From The Nutcracker to Trainer: A Journey Built on Passion
For many dancers, inspiration begins with a single spark. For this professional ballerina and Master Trainer at Train Like a Ballerina, it all started when she was just three years old.
“I saw The Nutcracker for the first time with my mom,” she recalls. “After the first act, I started crying because I thought it was over. I didn’t want it to end. From that moment on, I begged her to enroll me in ballet class.”
That first experience ignited a lifelong love for movement, artistry, and the discipline of ballet — one that eventually evolved into a career both on stage and in fitness.
Discovering Fitness Through Ballet
Her fitness journey began alongside her professional ballet career. “When I started cross-training and conditioning, I noticed an incredible difference in my dancing and my mental state. It became a form of meditation for me,” she explains.
Hungry to understand the body’s mechanics, she began studying anatomy, biomechanics, and functional training — eventually becoming a certified personal trainer. Today, she combines her professional ballet background with evidence-based fitness to help dancers train smarter through the Train Like a Ballerina App.
Lessons from Ballet and Beyond
When asked what she has learned most from years in the studio and the gym, her answer is simple but profound:
“Failure is okay. My greatest breakthroughs often came after a major fail. Ballet taught me to accept setbacks, learn from them, and use them as tools for growth.”
This mindset of resilience and self-awareness defines not only her approach to ballet, but also to fitness and life.
Workouts That Build the Ballet Body
When it comes to designing workouts for dancers, she focuses on balance, control, and longevity.
“I am a big fan of Pilates and bodyweight training,” she says. “They help dancers enhance both their technique and their physique.”
She also recommends HIIT (High Intensity Interval Training) for stamina and plyometric exercises for improving power and jump height — both of which are integrated into the Train Like a Ballerina strength programs.
Her philosophy: train for control, not exhaustion.
Why Ballet-Inspired Workouts Are Unique
“Ballet training works the mind as much as the body,” she explains.
Unlike traditional gym workouts, ballet-inspired training demands coordination, rhythm, and precision. Every movement integrates posture, balance, and awareness, making it one of the most complete forms of functional fitness.
“Ballet teaches the body to move in harmony. That level of awareness improves balance, focus, and confidence in ways that other workouts rarely do.”
The Art of Pointe Work
When asked about one of ballet’s most admired and challenging elements, pointe work, she describes it as both humbling and infinite.
“It takes years to develop pointe technique, and even then, it is a lifelong journey. There is always another layer to refine. Pointe work teaches patience, dedication, and respect for the body.”
Mental Health and Ballet
Behind the beauty of ballet lies immense pressure. Like many dancers, she has faced anxiety, self-doubt, and body image struggles.
“I have definitely dealt with anxiety and insecurities about my body. Therapy and counseling were transformative for me,” she shares.
“Now I use those same tools daily, gratitude, self-compassion, and mindfulness. When I look in the mirror, I focus on strength, not perfection.”
Nutrition for Performance and Balance
Nutrition plays a crucial role in her performance and recovery. “I always start my day with breakfast and kombucha. I don’t understand how people can skip breakfast,” she laughs.
Her daily fuel includes nuts, fruit, pretzels, avocado, and sweet potatoes, simple, nutrient-rich foods that keep her energy steady throughout the day.
“Nutrition is about giving your body what it needs to perform. When you fuel well, everything feels better — energy, mood, recovery, even creativity.”
Staying Motivated While Training at Home
The pandemic challenged dancers to adapt their routines. For her, consistency came through structure and mindset.
“Working out at home gave me focus and a sense of normality. I always feel better after moving, so skipping wasn’t an option. Instead, I got creative and used the time to reconnect with my body.”
She encourages others to view movement as self-care rather than a chore, a central philosophy of Train Like a Ballerina.
Beyond Ballet: Movement for Life
Although ballet remains her foundation, she embraces a wide range of modalities.
“I love Pilates, yoga, and Gyrotonics. I’m always learning from different forms of movement. They all teach something unique about how the body works.”
She credits Gyrotonics (developed by Juliu Horvath) with improving her mobility and spinal articulation. “It is incredible for dancers and athletes. I recommend it to everyone.”
Fitness for Busy Lives
When asked what she suggests for those short on time, she reassures: “You can accomplish so much in just 15 to 20 minutes.”
That is where the Train Like a Ballerina App excels. “It offers quick, effective, and beautifully structured workouts that you can do anywhere. You don’t need a gym — just a mat, a bit of space, and the willingness to start.”
Morning or Evening Workouts
She prefers to train first thing in the morning. “I love starting my day with movement. It energizes me, clears my mind, and sets a positive tone. But it really depends on the person. The best time to work out is when you feel most focused.”
A Performance to Remember
Among her many professional experiences, one moment stands out:
“Performing the principal role in Balanchine’s Allegro Brillante in Spain was unforgettable. It was an outdoor theater, the air was warm, and everything felt alive. It was one of those rare, out-of-body moments that reminded me why I dance.”
Joining Train Like a Ballerina
Becoming a Master Trainer on Train Like a Ballerina was a natural step in her evolution as a performer and educator.
“I’m so excited to share my workouts with a wider audience. The platform allows people everywhere to train like a ballerina, no matter their level or background. It’s empowering to know my classes can inspire others to move beautifully and build strength.”
In Summary
Her story is a powerful reminder that ballet is more than performance, it is discipline, artistry, and self-discovery. Through her work with Train Like a Ballerina, she brings that same philosophy to everyone, proving that ballet-inspired training can transform not just the body, but the mind.
Train smarter. Move beautifully. Feel stronger.
