Our Team
Taught by
Professionals.
Not certified. Trained. There's a difference.
Low Impact. High Intensity.
Every class designed for all ages and fitness levels. Challenge your body without punishing your joints.
Unlimited Classes.
Unlimited Classes are better than every class.
Expert-Led Instruction.
Classically trained. Professionally certified. Our Cardio Barre instructors hold a 4-year dance training minimum.
The FIT Standard
What "Classically Trained"
Means.
Most fitness certifications are earned in a weekend. A two-day course, a multiple-choice exam, and a laminated card. That's the industry standard — and it's not ours.
At FIT, "classically trained" means a minimum of four years of professional dance training before a single class is taught. Our Cardio Barre instructors come from the ballet and contemporary dance worlds. They understand anatomy, alignment, musicality, and the difference between a correction and a cue.
That level of expertise doesn't happen in a weekend. You'll feel the difference in your first class.
- Minimum 4 years classical dance training for Cardio Barre instructors
- Deep understanding of anatomy and movement mechanics
- Real performance experience — not just theory
"No other fitness program has a prerequisite like this."
— Richard Giorla, Founder
Founder & Creator
Richard Giorla
Founder, Creator & Head Instructor
After bringing his talent from New York City to Los Angeles — from the big screen to the small screen and even to the stage — dancer and choreographer Richard Giorla used his 30+ years of experience and classical training to create Cardio Barre.
It all began when Richard suffered a crushing hip injury that ended his dance career. He wanted to keep moving at a pace that made sense for his body, yet no exercise routine met his needs. He saw the demand for a high-energy, high-intensity workout that was safe on the joints — and used his passion for dance and fitness to design exactly that.
Richard has since inspired over 100,000 clients with his motivational techniques and clear approach to movement. His mission: to help others live a healthier and more meaningful lifestyle.
25+
Years
2001
Cardio Barre Founded
30
Peak Franchises
Classically Trained · Cardio Barre Founder · 25 Years
The FIT Team
Meet the Team.
Our team is growing — bios and photos will be added as instructors join FIT. Every instructor on this roster meets the same rigorous training standard.
Richard Giorla
Founder & Creator
Creator of the US barre fitness movement. 30+ years of classical training and professional instruction. Inspired over 100,000 clients.
Laura Perry
Instructor & Instructor Trainer
A certified Cardio Barre Instructor and Instructor Trainer since 2007, Laura brings nearly two decades of experience and a genuine passion for fitness and wellness. Her background spans personal training, health coaching, studio management, and trainer development.
Leslie
Instructor
NASM Certified Personal Trainer, Nutrition Coach, Weight Loss Specialist, Senior Fitness Specialist, and Certified Pilates Instructor. A former professional dancer, she has taught Cardio Barre for over two decades and is also a GROOV3 instructor.
Marita
Instructor · NCPT
A former professional ballerina whose work spans Broadway and HBO, NBC, ABC, FX, and Apple TV+. With 20+ years of experience and a Cardio Barre tenure since 2004, she is a nationally certified Pilates instructor (NCPT) specializing in rehabilitative and prenatal fitness.
Kaylie
Instructor
A dancer turned fitness instructor, Kaylie is currently active in the dance industry and has developed a deep appreciation for movement and how the body works. She teaches yoga and fitness, helping others build strength and move with confidence.
Carmen Miranda
Pilates & Fitness Coach
A Pilates mat instructor and fitness coach with over 20 years of experience helping people build strength, stability, and confidence from the inside out. Her classes blend core-focused work, mindful alignment, and functional strength — creating a welcoming, upbeat environment where clients challenge themselves and leave feeling stronger.
Lillian
Yoga Instructor · E-RYT 500hr
An E-RYT 500hr yoga teacher with over 14 years of experience. A firm believer that a teacher must always remain a student, she has studied advanced sequencing, Ashtanga, Kundalini, and Ayurveda. Expect intentional sequencing, a playful attitude, and ayurvedic and astrological teachings woven throughout.
Join the Team
Join the FIT Team.
We're building a team of elite instructors who share our commitment to real training, expert instruction, and a world-class member experience. If you meet the standard, we want to hear from you.
Instructor Requirements
- Cardio Barre instructors must have 4+ years classical dance training
- Relevant professional experience in your discipline
- Current certifications (CPR/AED required, additional preferred)
- A genuine passion for precision and expert instruction
Experience It Yourself
Experience the difference
an expert makes.
You can read about classical training all day. The real proof is 50 minutes in class.
Book a Class