Mary Helen Bowers

“Before founding Ballet Beautiful, I was a ballerina with the New York City Ballet.”

“It's not about having a perfectly sculpted figure; it's about feeling healthy, fit, and confident.”

“A leotard is more versatile than you might think!”

“On weekends, I do brunch at home: whole grain bagels, lox, avocado, eggs, and organic bacon.”

“The muscles that are used in Ballet Beautiful are similar to those used in classic ballet. They're also muscles that don't get used very often, which is why it burns so much.”

“My body needs a lot of protein because I exercise so much. I eat dairy, meat, and gluten, but I stay away from white flour, sugar, and processed foods.”

“It definitely wasn't cool in junior high, when everyone else is trying out for cheerleading, to have a life consumed by ballet.”

“For a ballerina, the worst thing imaginable is big thighs.”

“It's important to remember that life is hectic and unpredictable.”

“I want my workouts to feel like a luxury, a way to pamper yourself and add a beautiful dimension to your everyday life.”

“I've learned that there are many people out there who want to feel powerful and strong on their own terms, who want to tune out the noise and the punishing nature of grueling workouts. With 'Ballet Beautiful,' we have peeled back the mystery of ballet and allowed people to do these workouts anywhere and in their own time.”

“I find that healthy eating makes me feel happier, stronger, and more confident.”

“For the hair, a few French hairpins and a tortoiseshell clip will dress up any bun!”

“It's empowering to find a workout that builds strength and grace.”

“Ballet Beautiful has made my pregnancy a joy. I've avoided back pain and swelling by keeping my core strong and body moving.”

“I launched Ballet Beautiful not long after finishing at Columbia and met Natalie Portman shortly after. We began training and preparing her for her role in 'Black Swan.' From there, I continued to build and expand the method itself along with the business, always looking for ways to share the workout with others around the world.”

“A few times a week, I'll put on La Roche-Posay's Active C Facial Moisturizer. That's probably my favorite cream. It clears up my skin a bit and provides more of an anti-wrinkle element.”

“The key to building long muscle as you swim is stretching arms far ahead of you in the water, sort of like a swan.”

“There's no feeling like performing. It's magical, it's so rewarding, and it just feeds this special little part of your soul.”

“Keep it simple. Layer your leotard with high waisted skinny jeans, legwarmers, and heels or high boots.”