Getting to know Lana Šprajcer

Lana joined the Trinity team after over a decade in the world of professional dance and somatic movement.Born in Zagreb, Croatia, she moved to Melbourne with her high-school sweetheart and brings a beautifully embodied approach to Pilates, grounded in her background in contemporary dance.

Are you from Melbourne? If no, where and what brought you here?

I was born in Zagreb, Croatia, where I graduated with a BA in Contemporary Dance and a BA in Comparative Literature, and lived until my mid 20s. My partner was born in Adelaide, but his Croatian / Australian parents decided to move back to Croatia when he was a child, so we actually met in high school and have been together ever since – over 15 years now. Only later, when his younger sister moved to Naarm to study, and we came for a visit, we pretty instantly fell in love with Melbourne and decided to move here together.

What inspired you to become a Pilates teacher?

While studying Contemporary Dance at the Academy in Zagreb, where dance technique is very much grounded in somatic movement practices and functional movement patterning, I also discovered benefits of Pilates method in supporting my posture, alignment, and strength. Only later, when I moved to Naarm, I decided to enrol into the course and became a certified Pilates teacher. I have been teaching Pilates regularly for over 3 years now.

Did you have a childhood dream job that was totally different from what you do now? If so, what was it?

I guess not – I always dreamt of dancing and travelling the world – I live far away from my home country and continue working as an independent dance artist, performing and making dance works, as well as teaching dance and mindful movement practices in various contexts, which I hope bring people in a deeper relation to their body and self.

What's your go-to weekend activity when you're not working?

Fresh fruit + veg markets, cooking inspired by the season, nature walks and wonders, and afternoon wine bar / pub for a sunset drink with friends.

What's one wellness habit you can't live without?

Being in movement.

What's your go-to comfort food?

Probably pastries – in all shapes and forms hehe.

What's a song or album you'll never get tired of?

I can’t imagine getting tired of The Fool (Deluxe) – it’s an album from 2011 by the female 4-piece band Warpaint, full of multilayered magic and goodness. One of my all-time favourite songs is up there too – Krimson.

Lana Šprajcer, MOLD kolektiv, Dolce far niente, 2024 © Ivan Buvinić ©