We were lucky to catch up with Dina Pizzolla recently and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Dina thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. We’d love to have you retell us the story behind how you came up with the idea for your business, I think our audience would really enjoy hearing the backstory.

I was sitting at the kitchen counter—coffee mug in one hand, pen in the other—jotting down whatever came to mind. Life was pulling me in a new direction. I had an idea of where it was headed, but I wasn’t quite sure how it would all take shape.

I had spent over a decade teaching dance, earned my group fitness certification, and completed my studies in expressive arts. These pieces felt so connected in my heart, but I didn’t see anything out there that brought them together in the way I envisioned. I kept wondering: How do I combine movement, music, expression, wellness—into something that truly supports people, not just physically, but mentally and emotionally too?

Throughout my teaching years, building confidence, strength, and community had always been my priority. Especially during COVID, when everything felt heavy, I started creating dance-inspired fitness routines for fun and sharing them with friends. What started as something casual quickly revealed something powerful: we didn’t just feel stronger—we felt lighter, happier, more ourselves.

Around that same time, I started noticing how so many people approached movement as a chore. Fitness was on the to-do list, something they had to do, often disconnected from joy or intention. I knew there had to be a better way—one that didn’t just focus on burning calories or pushing harder, but on actually feeling good in your body.

I imagined a class that was more than just exercise—a space where people could move to the rhythm, reconnect with their bodies, and walk away with clarity, confidence, and ease. A class that felt like therapy in motion. I got up out of my chair and started designing sequences that activated the body from the ground up—strong, intentional movement combined with moments of release, reflection, and real connection.

I knew this would work because I wasn’t just solving a physical need—I was solving an emotional and energetic one too. There are so many fitness options out there, but very few that nourish the whole person. EMBODY blends dance, strength, and expressive release in a way that feels transformative. It fills a gap between structured fitness and soulful movement. And the more I shared it, the more I saw how deeply it resonated.

What excited me most was how universal it felt. Whether someone had a dance background or not, they could step into class and feel like they belonged. For former dancers, it’s a chance to reconnect with that part of themselves. For others, it’s an empowering and joyful way to move without pressure or judgment.

EMBODY strengthens the body, clears the mind, and uplifts the spirit—and that’s exactly what I felt was missing from so many traditional workouts. That’s the story of how it came to life—and why I believe in it so deeply.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I’m Dina—founder of EMBODY by Dina, a movement and wellness brand rooted in the belief that how we move can transform how we live.

I’ve been dancing for as long as I can remember. As a kid, I always looked up to my dance teachers and admired the way they created space for us to feel strong, confident, and fully ourselves. No matter what was going on in life, the dance studio felt like a place where I could connect to the best version of myself. I knew early on that I wanted to be that kind of teacher for others.

After more than a decade of teaching, I found myself drawn to fitness and wellness. I got certified in group fitness and realized that movement could offer more than just strength—it could support your mindset, your mood, and your everyday energy. But as someone who’s always been deeply creative, I missed the artistry that came with dance. That’s when I returned to school to study expressive arts, which focuses on using movement, music, and creativity as tools for personal growth and transformation. That was the turning point.

I created EMBODY to blend all of these elements into an experience that goes beyond the typical workout. It’s for people who want to feel strong, connected, and lit up from the inside out. So many of us approach fitness as another item on the to-do list—something we have to do. I wanted to create a space where movement feels like something you get to do. Something fun, empowering, and meaningful.

We offer a variety of EMBODY classes for adults—from dance cardio and sculpt to choreography and movement meditation. It is perfect for those that used to dance or anyone craving a good sweat, full-body toning, and a serious mood boost. We also offer EMBODY Jr. classes for kids which blends foundational dance training with fun routines, uplifting music, and mindfulness to build confidence and self-expression. We love hosting private sessions, birthday parties, school and corporate programs, and community events—bringing the EMBODY experience to people of all ages.

What sets EMBODY apart is the intention behind everything we do. The sequences are thoughtfully crafted to challenge your body, uplift your spirit, and help you carry that post-class clarity into your everyday life. It’s not just going through the motions—it’s moving in ways that energize you, connect you to your strength, and remind you that you are capable of so much.

What I’m most proud of is how people walk out of class feeling. More confident. More present. More like themselves. That’s what EMBODY is all about—helping you move through life with purpose and joy.

What’s been the best source of new clients for you?

I’ve found that the best way to reach new clients has been through a mix of social media and local community events.

Social media is such a powerful tool—it allows me to instantly connect with like-minded people and creatively showcase what EMBODY is all about. I’ve personally discovered some of my favorite local businesses on Instagram just because their content resonated with me, and I try to do the same with my own. I love using social media not only to highlight our services, but to give people a feel for who I am, what EMBODY is all about and how it helps others. Over time, that builds brand awareness and trust in an authentic way.

Community events offer that same kind of connection, but in-person. There’s something really special about being able to share energy and conversation face-to-face—it creates a vibe you can’t replicate online.

Together, both have helped me grow a community that feels aligned and genuinely excited to be part of the EMBODY experience.

Any thoughts, advice, or strategies you can share for fostering brand loyalty?

I believe in staying connected in genuine, intentional ways—both in and beyond the studio. Every EMBODY session is designed to spark something deeper, so that post-class bliss carries over into everyday life

From your very first class, you’re personally welcomed. I take the time to make sure you feel seen and supported for showing up and trying something new. You’re never just another body in the room—you’re a unique and essential part of the energy we create together.

Outside of class, I use social media to share content and insights that support whatever theme we’re embodying each month. I also send out reflective emails with a deeper perspective, offering encouragement to keep the momentum.

I love celebrating each person’s journey with fun challenges and thoughtful gifts to recognize milestones. Hosting themed events also gives clients a chance to connect with each other—building a sense of belonging and community.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://embodybydina.com
• Instagram: @embodybydina
• Other: email: [email protected]

Image Credits

Meghan Moore Photography