Daily Inspiration: Meet Darian Callais

Today we’d like to introduce you to Darian Callais.

Hi Darian, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
Born and raised in New Orleans, Louisiana – I started dancing when I was 4 years old and fell in love with the art ever since. Around the age of 12, I knew that this is what I wanted to do for the rest of my life. I started competitive dance at 13 years old, traveling the country to compete and learn from the best teachers in the industry. I’ve met so many amazing people throughout all of these experiences and created long lasting friendships. I couldn’t have expected all of the opportunities it would give me and the places it would take me.

Throughout high school, I trained intensely. I went to dance every night of the week, had competition rehearsals on the weekends, and was often traveling for dance conventions and competitions. Once I graduated from high school in 2016, I went to The University of New Orleans to receive a Bachelor’s in Elementary Education.

I knew that my end goal was to end up in Los Angeles, California after college. I spent these years expanding my knowledge on how to properly lead a classroom, communicate with students and parents, and how to create valuable lesson plans. Although I knew that I didn’t necessarily want to work in the school system, I knew that this was an amazing way to deepen my education and learn life skills that I would carry with me no matter where I went.

These skills eventually served their purpose when it was 2020. During my final semester of college, I was student teaching a class of third graders when all teachers were called to the office for an urgent update. We were informed of the COVID-19 pandemic emergency and instructed to pack the students’ bags to prepare for an extended closure. I haven’t seen those students since.

Although I graduated, the circumstances made it feel as though my degree had been handed to me rather than earned. I felt cheated, frustrated, and uncertain about where my future was headed. The world had come to a standstill, and no one knew what to expect. Despite the shutdown, I was still determined to move to Los Angeles – So I did just that.

There were no dance jobs or dance classes happening in Los Angeles, as the entire city was shut down. Still, I found a way to make it happen. I spent days at my computer creating resumes, researching opportunities, looking for apartments, and searching for teaching jobs in L.A.

With schools closed due to the pandemic, many parents began forming small learning “pods” with three to four families, hoping to provide their children with some sense of normalcy. Since many parents still had to work, they had no choice but to hire private tutors or teachers to support their kids’ education.

I went through over 30 interviews with different families before finally connecting with the perfect group that wanted to hire me as their pod teacher. Looking back, I often think – if I hadn’t gone to college and earned that degree, if I had only pursued dance – I wouldn’t have had the opportunity to make that move to Los Angeles.

A few years later, as the world began to return to normal, I was finally able to bring dance back to the forefront of my life. I spent my evenings teaching and training, immersing myself in classes again. I began booking exciting, fulfilling jobs that reminded me exactly why I had worked so hard to get to this point. I performed with artists such as Janet Jackson, Lil Wayne, Rita Ora and more. I’ve had the privilege of being part of commercials, TV series, movies, and music videos.

I recently moved to Orange County, where I discovered a newfound passion for Pilates. From the moment I took my first class, I was hooked. I dove into research, exploring certification programs to become an instructor. In March 2024, I made the decision to invest in earning my Pilates certification. By the summer, I had started teaching Pilates – while still dancing in the evenings and taking on exciting opportunities as they came my way.

I’ve always dreamed of owning a studio where I could share my passions with the world. I wanted to create a safe, welcoming space for anyone who loves Pilates, Dance, and Yoga as much as I do. Although I wasn’t quite ready to open a physical location, I knew I wanted to start building and expressing my brand. That’s when I came up with the idea of an online wellness platform that brings together Pilates, Dance, and Yoga all in one place. My goal was to create an outlet that’s accessible, affordable, and convenient for everyone.

I spent months developing class formats, building a website, crafting a brand identity, setting up social media channels, ordering equipment, and filming workout routines. In January 2025, I proudly launched “Mouv Studios” to the world.

Lately, I’ve been focused on creating in-person community wellness events, teaching weekly dance and Pilates classes, and continuing my own training in Los Angeles. I’m also embracing exciting industry opportunities that align with my passions. Currently, I’m working on new ventures, and there’s so much more on the horizon. I can’t wait to see where this journey takes me next!

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It was definitely not always a smooth road. In 2023, I went through one of the most devastating events. I lost all of my belongings in a house fire, and was left with almost nothing. Being left without a place to stay or clothes to wear can really shake you. Especially while having to still go to work and show up as the best version of yourself for those around you.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I wear many hats because I’m inspired by so many different things. I don’t believe in staying in a box. At my core, I’m a dancer and choreographer. I love to perform and tell stories through movement, but I’m equally passionate about taking class and exploring how movement makes me feel.

My love for movement naturally led me to pilates and yoga, where I found new strength, balance, and an even deeper connection to my body. These practices have become essential not only for my well-being but for enhancing my abilities as a dancer.

Music is another vital part of my world. I love to DJ and enjoy my deep connection to rhythm and energy, often performing live sets at pilates and wellness events. Music constantly fuels my creativity.

What sets me apart is my commitment to showing up as the best version of myself in everything I do. I strive to create spaces where others can thrive – spaces that are safe, welcoming, and alive with inspiration. Helping people connect to themselves and their goals through movement, music, and wellness is my greatest joy.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.mouvstudios.com
• Instagram: @babydarian @mouv.studios
• Other: Tiktok : @dariancallais @mouv.studios

Image Credits
Niki Cram