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55 min
Loading days...
55 min
Loading days...
55 min
The Pilates Studio at Valkyrie
Honoring a Legacy. Inspiring the Future.
In 2016, Gingy Caguioa-Blakely introduced something truly special to Danville, Virginia. As the city's first dedicated Pilates studio, Mind Body Wellness Pilates became much more than a place to exercise—it became a community built on intentional movement, healing, education, and connection.
For nearly a decade, Gingy dedicated herself to helping clients move with greater strength, confidence, and purpose. Her approach combined the authentic principles of Pilates with a deep understanding of therapeutic movement, creating a welcoming environment where people of every age and ability could discover the life-changing benefits of mindful exercise. Her influence can be found in every student she has taught and every life she has touched.
Today, we are honored to continue that legacy.
As the new owner of this incredible program, Liz Straub brings more than 20 years of experience in dance, aerial acrobatics, strength training, and movement education. Having coached everyone from first-time students to international athletes, Liz believes movement should build strength without sacrificing grace, challenge without intimidation, and inspire confidence in every body.
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Joining Liz as an instructor is Kristen Barker, OTR/L, a lifelong dancer, pediatric occupational therapist, and certified Pilates instructor with 34 years of teaching experience and 49 years of dance training. Her expertise in rehabilitation, functional movement, and body mechanics, combined with her energetic and encouraging teaching style, helps students of every age and ability move with confidence.
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Together, Liz and Kristen are committed to honoring the authentic Pilates principles and welcoming community that Gingy established while bringing fresh energy and expanded opportunities for growth. Their combined backgrounds in Pilates, rehabilitation, dance, athletics, and movement science create a well-rounded approach that supports every stage of a student's movement journey.
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Whether your goal is rehabilitation, improved posture, greater mobility, increased strength, injury prevention, or simply feeling your best, our instructors are dedicated to helping you move with confidence and purpose. As our program continues to grow, you'll see expanded class offerings, additional evening classes, educational workshops, and opportunities to explore complementary movement practices—all while preserving the high standards and supportive community that have defined Pilates in Danville from the very beginning.
We believe movement is for everyone.
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Whether you've been with Gingy since the beginning or you're discovering Pilates for the first time, you'll find knowledgeable instructors, a welcoming community, and a place where your journey is celebrated.
Together, we are honored to carry forward the legacy that introduced Pilates to Danville while embracing an exciting future built on education, innovation, community, and joyful movement.
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Welcome to the next chapter. Welcome to The Pilates Studio at Valkyrie.
Meet The Instructors
Liz Straub
For my full Bio check out the Valkyrie Team Page
Gingy
Kristen Barker
Kristen Barker, OTR/L, is a NASM Certified Group Fitness Instructor with 34 years of teaching experience and 49 years of continuous dance training. A lifelong dancer and pediatric occupational therapist, Kristen brings a unique understanding of movement, body mechanics, and functional strength to every class.
Kristen is also the co-founder and co-owner of Center for Pediatric Therapies, Building Blocks Centers for Children with Autism, and the organization’s newest expansion, Center for Pediatric Counseling. In September 2026, she will celebrate 25 years in business serving children and families throughout Virginia.
Her certifications include Body Balance Reformer Pilates, Booty Barre, PiYo, Turbo Kick, and Zumba. Kristen teaches all fitness levels through Pilates, barre, hip-hop step, bootcamp, dance fitness, and cardio-strength circuit classes. Her energetic, inclusive approach encourages participants of every age and ability to move confidently, build strength, and enjoy the process.