barre /bär/ (noun): a horizontal bar at waist level on which ballet dancers rest a hand for support during exercises
If I had a dollar for each time someone mispronounced this single syllable word, I’d be balling. The traditional definition of barre describes a tool used to maintain stability in a ballet class, but nowadays it means so much more. Barre studios and classes are popping up all over and it seems to be a very popular fitness modality, but what is barre exactly? What makes it so special?
Inspired by standard positions and movements you’d see in a Classical Ballet class, the barre workout fuses other modalities known for strengthening, lengthening, and improving posture, including Yoga and Pilates. It’s called “barre” because, in most classes, an actual ballet barre is utilized for stability when executing the given movements.
The idea behind the barre workout is achieving the “dancer body” without actually having to dance, and although it seems like barre is a recent fitness fad, it’s been around for decades. It all started in London, 1959, when dancer Lotte Berk injured her back and soughta way to integrate her love for dance with her rehabilitative therapy. Berk began teaching this new method in her basement studio and The Lotte Berk Method was born.
The Lotte Berk Method made its way to New York City in 1971 with the help of Lydia Bach, one of Berk’s dedicated students. This studio operated until 2005 and from there, its instructors went on to found some of barre’s major chain studios.
The barre method is captivating because
it works in a way many other modalities don’t. It’s a total body workout, blending core and cardio conditioning, flexibility, and strength training, which makes it efficient. The movements are small, repetitive yet stimulating, and done to the rhythm of upbeat music.
Instructors may have students use equipment during class. Light hand weights, mini toning balls, resistance bands, and floor work are all incorporated to target the arms, core, glutes, hips, and legs. Because it’s generally low impact, it is suitable for all fitness levels, so new clients can opt to modify and work without the equipment while the regulars can intensify the workout with progressions and use of equipment.
Although most parallel in structure, not all barre classes are created equal. Each studio values different aspects of fitness and may have different focuses. Some studios highlight quick, light movement to heighten the cardio factor while others may have a passion for core and stability. Instructors also have their own styles and tastes in music so you may have to play the field in an effort to find an instructor who resonates with you. If you’re looking for a low-cost way to get into it, there are plenty of Groupon opportunities, DVDs, and YouTube videos.
Whether you have a background in dance, or you’re the most uncoordinated person in the room, the barre method is an excellent, effective way to change your body for the better, no leotard or ballet slippers required.
Jasmine Danielle is the Associate Editor of BlackDoctor.org. She received her BFA in Dance Education & Performance from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and has since done work as a certified fitness & wellness educator, blogger, dancer, and designer.
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