Who’s Here at The Space introduces you to current and past tenants who have brought their services here! Soka Movement & Pilates is a division of RQR Mind & Movement Coaching. Soka Movement is a high-energy Caribbean dance fitness class series set to the electric sounds of soca music. Soka Pilates is the slower, wiser sister of Soka Movement. Mat Pilates is a control-based fitness class that focuses on posture, breath, range of motion, and strength.

Let’s start at the beginning — what’s the story behind your business? What moment or experience made you think, “I need to create this”?

I had two pain points in my life: feeling like I didn’t have a close group of friends nearby, and not having people who shared my interests in fitness and Caribbean culture. Back in 2019, I discovered a Caribbean dance fitness class in Toronto, and I was immediately hooked. I started driving to Toronto and Hamilton for classes until one of my friends suggested that I get certified and bring the class to London. That was my lightbulb moment. I got certified very quickly thereafter and launched my classes with the intention that I would create a like-minded community of diverse people for myself right here in London. I launched my classes, and the community grew, and before I knew it, my intentions had been realized! I ended up having two babies and teaching throughout my pregnancies. After my first, I joined an online mat Pilates class to help with my recovery. It turned out to become another one of my passion areas. Around the time of my second pregnancy, I felt I was outgrowing the fitness company I had previously certified with. I started taking my Pilates teacher training. By 2024, I went independent with my dance fitness classes, and in 2025 added Pilates to the schedule, and that’s how Soka Movement & Pilates was born!

If someone has never heard of what you do, how would you describe it in a way that feels true to you?

At its core, it’s coaching for the mind and body. It’s feel-good movement. It’s about getting people to reflect upon themselves. It’s about building self-confidence and community. It’s about appreciating Caribbean culture.

You’re wonderful! What’s the feeling you’re trying to create for people who walk into your event?

I want people to feel good! That means moving their body in healthy ways, having fun while they’re doing it, building their own self-confidence, and improving their fitness levels without even realizing it because they’re having too much fun.

Is there a story or moment with participants that really stayed with you?

1. Seeing someone who came in with less physical fitness keep showing up for themselves and improve over weeks and months.
2. Seeing the person who hid in the back corner finally find themselves and let go of their self-consciousness so they could have fun.
3. I’ve had multiple members tell me that my classes have taught them about their own culture and helped them embrace it more fully. That is a huge win for me as someone who really loves soca music and Caribbean culture despite not having any genetic ties to the region.

What’s next for you? What are you dreaming into right now?

I dream of opening a home-based Pilates reformer studio in Southeast London as my next step!

If someone’s on the fence about attending your event, what would you want them to know?

We accept everyone regardless of fitness level, dance ability, and rhythm. Our group is welcoming, and they are there to have fun. I want everyone to respect their body and move in safe ways as a first rule, but the second rule is maximum fun is required.

How do you take care of yourself as a facilitator/creator while running events for others?

I practice what I preach: I sleep well, take time away, nourish my body, and do things that fuel me. I love lifting heavy weights, walking my dogs, and being active with my family.

Where can people find you or follow your work?

Website: rosequartzrising.ca/movement

Facebook: Soka Movement & Pilates

Instagram: sokamovement_and_pilates

Registration: linktr.ee/RoseQuartzRising