DS: What brought you into fitness?

BI: "Fitness has always been a part of my life. I began dancing at age 3 and when I started to take my dancing to the next level I incorporated cross training and strength training through Pilates.

My true passion for fitness came in 2007 when my mom was going through breast cancer. I began to go to yoga as my outlet for stress release and fell in love! I also got my dad involved and we grew a friendship through fitness that has been one of the most rewarding aspects of my life. Later, in 2011, my mom received news again she had cancer, this time colon cancer. I was at Indiana University studying dance and fitness, so not being there to support her like I had previously was very challenging for me. I would still go to yoga, but also realized my passion for running and would go on runs and call my mom."

DS: Why come to Austin?

BI: "Moving to Austin was a spontaneous and fearless decision. As mentioned before, my mom had cancer twice and this helped me understand what family and home meant to me. I had moved to NYC after college to pursue dance but immediately fell into teaching fitness. I was running ragged teaching 25-30 classes a week to support myself. I love fitness and helping people accomplish goals, but I also appreciate that time for me as well. I got to a place where I realized all I did was work in order to pay rent and eat and there was no time for me, my friends, and my family. This was not my happiest time. It was in yoga that I realized I wanted more balance in my life in a place that felt like home. I had visited Austin several times and I always felt this city spoke to me. When all of the pieces kept falling into place perfectly I knew it was a sign that I should be working there. I am very excited to continue teaching but even more excited to grow my skill sets with this management position.

Living from a place of home in your heart will help you achieve amazing things and that's been my motivation for the move and the inspiration to not give up."

DS: What do you like to do for fun?

BI: "I am a go with the flow kind of girl. I love traveling, exploring, and adventuring. My favorite day of the week is Tuesday... because TACO TUESDAY! :) I have digestive issues which limits my personal diet but I love cooking and baking for others and bringing smiles to their faces! I also find it fun to go to card stores and spend time reading and looking through all the different cards - I am drawn to ones with lots of sparkles. I enjoy putting a smile on someone’s face by randomly surprising them with a note."

DS: What’s your favorite thing about Dancers Shape?

BI: "I honestly don't know how Dancers Shape came into my life at such a perfect time. My favorite thing about Dancers Shape is Jennifer, the staff, and the clients. I wanted to live from a place of "home” in my heart and DS immediately brought those feelings out in me. Jennifer and I have similar "NYC burnout" stories and backgrounds which made us have an instant connection. I love that DS focuses on community and life balance, which is where my true passions lie. I have been so impressed with the quality and variety of classes offered and that there are options for any fitness level or age. I am so excited to be a part of this community and call Dancers Shape my new home!"