Barre
Barre is a fitness class that uses the ballet barre for support and mixes positions from ballet with Pilates and strength exercises. It grew from a method created in London by the dancer Lotte Berk and has spread through fitness studios worldwide. The work is small and precise: tiny pulses, long holds and many repetitions, until the muscles start to shake.
What it is for
Section titled “What it is for”- Muscular endurance and tone in the legs, buttocks, core and arms.
- Posture and balance, from ballet’s upright stance and work on the balls of the feet.
- Low impact: there are no jumps, which is kind to the joints.
- Flexibility, with stretches between the blocks of work and at the end.
- It is a workout, not a dance class: you borrow ballet positions but do not learn steps or routines.
Equipment
Section titled “Equipment”- The barre, light hand weights, a small soft ball, a resistance band and a mat. The studio provides them.
- Grip socks, which many studios ask for; some let you train barefoot.
- Fitted clothes — leggings and a close top — so the instructor can see your alignment.
- Water and a small towel. You do not need ballet shoes or any dance experience.
How a class goes
Section titled “How a class goes”- 45–60 minutes, usually to upbeat music.
- A warm-up, often with light weights for the arms and shoulders.
- Work at the barre: bends of the knees (pliés), rises onto the toes and leg lifts in ballet positions. Each exercise moves through a range of only a few centimetres and is then held at the hardest point.
- Core work on the mat, sometimes with the ball between the knees or behind the back.
- Stretches after each block and a longer stretch at the end.
- A first class is easy to follow, but you will feel the muscles burn. Make the movement smaller or pause whenever you need to.
Who it suits best
Section titled “Who it suits best”- People who want to strengthen and tone without jumps or heavy weights.
- Beginners with no dance background.
- Those who enjoy Pilates and want more work for the legs and buttocks.
- Former dancers who miss the barre. For a class closer to real ballet technique, see Body ballet.
- It suits less somebody looking for intense cardio or heavy strength training. With knee, hip or ankle problems, tell the instructor — deep pliés and rises onto the toes can be adapted. In pregnancy, ask your doctor first.