Backstage with Kara Hi Beauties, Grab a cup of tea and settle down for an inspiring get-to-know-you chat with Ballet Beautiful Master Trainer, Kara Walsh. Meet the genuine and creative dancer who hosts some of our most popular Livestreams and Group Classes.

1.When and How did you start dancing? I started dancing at age 10 at an incredible Performing Arts Conservatory in Litchfield County. CT. My mom was very passionate about the arts and I was exposed to everything from painting to Shakespeare. One day, I peeked into the window of a ballet class and I knew right then and there that I was going to be a dancer for the rest of my life. It was love at first plié!!!

2. What made you fall in love with dance? There is so much beauty, grace and strength with dance. As a shy child, I felt that I could express myself better with movement than I could with words. There was an instant connection with dance as if I had been doing it forever. I am the happiest when I'm dancing! As a Virgo, I love the discipline and routine that comes with it.

3. What is your greatest strength as a dancer? I am an empath and I feel the movements deeply in my soul. I love using dance to tell stories and encourage the audience to connect with and feel their emotions. 

4. Can you describe a core memory of you dancing? Set the stage for us! I love the process of creating a piece from start to finish. Working with an amazing choreographer like Susan Misner in the FX Series Fosse was so inspiring. Dancing on TV was such a different experience than dancing on stage. I am so grateful to have been a part of such a brilliant team. 

5.Your classes are so fun, from your music choices to your at-home studio set up! What inspires you when you plan for a class? I love to share my passion for ballet, it brings me so much joy. I truly believe dance is for everyone. I am in Santa Fe for the summer. An artist friend, Alexandra Eldridge, has been letting me use her stunning art gallery to teach in. Her space is filled with light and color.  I find it so inspiring when I can connect with different art forms and dance in many different spaces. It is wonderful that we can teach virtually from anywhere and share with so many ballet beauties from around the world.

6. In which ballets have you performed? What was your favorite role? I have been very lucky in my career to have done many styles of dance from classical ballet, contemporary to jazz.  I have danced the Nutcracker in many different roles, including Sugar Plum Fairy and Arabian Coffee and also in Sleeping Beauty as the Lilac Fairy. My all time favorite role was “Dream Laurey” in Oklahoma at the famous Fifth Avenue Theater in Seattle choreographed by Donals Byrd. The dream ballet is such a magical part of that show and I instantly connected to the etheric nature of the character.

What is the best motivation for you to work out when you have an "off" day? I always know that I will feel better after a workout when I'm having an "off" day. For motivation, I often meet a friend at class. Dancing always brings me back to joy!

What is your favorite BB Kitchen recipe? My absolute favorite is the beautiful beet hummus recipe. The pink color makes me so happy. It makes a great healthy snack or addition to a salad or sandwich.

What is your favorite BB Challenge? My favorite BB challenge is the Cardio Blast and Tone Challenge. It is an energizing, complete full body workout. You will feel toned and strong right away. Find the Cardio Blast and Tone Challenge any our BB Custom Workout subscription > BB Challenges feature > Year 2 of Ballet Beautiful Challenges. 

What is your favorite or must have BB Activewear or accessory? My must have BB activewear piece is the mesh sleeve leotard. It is perfect while dancing. I love how I can just throw on a pair of jeans over it after class and I'm ready to go anywhere

We love sharing our stunning BB Team! Get to know more about Kara through her Meet the Trainer blog. + channel your inner ballerina and join Kara for weekly Online Live Group Classes and Subscriber Livestreams each month! + if you're interested in training privately with Kara, email us at privatetraining@balletbeautiful.com Tell us what you LOVE about the Subscriber Livestreams and Group Classes below & drop your favorite ballet move!  Have a beautiful workout! Sincerely, The Ballet Beautiful Team