Things to Do in Dallas

For 35 years, Valerie Compton has dipped her toes into every aspect of fitness. She followed up her experience in track and field and tennis by building her career as a personal trainer, and she later branched out into Power Pilates, Spinning, and nutrition. When she designed BarreFusion in 2006, she struck upon the latest trend in fitness. Today, Valerie surrounds herself with instructors who channel their experience as classical dancers, gymnastics, and triathletes to lead rigorous barre classes.

Valerie starts her instruction with a BarreLite class that introduces newcomers to the proper forms and techniques to master fundamentals. From there, she encourages students to test out a number of other classes. The popular BarreFusion class combines Pilates, yoga, ballet, and light weights to sculpt legs and cores. She also offers Spinning classes that challenge students with a high-energy, aerobic workout that mimics cycling in front of stampeding wildebeests.

Nearly a century ago, the Dallas Fencers Club took root, keeping the age-old Olympic sport alive in Texas. Today, the club continues to flourish under the leadership of head coach Waldek Czaja, who draws on decades of experience to guide students in the art of the blade. As pupils of all ages learn to thrust and parry with traditional weapons such as foils and épées—updated versions of primitive fencing's sharpened baguettes—Czaja helps them to develop coordination and strategic thinking as they potentially train for medals in competition. Throughout the youth program, Czaja operates under the philosophy that the drive and determination protégés develop in class can apply to life's myriad challenges, from learning to play the flute to solving a Rubik’s cube with a sledgehammer.

Customization is the name of the game at Creative Events Photo and Video Booths. Before staffers show up to set up and man the booth, the Creative Events team teams up with customers to personalize each photo-booth package, choosing custom layouts or adding extras such as props or custom logos. On the day of the event, the portrait palace lets up to 10 guests at a time pose for unlimited black-and-white and color snapshots or attempt to break the record for most bunny ears on one bride. Other a la carte add-ons include video greetings from guests and keepsake photo guest books.

Sudsy brews slosh in clink-ready cups at the third annual North Texas Beer and Wine Festival, which takes up residence at the new Irving Convention Center on Saturday, May 12. Once the doors open to the general public at 2 p.m., imbibers can snack on high-end eats from the likes of Velvet Taco and The Ranch in Las Colinas, and sample the wares of local and international brewers from Imperial and Franconia. These brewmasters sling samples of hundreds of different beers, from classic signature brews to new, experimental creations. Just one of several enriching presentations on the schedule, Kelly Harris of Homebrew Headquarters edifies entrepreneurs and enthusiasts at 2:45 p.m. with an introductory course to home brewing. In a sprawling beer garden, live music from The Superkings and Dallas All Stars Blues Jam serenades sippers in the afternoon hours, easing eardrums into the VIP-only event featuring Band of Brothers and Zionaura.

Returning for their fourth year of family fun, Dallas Kids Expo’s organizers thrill children and parents with a one-day whirlwind of activities, exhibition booths, and kid-friendly demonstrations at Dallas Market Hall. Amid the spacious expo grounds, a fleet of exhibitors—from pediatric dentists to craft stores—welcome wanderers into their booths, cordially introducing their wares and services via games of charades. Appearances by Bob the Builder bring smiles to kids' faces, and information sessions for parents on child-rearing topics are hosted by local child-rearing gurus. As the day continues, kids work off excess energy at the petting zoo or by starting their own five-cent tax-preparation-service booth.

CitySolve lets citizens explore their metropolis through a one-day odyssey that tests speed, stamina, and smarts. Teams scamper through their burb as they solve clues ranging from anagrams and pop-culture trivia to deciphering graffiti written in pig Latin. Interspersed throughout the race are mettle-testing physical challenges, molding iron wills to such tasks as dodgeball, improv comedy games, or identifying ice-cream flavors. Each day's race also awards winners for best costumes and best tweet. Each urban iditarod takes between two to three hours, and jet packs are strictly prohibited.