our team

Our fabulous team is made up of wonderful ladies who each bring a unique flair to our studio. Each of our instructors are highly trained and are excellent at tailoring each class to the needs of each client.

Samantha Urbanek

Owner & Instructor

Samantha Urbanek, Owner & Instructor

Samantha has been performing professionally on stage and screen since the age of five. She trained and performed with: Houston Ballet Company, Theatre Under the Stars, Alley Theatre, Delia Stewart Dance, Margo Marshall and Gilbert Rome, Chris Wilson’s Studio, and The Swayze Studios. She also was a featured lead in Southern regional performances and tours of musicals including A Chorus Line, Bye Bye Birdie, Annie, Oliver!, Cats, Chicago and God Bless You Mr. Rosewater. She graduated from Belmont University with a double degree in Musical Theatre and Hospitality, Travel and Tourism and brings years of on camera acting and audition training to TWB students.

Samantha’s time at The Workout Barre began as a client. After years of struggling with a rheumatological condition, she found relief from taking The Workout Barre’s low impact Barre classes and decided she wanted to become an instructor. Since 2017, Samantha has been incorporating her years of dance and musical theatre background with physiological elements of Barre at TWB.

Samantha’s goal for clients is for them to experience the same physical renewal she did. She loves working with clients modifying exercises to accommodate any limitations. She often spends time after class assisting clients' learn proper form. Samantha loves the supportive community and non-intimidating environment at The Workout Barre.

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Kara Bruegger

Barre Instructor

Kara Bruegger, Barre Instructor

Prior to Kara’s fitness ambitions taking over, she graduated from Sam Houston State University with a double major in Finance and Banking. Kara spent just a few years behind a desk, when she realized the need to refocus and pursue her desire to motivate and support women in the area of health and physical fitness.

Kara is an experienced STOTT certified Pilates instructor, with specialty training in posture analysis. She is also certified in Booty Barre, PiYo, and is a Level 1 Nutrition Coach.

Kara's sweet spirit creates a warm and encouraging atmosphere for her clients, and her fun personality is both motivating and contagious. Kara is thrilled to be part of The Workout Barre and we are blessed to have her on our team. She is looking forward to assisting you in achieving your health and fitness goals.

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Brenda Wales

Dance & Barre Instructor

Brenda Wales, Barre & Dance Instructor

Brenda joined The Workout Barre Instructor team with 30+ years of teaching experience in fitness, dance, and ballet. Her Barre classes provide clients with challenging exercises which tone and sculpt the body. She focuses on the importance of core strength and flexibility, promoting good posture and a healthy back. Her classes challenge clients to work for their personal best, and she enjoys helping them achieve their fit

Brenda also teaches dance classes for children and adults. The Workout Barre's state-of-the-art studio provides the perfect environment to leap, turn, and have FUN while learning proper technique and musicality. Our clients love Brenda’s authentic Ballet flair!

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Suzanne Brown

Barre & Dance Instructor

Suzanne has a BS in Biomedical Science from Texas A&M University and a Masters of Education in Curriculum and Instruction with an emphasis in Science from the University Of Texas Arlington. Having an extensive Science and nutrition background, a love for dance and group exercise, combined with classroom teaching experience, pursuing a position in fitness instruction was an easy decision for Suzanne.

She found The Workout Barre and it was a natural fit. Suzanne was able to combine her passion for ballet technique at the barre, weight training and mat work in the Open Barre classes. The high intensity, yet low impact workouts are great for her. Over the years, she has unfortunately developed injuries from dance and riding horses at the Collegiate level. She has had to learn to work around these injuries and is able to get a full body workout that is pain free yet challenging with barre.

Suzanne provides clients with a fun and motivating atmosphere, where they are continually challenged. She is driven to help ladies reach their personal fitness goals.

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Carolyn Benson

Dance Instructor

Carolyn Benson, Dance Instructor

Carolyn brings a lengthy dance instruction background to the The Workout Barre Fitness & Dance studio. For over two decades, she has taught various dance styles to students as young as two years old. Carolyn emphasizes creativity in dance, imparting to her students a love of the art, self-expression, and creativity.

Our youngest students, to our teen-age dancers, will benefit from taking class under the instruction of a talented and passionate instructor like Carolyn.

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Candis Later

Dance Instructor

Candis Later, Dance Instructor

Candis is originally from San Jose, California where she developed a passion for dance and fitness at a young age. Growing up in a long line of dancers, she has a diverse background of experiences including performing arts groups, technical dance with emphasis on jazz, tap and ballet, competitive dance and cheer teams.

She earned a Bachelors of Science degree in Fitness and Wellness Management and a Minor in Dance Education from Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah. While earning her degrees she was a member of the traveling BYU Folk Dance Team and BYU dance staff teaching dance aerobics and cultural dance. In addition she found her love of Hip Hop!

Candis is a certified Master Trainer in the Drums Alive fitness program and has traveled internationally with the team to present and teach at the Pre-Olympic Fitness Convention in China as well as fitness conferences in San Diego and Las Vegas. She has spent several years as a personal trainer and dance teacher which has allowed her to work with a variety people to achieve their goals and develop their passions.

Candis and her husband, Deven, have lived in Houston for 11 years and have 4 children. She is excited to share her knowledge, love of movement and encourage her students to be their best!

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Join The Team!

Interested in joining our growing team at The Workout Barre?

We are currently auditioning Barre Instructors and Dance Instructors.

Please email your resume.
info@theworkoutbarre.com

Let Us Show You The Workout Barre Difference!

First Time Visitors, Try Your first Barre or Adult Ballet or Adult Tap class for $5!
* Offer for Local Residents Only

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