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Despina Chatzisavva

Despoina Chatzisavva discovered movement long before she could even name it. Since childhood, her body has been a means of expression, joy, and freedom. Sports, play, and a natural instinct to move accompanied her from an early age, until her desire to become a fitness instructor turned into a clear, unwavering decision.

As a student at the Department of Physical Education and Sport Science (TEFAA) in Thessaloniki, she began teaching community fitness classes, sharing the energy and enthusiasm she felt through exercise. Her first steps involved high-energy programs, aerobics, and step, but over time, she began searching for something deeper than just the intensity of movement.

In 2007, yoga and Pilates entered her life. They weren’t just two new workout systems, but a whole different way of inhabiting one’s body. Through them, she discovered mindful movement, breathing as a guide, strength that supports rather than forces, and the inner peace that is born when body and mind begin to cooperate.

Yoga opened up a more internal path for her. She was drawn to it not just as a practice, but as a philosophy—a space of stillness, observation, and personal inquiry. Her love for this tradition led her repeatedly to India, to places where knowledge is transmitted not only through teaching, but through experience. Later, in Bali, she continued to enrich her practice through more modern, fluid, and energetic approaches to yoga.

Today, her teaching combines experience, technical knowledge, and sensitivity. Her goal is not simply to guide an exercise, but to create a space where everyone can move safely, listen to their body, connect with their breath, and connect a little deeper with themselves.

Education & Certifications

Physical Education Teacher, Graduate of the Department of Physical Education and Sport Science (Aristotle University of Thessaloniki)

40hrs TTC Yoga Ashtanga | Bologna, Italy | David Swenson, 2009
Yoga Retreat | Koh Samui, Thailand | Richard Freeman, 2010
200hrs TTC | Rishikesh, India | Bhooma Chatanya, 2012
100hrs Therapeutic Yoga | Chennai, India | Andiapan Yoga, 2013
300hrs TTC | Kerala, India | Bhooma Chatanya, 2015
Personal Classes | Kerala, India | 2017
Barcelona Yoga Conference
100hrs TTC | Lucid Flow | Bali | Daniela Mandala
100hrs TTC | Elements | Bali | Daniela Mandala
100hrs TTC | Yogic Flight School | Nathania Stambouli

Additional Education

Throughout her career, she has attended classes and seminars led by renowned teachers in the fields of yoga and Pilates, including Todd Tessen, Lara Baumann, Jonathan Monks, Doug Swenson, Leonidas Mezilis, Alexandra Ruiz, Pau Castellsague, David Swenson, Peter Goodman, Primo Lombardi, Vivi Letsou, Dylan Bernstein, Rael Isacowitz, Lolita San Miguel, Eduard Botha, Elizabeth Larkam, Samantha Wood, Kristina Karitinos-Ireland, Karen Finck, Jerome Burdi, Richard Freeman, Tripsichore, Pavlos Christou, Shiva Rea, David Williams, Leela Miller, Amir Jaar, David Vosen, Manju Jois, Mark Darby, among others.

Penny Papazafeiriou

She was born and grew up in Thessaloniki. She holds a degree in Sociology from Panteion University of Social and Political Sciences in Athens, specializing in Criminology. Since 2007, she has volunteered in psychosocial facilities and initiatives (such as Praksis and PPA). She also worked at the ‘Ianos’ therapeutic program of the Psychiatric Hospital of Thessaloniki, focusing on addiction recovery and social reintegration.

In 2007 Yoga and Pilates entered her life. Delivering in her practice over the years, she took her first steps in teaching by attending the training of Pilates Teachers of the Basi System (Basi TT 500h) and Partner Yoga with Elyzabeth Wyliamson (PBPY)

She also has a diploma in prenatal/ Postnatal Trainer (Human Mama L 1, Basi Pilates) Yoga Swing Instructor (Gravotonics) and Body Whisperer (Trigger Points Therapy)

She continues to enrich her knowledge and teaching by attending seminars with renowned teachers of the site (Alexandra Rossopoulou, Christina Polyzou, Sia Zourladani, Katerina Memusta, MARIA SYLIA iamson , Karen Finck, Leelamiller, Peter Goodman, Primo Lombardi, Anastasis etc.

She has been teaching since 2012 and has worked at Anima Studio Yoga -pilates – Dance and the Aspa Foutsi dance school.

Gefsi Touroutoglou

Gefsi Touroutoglou is a certified yoga teacher and a graduate of classical and contemporary dance. She has completed the 200-hour Yoga Teacher Training and 500-hour Advanced Yoga Teacher Training at Anahata Yoga Academy, studying alongside Elena Mouratidou, Nancy Chitzanidou, and Artemis Andrikaki. She holds a professional diploma as a dancer and dance teacher from the Ministry of Culture and the Higher Professional School of Dance of the Municipality of Pavlos Melas, having trained under renowned teachers and choreographers (A. Progkidi, D. Kyanidis, K. Gerardos). Alongside dance, her journey includes years of training in Tai Chi and Qi Gong, and she is certified in the basic DNA level of the ThetaHealing meditation technique. She also holds a degree in Civil Engineering. Currently, wishing to further enrich her knowledge, she is training in the Joseph Pilates method, having already completed her Pilates Basic Training certification at the North Academy of Fitness under Elpida Tsintsifa.

Dedicated to the path of personal growth and development, and with a deep love for knowledge and lived experience, she continues her education alongside distinguished teachers in Greece and abroad, attending numerous seminars in yoga, meditation, as well as various energy and spiritual therapies.

Through her personal journey, she has built her own authentic expression and unique way of teaching, with her teachers and the people she walks alongside always serving as her greatest source of inspiration.

She believes that the body is a ‘sacred tool’ of limitless potential, through which humans can come into contact with the divine element that dwells within them.

Stella Leontari

• Studione Yoga 200H RYT
• AF Studies Pilates Mat, Reformer & Cadillac

Despina Takatzidou

Secretariat

Born in Thessaloniki with great experience in customer service and over 10 years in secretarial support, she holds the Microsoft Office Expert and is characterized by organization and sociality.

She is always here to welcome you and help you arrange your program as well as to answer any questions you have.