Carlo and David, both ex-professional ballet dancers with a deep love for the art form, dedicated their lives to realising their dreams of becoming dancers. From childhood, they worked tirelessly, then both going to performing arts high schools in their home countries and then being able to join ballet companies. They began dancing full-time, gracing the stage in ballet classics like Swan Lake and Giselle, and as they grew as artists, performing soloist and principal roles in works such as Turandot, Coppelia, The Emperor and the Nightingale, and many others. As members of the Hong Kong Ballet, their talents took them on extensive tours across Europe, China, and North America.

Despite the glamour of their careers, Carlo and David faced significant challenges. Injuries were an unfortunate part of both their journeys, leading to multiple orthopaedic surgeries—four for Carlo and two for David. The road to recovery was often daunting and time-consuming, involving rehabilitation and retraining to return to the stage. Carlo endured an accidental severe fall during a live show, fracturing his spine and sidelining him for four months. David struggled with a progressive pelvic condition, culminating in hip surgery at the young age of 27. The cycle of injury, pain, and recovery was relentless, highlighting the physical strain that ballet dancers endure, which can often lead to very short careers.

After a decade of dancing professionally and toward the end of their dancing days, Carlo and David discovered the transformative benefits of proper Pilates rehabilitation. Recognising its positive impact on the body, they decided to train as Pilates instructors upon retiring from the stage in their early 30s. They first worked at a local studio and their passion for wellness led them to see an opportunity to create a space in Hong Kong where proper Pilates instruction could benefit those in pain or needing bodily support. Thus, Elevate Pilates was born in 2015.

Starting with just the two of them in a 600 sq ft studio, Carlo and David's vision grew over the years. Today, Elevate boasts a 3,300 sq ft space in the heart of HK’s CBD and an international team of instructors, all of whom are ex-dancers. Their mission remains steadfast: to empower clients to know their bodies and lead pain-free, physically strong lives and to be able to work in an accepting and tolerant space where everyone has a common goal of wellness through movement. Through dedication and a commitment to excellence, Carlo and David have created a thriving community that continues to inspire and uplift.