Things to Do in Dallas

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.

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.

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.

The Septien Entertainment Group excels at professional singer/songwriter development and training.