Founded in the same spirit as Spirit Yoga, Spirit Barre is PB’s community barre studio, offering comfortable, beach vibes, and a place to connect with your barre community.
Dana’s two strongest interests have always been fitness and animals. After graduating from Boston University and working in the corporate world, Dana discovered yoga and was an instructor for years before getting her masters degree from Tufts University School of Veterinary Medicine. She moved to beautiful San Diego in 2004 and has worked for almost 2 decades in animal sheltering & welfare, zoology, and veterinary medicine. After attending barre as a student for about 5 years, Dana took the opportunity to train to become an instructor and has been enjoying teaching fun and invigorating classes since 2017. In 2020, Dana and her husband Torrey purchased Spirit Yoga, and then in 2021 created Spirit Barre. When not at yoga or at the barre, Dana is the Director of Operations at Lady Freethinker, an animal advocacy organization. Dana likes to run, strength train, and walk her beloved dog (and Spirit’s official mascot) Armani.
Follow her on instagram: @gsleader4252
Samara’s love for movement and dance began at 3 years old. Performing on stage and learning choreography built her confidence from a very young age. She deeply values living her life for the present, and believes there is no better way to experience the present than through fitness and the performing arts. Samara studied Musical Theatre at Manhattanville College and performed off- broadway in New York City. She has an affinity for teaching Barre, is American Barre Technique Certified and teaches Barre classes in San Diego. As an avid educator and traveler, she taught English abroad in Israel and currently curates travel retreats to Greece, Belize, Iceland and Cuba. Samara is also an NYU Certified Coach, guiding her clients to set goals to live their lives at their highest potentials. She believes that mental and emotional health are equally as important as physical health. Samara is a true follower of her passions. She finds joy and excitement in change and leaning into new challenges to further progress her abilities personally and professionally.
Follow her on instagram: @samaraariel
At the ripe age of three, Tess began dancing and continued through College. While she loves all styles of dance, ballet has always been her specialty. She found Barre in 2015 right after graduating from SDSU and absolutely loved the workout. She likes how ballet positions are incorporated into each workout and enjoys the intensity of getting those muscles to shake!
Tess completed her instructor Training Program through BarreBody Studios and has been teaching for years. Tess is thrilled to be a part of the Spirit Barre team and bring barre back to the community! Her goal is to safely challenge those muscles and get you to reach new levels of strength.
Follow her on instagram: @tessklein
Armani was adopted by studio owners Dana & Torrey in 2018. He was rescued from the streets of Tijuana where he was found with a shattered hip and many bite wounds. Now living the good life in Pacific Beach, he spends his days sleeping under Dana’s desk, as she is the Director of Operations at Lady Freethinker, an animal advocacy organization. He loves visiting Spirit (and is the official mascot…Insta-famous!) and you can often find him sitting on the benches in the front lobby or napping in his bed between his mom & dad’s yoga mats. He’s a little shy because of his traumatic time on the streets, but once he gets to know you, he’ll give you big smiles & wags!
Follow him on instagram: @armani_thedoodle
Brittany has called San Diego her home since 2001. She stumbled across barre in 2013 and has been hooked ever since. After instructing hot barre for 3 years she is excited to get back into the studio as part of the Spirit Barre team!.
Follow her on instragram: @bsauter08
Steph has just finished up her student teacher training and she is now ready (and VERY excited) to take on this new journey! Born and raised in New England, Steph made her way out to San Diego in 2021 to check out what the West Coast had to offer. She loves to pop around into different fitness classes and outdoor adventures – and that’s exactly how she found herself at Spirit Barre! She’s passionate about bringing people together through positivity and movement, and is just really always happy to have a good time!
Follow her on instagram: @stephgorms
Megan recently moved to San Diego from South Carolina and has been teaching barre for 2 and 1/2 years. . When she’s not at the barre, she works full-time in Business Development and Operations. Megan’s passion for Barre stems from her love of dance, starting at the age of 4. She loves motivating others to move and take care of their bodies, while focusing on making fitness FUN!
Fun fact: Megan is an avid traveler. She has lived overseas in Swansea, Wales and Vina Del Mar, Chile. Her goal is to travel to every continent, and has 3 left to visit!
Follow her on instagram: @meganmpark85
Rachel is a graduate from the Spirit Barre Teacher Training. As an instructor, Rachel hopes to help people feel comfortable in fitness environments and have fun while moving and strengthening their body. In her spare time, Rachel enjoys making jewelry (she sells her gorgeous earrings at our studio), spending time with her dog and being in the great outdoors!
Follow her on instagram: @rachellizpeterson
Carly completed her 200 hour Yoga Teacher Training with Spirit Yoga in 2021. Since then she has found that teaching is when she feels most joyful and able to express her creativity. She recognizes the importance of intention within the practice and everyday life which she aims to share with students through her teaching. She has continued her training to add upon her knowledge of Vinyasa and has join us at Spirit Barre! Outside of teaching she is usually outdoors hiking, running, snowboarding, or slacklining.
Follow her on instagram: @carly.hilbert
Justine is fun and upbeat in her classes, while providing challenging workouts. She is a New Hampshire native and moved to San Diego 8 years ago to follow the sunshine. She received her mat pilates training in 2021, she is also a certified Aerial Yoga teacher, SUP teacher and total gym instructor. When she’s not practicing yoga or teaching you can find Justine creating in her art studio in Ocean Beach.
Follow her on instagram: @jcruz728
Lucia is originally from Argentina & Dominican Republic: She specializes in being a Tarot card reader, Clinical Psychologist, Barre and newly graduated yoga instructor! She is a lover of sunshine, the ocean, outdoors and everything wellness. Lucia lived all over the Americas in her lifetime but currently loves being a part of the beautiful San Diego and the Spirit community. She is excited to get back to teaching and connecting with everyone through movement!
Follow her on instagram: @luciabunge