What is Barre?
Barre, pronounced /bar:/
This fitness class coined its term from the concept of the Ballet Barre; a horizontal beam usually fixed to a wall (though can be free standing) that is used to assist with Ballet moves such as Pliés, Tendus and Arabesques.
It is a fantastic workout class that brings together two incredible disciplines that have been around (and proven their benefits) for decades.
It mixes the finesse, choreography and poise of Ballet with the strength, stretch and stamina of Pilates. Both methods lend themselves perfectly to one another to create a class that will build long lasting strength throughout your body, and leave you feeling tall and elegant just like a ballerina!
And no, you do not need to have taken Ballet or been a dancer in a former life to take part, I promise!
This method is simply a fun way to move your body, taking the principles of Ballet and Pilates and putting them in a fun yet challenging set of sequences that any body can perform.
The class is split into 3 sections;
Centre
This section is designed to simply warm up your body and encourage you to find balance whilst starting to challenge the body. We begin standing in the centre bringing specific focus to the lower body, gluts & thighs. We work on Pliés (bending and then straightening at the knee, usually whilst in a turned out position), Tendus (meaning to stretch the leg and foot), and getting the heart rate elevated to prepare for the rest of the class.
Barre
We move over to the Barre (remember I mentioned this horizontal beam that we use to help with our work) to execute further sequences of Pliés & Tendus along with adding in a mixture of arm work, pulses, relevés (to rise on to the ball of the foot), arabesque/attitude (movements to strengthen the back of the legs and gluts), and stretching. Using the Barre helps you to find better balance and greater range of movement.
Matwork
The final section of the class is down on your mat. Here we work through some of the Pilates repertoire, aiming to focus on your core strength along with stretching out those lower body muscles challenged in the first 2 sections of the class! You’ll find deep strength that will help you to lengthen out your body; teasing away any tension or fatigue and leaving you instead with a body as long and lean as a Ballet dancer!
Barre class is a fun way to get your exercise and strength building in. You’ll be moving your body to an upbeat soundtrack that will help you to get through that notorious ‘Barre burn’ that can be felt after the 3rd repetition of pulses!
If you are someone who enjoys upbeat workouts, working your body into a bit of a sweat and learning new things then this is definitely the class to try!
If you want to give it a go come and join me for Barre class in Norwich!
To learn more about Barre terms tap here.
Build the body and mind of a dancer - strong, graceful and determined.
“Dance is the hidden language of the soul”