Meet the Trainer: Kara Walsh

How did you start dancing?

My mom is very artistic, she had my sister and I doing many different activities from art classes to playing piano, and acting lessons. She enrolled me in an acting class at the Connecticut Conservatory in new Milford ​C​T when I was about 10 years old. The ballet studio in the school had a big window so you could see in and I remember walking by the studio and I watched the advanced ballet class. I turned to her and said I want to do that. She then put me in a ballet class and from then on I was hooked! I was very shy as a young girl and didn’t like to talk much, I loved how dancing gave me an outlet to use my body to express myself without words.

What is your favorite Ballet Beautiful workout move?

My favorite Ballet Beautiful workout move would have to be reverse bridge, on your hands and knees. I love how it works everything from your arms to your core to your legs and ​butt.

What is your top fitness tip?

Consistency! Do a little something every day w​h​ether it’s taking class, or doing your favorite Ballet Beautiful workout move, or even going for a long walk. ​ And don't forget to stretch! ​

What is your best healthy living tip?

Drink lots of water, eat healthy colorful meals and get a good night’s sleep.

What is your favorite dance memory?

I have so many wonderful dance memories! I am lucky to have had the career that I have had so far so it is hard to choose one memory, but a couple of my favorites are dancing the role of “dream Laurey” in the 5th ​A​venue ​T​heaters production of Oklahoma. Performing outside at Jacobs Pillow with the Black Iris Project and dancing with some of the girls from New York City Ballet in Icelandic pop star Asgeir’s music video.

Favorite ballet?

My favorite ballet is ​George ​​Balanchine's​ Serenade. It is just so beautiful! When the curtain rises and the girls are standing there in those beautiful light blue costumes, it takes my breath away every time. I also love Jerome Robbins Afternoon of a Faun.

Favorite go-to healthy food?

​I love a big bowl of brown rice with lots of veggies. ​

What is your favorite indulgence or treat?

I don’t really have a sweet tooth but I love ginger so if I’m going to have something sweet I will usually have Ginger snap cookies from Lucy’s, they are delicious.

How do you style your dancewear from the studio to the streets?

I love the Ballet ​B​eautiful leotards especially the ones with the mesh sleeves. All you need to do is throw on a pair of jeans or a skirt over the leotards with a blazer or leather jacket and you are ready to go.

Do you have a favorite app that makes your life easier?

Google calendar, it’s not fancy but you can color coordinate your appointments, it keeps me organized.

Something interesting about yourself we wouldn’t expect?

​I have been a vegetarian for over 15 years. ​

When you’re not dancing, we can find you…

When I’m not dancing you can find me exploring the city, going to museums checking out new healthy restaurants, going to shows or going for long walks in Riverside Park with my​ rescue​ dog Stella.