Studio Pilates franchisee Loren Pennisi opens in Coolum Beach

A performer who hung up her dancing shoes after 15 years has opened up about her new Sunshine Coast business which had classes booked out two weeks before opening.

An international performer of 15 years who hung up her dancing shoes for business ownership has been blown away by the public’s response to her new pilates studio in Coolum Beach.

Loren Pennisi had classes booked out two weeks before she opened her Pilates Studio franchise in Coolum Beach on October 29, fielding more than 550 inquiries.

Ms Pennisi said she had been “under the pump” to get back to everyone during the mad rush for bookings and had to put dozens on a waiting list for classes.

Ms Pennisi said she was drawn to pilates in 2016 after her whirlwind 15-year career on the international stage as a professional dancer.

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During her career in musical theatre and commercial jazz she was based out of Japan, Los Angeles and London while performing in shows across Australia, United Kingdom, Singapore and Asia

Loren Pennisi opens a new pilates studio in Coolum. Picture: Patrick Woods.

She also worked in production choreography and show creation for Princess Cruises and worked in children’s shows, even performing in a Tokyo Disney show.

On her return to Brisbane she discovered pilates and believed if she found it during her dancing career, it would have made her a physically better and stronger performer.

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Ms Pennisi said she moved to the Sunshine Coast before the pandemic and worked as an instructor for two years at Studio Pilates in Noosa before wanting to manage her own.

As for her business’ instant popularity she believed people were searching for something a bit different than a regular gym.

“They want to be helped physically but they don’t want the high impact experience from lifting weights,” Ms Pennisi said.

“Pilates will be able to help people live healthier lives without them doing crazy amounts of exercises.”

Studio Pilates in Coolum Beach employs eight people and will be open seven days a week, offering 10-12 classes a day on weekdays and five classes a day on weekends.