dubai in 2013 to work for Emirates Airline, where she got to fulfill her dream for travelling yet missed the feeling of regular training.
It was during her time off from work that she became hooked on Pilates and Barre having been trained in ballet and contemporary dance from a young age and loved how it made her feel both mentally and physically. In 2018, Sophie started teaching Barre full-time and went on to complete her Pilates mat and reformer qualifications.
She is ready and energised to share her knowledge and passion for barre with all her barre babes and help clients to achieve their individual fitness goals!
Follow me on IG @soph_a_b
Inspiration:
My GrandmaFavorite Food:
Authentic thai foodMantra:
‘Don’t wish for it, work for it’Favorite Hidden Gem in Dubai:
Al Maha Desert ResortMusic Style:
House
Amelia McGahan (Instructor)
Originally from the UK but grew up in Marbella Spain, Amelia has had a passion for women’s health and fitness from a young age. Although she worked in events and office jobs she always felt that she was missing something and found herself in a very low place. She was then introduced to yoga and it brought the light back into her life. She completed her Vinyasa Teacher Training in Bali, which started the journey of becoming certified in Vinyasa, Strala & Yin Yoga. During her time of integrating herself into the fitness world in Dubai she found Barre, which was a complete game changer and fueled her even more! Amelia is driven for learning and practicing new styles of fitness techniques with her completing a Barre certification and is on the journey to completing her Mat Pilates qualifications.
Amelia believes that movement is the best way to get a healthy body and a healthy mind. She brings positivity into her classes and enjoys inspiring you to do and be the best you can!
Follow me on IG @withameliajane
Inspiration:
My SisterMantra:
’If you don’t ask, you don’t get’Favorite Holiday Location:
BaliSuper Power:
The Vegan Cookie MonsterFavorite Food:
Acai bowls and peanut butter all the way
Soniya Mehra (Instructor)
Soniya grew up in Mombasa, Kenya. She then moved to London where she completed her High School at Arts Ed London, a performing arts school. After that she moved to Mumbai where she worked as an Actor & TV presenter, before moving to Dubai late 2015. She considers herself a citizen of the world.
Fitness and Yoga both came to Soniya in her early teens, and for her fitness is a way of life. She believes it’s not something you do but, rather, something you are. She's also an avid dancer and has learnt various different forms of dance since the age of 5. In 2013, whilst she was living in India, she completed her 300hr Yoga Teacher training. She was further certified as a Blissology, by Eoin Finn, Teacher and has taught Vinyasa Flow & Hatha Yoga since. Soniya is also certified in various forms of Healing Therapies too.
When she discovered Barre in 2016, it was love at first site. A few years later, in January 2020, she completed her Barre Teachers Certification with Barre Intensity. With Soniya’s diverse background she always aims for her classes to be more of an experience, than just a workout. She believes movement is truly the best form of therapy, and living an active lifestyle can help you live a positive life.
Follow me on IG @thepixietribe
Mantra:
Grow through what you go throughGuilty Pleasure:
Any form of desert or chocolate. I have a serious sweet tooth!Music Style:
Progressive, Techno, Deep Tech, Melodic House & Afro HouseFavorite Holiday Location:
Anywhere that has nature- the forest, the mountains or the seasideFavorite Food:
Açai bowls, Avo Toast & Poke bowls
Becky Soltani (Instructor)
Born in the UK, Becky has grown up with a passion for Health and Fitness. After graduating with her BSc (Hons) Sport & Exercise Science, she continued her career and trained to become an NASM Certified Personal Trainer & Corrective Exercise Specialist, Yoga Instructor & she is Pre/Post Natal Certified. More recently, Becky has continued her love of health, education & development with her Nutritionist Qualification from MNU.
Becky has been a Personal Trainer & Instructor in London and Dubai for 18 years, with various leadership roles; leading a team of personal trainers & opening a gym facility. She also opened the boutique fitness studio Flywheel and launched the FlyBarre studio, whilst heading the training and development of the team of barre instructors.
As an avid athlete and gym goer, Becky loves a challenge. Her achievements include completing the London Marathon & Ironman Busselton, and earning her 4th Dan Blackbelt in Karate. When she is not training, she enjoys time with her family, a good coffee and relaxing with a massage.
Becky will aim to challenge & motivate you to be your best, as she shares her love of music through her upbeat & inspiring playlists.
Follow me on IG @Fitnesspheres
Inspiration:
My SonMantra:
If you believe in yourself, anything is possible!Favorite Food:
Mexican Prawn FajitasFavorite hidden gem in Dubai:
Desert PalmSuper Power: Baking Sourdough Bread
Music Style:
House, Dance, TranceFavorite Holiday Location:
Bali
Ashley Verma (Instructor)
Born and raised in Moundsville, West Virginia, I have a Broadway career spanning over 16 years, performing in New York City and around the globe. I began teaching group fitness in 2008 and quickly developed a passion for barre, becoming a sought-after trainer in both New York and London. My clientele has included notable figures such as Jourdan Dunn, Lorena Rae, Shanina Shaik, Pippa Middleton, Lisa Snowdon and Poppy Delevingne.
As a mother, my daughter has inspired me to become a more driven and focused individual. I am also the founder of Bizzi, a pioneering collagen brand in the UK, and I am currently working to expand it to the UAE.
Follow me on IG @bizzimumzi
Mantra:
I am enough, and I am worthy of my dreamsFavorite Food:
Haribo & Cheese... Obviously not together!Music Style:
Pop & DanceFavorite Holiday Location:
The couch at my Mom's in FloridaFavourite food:
Mexican & Indian. Bring on the Spice!
Francesca Wright (Instructor)
Francesca grew up in Dubai and considers the UAE her home. With a background in classical ballet and performing arts, Francesca was accepted into Laine Theatre Arts in the UK before pursuing a degree at Newcastle University. To maintain strength and flexibility from her dance training Francesca discovered yoga and quickly came to appreciate its wider benefits. This led her to complete her Yoga Teacher Training (200 hours) in 2015 and barre certification; subsequently teaching in boutique studios across Central & South West London.
Relocating to Dubai in 2018, Francesca joined Barre Effect as a client after the birth of her twin girls. She credits the BE method for supporting her through her post-partum fitness journey and is very excited to be part of their teaching team. Also a qualified primary school teacher, Francesca is an avid believer that when ‘one teaches, two learn’ and thoroughly enjoys combining her two passions of movement and teaching in the studio.
Follow me on IG @francesca.r.wright
Inspiration:
My familyMantra:
‘Movement is medicine’Favorite Holiday:
Escaping to the mountains in Val d’Isere for our annual family ski tripGuilty Pleasure:
ChocolateMusic Style:
Varies on my mood but partial to 90s RnB
