Introducing fitness guru, SoulCycle instructor and professional dancer, Daniela Dib. This creative babe started dancing at a young age and has trained at ballet schools all around the world. After feeling the desire to do something different, Daniela found her passion for teaching others by working as a yoga instructor. One day, Daniela’s agent asked if she would like to attend a SoulCycle class, and as someone who strongly disliked cardio, she wasn’t interested. Despite this, Daniela decided to give it a try and it was love at first ride.
Daniela worked as an instructor in Los Angeles and New York City before returning to her hometown of Vancouver to open SoulCycle. You will now find this babe teaching full-time at SoulCycle Yaletown!
What does babes supporting babes mean to you?
I believe that being a true leader means that you lift up the people around you. Babes supporting babes means to me that we’re empowered to raise others to a higher place. Remember, there’s plenty of room at the top! Someone else shinning does not dim your own light.
If you could choose your nickname, what would it be?
I already have…it’s Cardi D!
What’s your proudest babe moment or achievement?
I feel like I’ve lived a lot of lives, and have had a lot of really amazing career opportunities. One that stands out is working on the X-Files for a month here in Vancouver. And of course, finally passing my training and becoming a SoulCycle instructor!
What’s the most unexpected thing you have in your purse or wallet?
I honestly wouldn’t venture a guess as to what’s the most unexpected, my whole life is in there.
Tell us about a time where you were faced with a situation that you could have been unkind, but chose to be a babe instead?
Honestly, we have the option daily… choosing forgiveness when someone wrongs you, not yelling at someone while driving, being patient in stressful situations. I always try to rise above the temporary frustrations that cause us to lash out and to chew on my words carefully before I spit them out.
What product would you seriously stockpile if you found out they weren’t selling anymore?
Sparkling water!
If you had a yacht, what would be the name of it?
That’s What She Said.
What was the best piece of advice you received when you were first starting your career?
Don’t let the highs go to your head or the lows go to your heart.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve received now that you’re in your career?
Be proud of where you are now, but never be complacent.
Red, white, or rose?
White.
When I dance I look like….
Reallllllll nice.
Tell us about a Babe who has supported you?
So so so many, I wouldn’t even try to narrow down the people who support me. Every single rider who comes to class, my mom, my sister, my family…. the list goes on!
Who do you channel when you’re about to do something that scares you?
I channel my own inner badass.
What’s your favourite destination to visit?
I love New York, and though I’ve lived there for years, around four in total, it still gets me so excited to visit now.
What’s your favorite meal to eat?
Greek food!
What’s the most fulfilling part of your career?
When people say that my class had a meaningful impact on them. Aside from burning calories in a “fitness” class, or just sweating, I want my riders to feel empowered to tackle LIFE when they leave the room.
SoulCycle is extremely challenging, and at times uncomfortable. But hell, so is life! We must continue to fight and hustle to develop the skills to rise above temporary discomfort. From there, we can transfer those skills into how we live our daily lives. And for me, that’s the most fulfilling part of being a fitness coach.
Where’s your favorite place to draw inspiration from?
I am constantly in a state of seeking inspiration. I get a lot of it from music, as well as podcasts, reading, and having good conversations.
What’s your guilty pleasure?
I’m super obsessed with “The Handmaids Tale” right now. It’s my Wednesday night date with my man!
What quality are you working on yourself right now?
Caring less about what other people think of me.
What’s the biggest hurdle you’ve had to overcome in business?
One of the most challenging tasks a fitness instructors has is believing in their own self-worth and brand. In our current tech age, everyone portrays over social media a glossy picture of perfection or their “highlight” reel. Comparing yourself to other people is an easy rabbit hole to fall down, for a lot of people. It has been life-changing for me to be completely and unapologetically myself.
Being a SoulCycle instructor is essentially becoming your own brand. So the challenge I faced was being myself to the point I could connect authentically with my riders without trying to be like anyone else.
Coffee meeting or drinks meeting?
I don’t really drink either but love Starbucks teas!
If you’re going out for a cocktail you’d order…
I rarely drink, but when I do I’d go for a Bellini!
If you had an unlimited budget for 2 hours of hopping where would you go?
I would call up my friend Monica Hjerpe and ask her what to do.
What’s your favourite movie?
That answer honestly changes so much based on my mood, but the first one that popped into my head was “Anchorman”…. so I guess I’m in a real good mood right now.
Click here to visit The Babe Shop!
Keep up with Daniela on Instagram @daniealdibfitness.
Introduction written by Lindsay Pearce.
Photography by Ryan Pugsley.