We had the good fortune of connecting with Caroline Laporte and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Caroline, can you tell us more about your background and the role it’s played in shaping who you are today?
Born in France, I spent my childhood between France and Africa before moving to Texas at the age of 19. My global upbringing and immersion in diverse cultures and traditions fostered my passion for people and dance, inspiring me as a ballet teacher to appreciate all forms of movement and share the beauty of ballet worldwide.
Vibrant costumes, elegant fabrics, and community-uniting dances have always fascinated and inspired me. While ballet can be an exclusive, competitive, and intimidating art form, my diverse upbringing allowed me to experience it in a more inclusive and welcoming way.
Sharing moments of barefoot dancing in remote villages, I felt the true power of movement. Seeing villagers’ faces light up as they experienced ballet and Bach’s music for the first time filled me with a sense of joyful connection, even without a shared language.
Shaped by diverse experiences, I have come to see movement as essential to life, echoing Moshe Feldenkrais’ sentiment that “movement is life”. Embracing this philosophy, I strive to share my passion by offering a new, accessible approach to experiencing the fundamentals of ballet for all, while reshaping traditional fitness classes to be more dynamic and multidimensional. It’s about moving with intention and purpose, – learning to truly live in the flow and rhythm of motion.
Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I am a classically trained ballet teacher, having studied the French and Vaganova methods. Ballet has taught me invaluable lessons – discipline, mindfulness, focus, public presence, a drive for excellence, and a commitment to constant improvement. It has been a healing journey, helping me overcome physical and emotional trauma, manage stress, and maintain an optimistic outlook.
However, this path has not been without its challenges. As a college student, I struggled to find the time and resources to support my training. As a mother, the changes to my body and limited personal time presented some life balancing limitations. And as I’ve grown older, knee surgery and chronic hip issues have kept me away from the ballet studio for over two years.
During that time, I realized I was missing ballet beyond just physical exercise. I craved the engagement of my synergist muscles, the fluid movements through space and varied planes of motion, and the synchronization with the music. This was when I recognized ballet’s profound emotional, mental, and physical benefits – benefits I wanted to share through a new program, made accessible to everyone of all ages and all levels.
Thus, BalletConnect was born – a ballet-inspired, transformative workout that enhances fluidity, spatial awareness, mobility, confidence, strength, speed, balance and rhythm through our innovative “Movement Synchronization & Rhythm” method.
The program offers progressive ballet-inspired interval flows, allowing participants to customize their workout intensity and impact. The flows range from Adagio (slow, sustained movements that build balance and strength) to Petit Allegro (faster-paced movements that develop speed and jumping power) to Grand Allegro (cardio-focused, powerful movements). By providing options to match each participant’s fitness level, this program empowers students to safely explore the transformative effects of ballet-based training.
Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I would enjoy a delicious farm-to-table steak at the Yocal Local BBQ & Grill in historic downtown McKinney with live music or an authentic Italian pizza at Cavalli Pizzeria Napoletana in the Adriatica village of McKinney with beautiful patio setting.
I would go for an outdoor adventure paddling and kayaking at the Little Elm Beach, enjoy for a hike in Erwin Park.
Catch an outdoor Full Moon yoga class in the Colony hosted by Urban Vybe studio
Enjoy morning fitness classes in the park at Klyde warren park
Visit the Crow Museum in Dallas
Catch an opera at the Winspear Opera House
Go see a ballet performance at the Bass Hall in Fort Worth
Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Soren Bebe of Sorenbebe.com in Denmark has provided invaluable support for the BalletConnect program. His ballet music has been truly inspiring throughout this endeavor.
Oneil Brown of famousfotography.com contributed his time and photographic talents to capture key images and videos for the launch of BalletConnect.
Seth Hammond, my personal trainer in McKinney, TX, encouraged me and helped me regain confidence in my ability to twirl, jump, and move dynamically during my 2-month post-surgery recovery training – even without an ACL in my left knee.
Ruth Ziegler, an inspiring Ballet Master from Plano TX, shares a deep passion, joy, and knowledge of ballet and music that motivates each of her students, whether professional or not, to become better dancers in every class.
Samantha Martin of The Mat Yoga Studio in Plano graciously allowed me to use her beautiful studio during the launch of BalletConnect. Samantha is a savvy entrepreneur and amazing Yoga teacher with a strong commitment to serving the community.
Danica Albritton of @me_guste_este, an esthetician and beauty expert, has helped me define and formulate the BalletConnect brand. Her love of ballet and unwavering belief in this program have been a true driving force and source of support.
Ballet dancers McKenzee Millet and Isabella Dole have shared their talents during the recording and live classes of BalletConnect. As dancers, they embody the beauty, grace, and freedom that ballet training can bring to each of us.
Website: https://www.BalletConnect.World
Instagram: @BalletConnectWorld
Youtube: BalletConnectWorld
Other: Contact us: (469) 717-6771
Caroline@BalletConnect.World
Image Credits
Ravi @DocTeja
Oneil Brown
Danica Albritton