ABOUT LUIZA
I first began dancing ballet in my home country of Brazil while also earning my bachelor’s degree in Law, before moving to the United States. In 2010, I accepted a position as a company member with a performing company out of Gainsville, Florida. After three years, I was offered a company position with the Alabama Ballet in Birmingham, where I performed principle and soloist roles in a variety of classical and contemporary works.
In 2020, after 7 fulfilling seasons with the Alabama Ballet Company, I decided to retire from my career as a performer and began to focus on my other passions – most specifically, as a ballet teacher to dancers as young as 8 years old and up to the professional level, as well as, helping others achieve their personal goals through exercise and fitness practices.
ATHLETIC BACKGROUND
I began taking ballet classes at the age of 4 years old at my mother’s dance studio in Brazil. From a very young age, I was always very focused on classical ballet training, but also very much interested in achieving the benefits from cross-training with other forms of exercise, such as Yoga, Pilates, and other strength training formats. As a result, I was able to utilize a broad set of exercises throughout my career that enabled me to maintain a level of physical health that I needed to pursue my passion in ballet.
TURNING POINT
Like all athletes, every dancer has experienced an injury or had to manage a chronic pain condition at some point in their career. I learned very early that I would have to manage ankle and knee related injuries, but as most dancers and athletes would attest, you do not always have the necessary tools or education to help yourself. As I became more knowledgeable in therapeutic strength training exercises, I realized how common injuries are to everyone, and how much they can impact one’s quality of life.
PASSION
My passion for physical health and fitness helped me realize that with enough dedication it is possible to live better, feel stronger, and accomplish any goal that I set my mind to. At Smartfit, I have access to an incredible team of professionals that have taught me how to create the right balance between patience and effort. These tools have allowed me to build the confidence I need to achieve my goals and I want to help others in the same way – to learn to trust the process and to celebrate the results.
MOTIVATION
What motivates me is knowing that no matter what people are going through in their life, there is a place where anyone can come to decompress and focus on their well-being, both mentally and physically. The environment at Smartfit is always welcoming and I know that everyone is rooting for me along the way. I get to experience the benefits of moving, exercising, and feeling stronger, without judgement, criticism, or feeling uncomfortable. I want to share my experience and be there for anybody who is on their journey to a healthier lifestyle, no matter where they are on that path.
QUALIFICATIONS
NASM Certified Personal Trainer
NASM Corrective Exercise Specialist
Performance Enhancement Specialist
Cardiorespiratory Training for Fitness
CPR/AED Certified