Today we’d like to introduce you to Clarissa Pierro.
Clarissa, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
The beginning was fun! In 2003, I started teaching exotic dance lessons to housewives both in motivational workshops and at their homes. I had the opportunity to travel the country teaching motivational workshops for women using exotic dancing as the vehicle to realizing our inner beauty, then expressing that outwardly. A few highlights-Teaching in NYC monthly; Conducting a class for Women’s Health Magazine; Teaching a private event at Senator Strom Thurman’s home for his wife and friends; and, a few TV interviews in Miami and NYC. Back in Dallas, I got to work with Kidd Kraddick’s team for six months-we even created a video together! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yp5ptamzElE
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TF2YzVfemn0
Creating Zensual Dance Fitness in January 2009 was out of necessity and I couldn’t imagine doing anything else in life. Women were finding me through friends of friends and I was given opportunities to build my independent business in Dallas. Today, our team is 15 women strong with a studio location in North Dallas and our first licensee in Galveston, Texas. We’ve had the opportunity to work with MTV and Lifetime through reality shows. Our team and students are pulled together through the shared love of totally embracing our sensuality and strength.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
My journey has been not been a straight road however the sidebars did provide insight and lessons. I went through an illness which took a few years of recovery. Today, I’m tougher and that grit has come in handy. So much comes at you on a day-to-day basis while wearing so many different hats.
Zensual Dance Fitness – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
Through the blend of structure fitness and freestyle dance, Zensual Dance Fitness’ programming, aims for the Zen state, bringing a oneness of body and mind. Our classes are structured so that whatever style of class, you have time to find your freestyle, your natural movement patterns.
We specialize in Aerial Hoop, Pole, Exotic, Burlesque movement. taught in daily classes, weekend workshops and progressive dance series. A quite but side of our business is our private parties. Bachelorette parties or ladies’ nights out keeping us busy every weekend! Our travel team keeps busy in Galveston, Ft. Worth, Waco and the smaller Texas towns. I smile when I think of how many homes we’ve facilitated a party! Like Vegas, we keep the private party shenanigans quiet.
Inside the classroom, word gets out about our inviting atmosphere where there are no mean girls allowed. We always say, we welcome everyBODY and have a wide range of women from 18-65 as clients.
I’m most proud of the longevity of our office and instructor team and long-term members. I also think of all the long-term friendships I’ve seen develop.
I’m most proud of our Zensual Academy, our 16-week advancement program in Zensual Dance, Pole Dance Fitness and, now Aerial Hoop. Some women and some men, start with just the workout then branch out to a Pole after Dark class or Pole Tricks. Some women just want to learn how to feel more confident in their own skin. They start with a workshop. Within our school, Pole Competitors and local performers pool their talents to help each other. Whatever stage of a student’s journey, everyone on our instructor team really cherishes sharing the journey with the fully committed. There are some powerful women we see develop!
What moment in your career do you look back most fondly on?
My proudest moment of my career isn’t about the flash or glamour of press or in the spotlight. My proudest moment has been to sit back and watch what I created from nothing flourish into a living, breathing, healthy business that truly serves and helps people. I couldn’t be more proud.
Pricing:
- Private Party at $350 for 10 ladies
- Unlimited Six Month Membership $117/month
- Single Class $25
- Single Workshop $50-$75
Contact Info:
- Address: 17062 Preston Road, Suite 108
Dallas, Texas 75248 - Website: zensualdance.com
- Phone: 469-426-5090
- Email: zensual@zensualdance.com
- Instagram: http://instagram.com/zensual
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ZensualDanceFitness
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/zensualdance
- Yelp: http://www.yelp.com/biz/zensual-dance-fitness-dallas
- Other: http://www.youtube.com/zensualdance
Image Credit:
James Blessinger
Getting in touch: VoyageDallas is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
