Ballet and Pilates by Victoria

At Ballet and Pilates by Victoria, small motions lead to big changes. Using a ballet barre, gentle isometric exercises set to music can help tone legs and torch fat. There is little chance of injury, because unlike other workouts, these don't involve jumping or offending a rugby team. The strength-building exercises are followed by stretches, leading to long muscle fibers that are toned rather than bulky.

The center's artistic director and professional ballerina Victoria Simo distills her more than 25 years of experience into ballet classes for children, teens, and adults. After training at the Houston Ballet Academy, Victoria went on to perform with its professional company, followed by more than 10 years with the Texas Ballet Theater, where she danced principle roles in shows such as Alice in Wonderland and The Nutcracker. While with the Texas Ballet Theater, she also worked as Director of Community Programs, launching new programming that included fitness training. Today, she continues her vision of helping people get healthier through movement, leading Ballet Pilates Fusion and Pilates Mat classes. She also coaches private Pilates Reformer sessions, which provide resistance with the help of springs and ropes. Her studio furnishes guests with amenities including dressing rooms, childcare, mats, and upbeat music for practicing the running man after class.