Barre classes are hour-long, total-body conditioning classes that combine principles of yoga, pilates, and ballet barre work to produce lean, toned, flexible bodies, and unparallelled core strengthening. This method of exercise was pioneered by Lotte Berk (1913-2003), a professional ballerina who combined her orthopaedic exercises with her dance training to rehabilitate her body after a serious injury. She discovered a method that was remarkably safe, challenging, and effective at producing visible results. Over the years, many talented teachers have put their own spin on Lotte Berk’s fundamentals, making the practice even safer, more effective, and more mindful. Today this method of exercise is not only a “workout” but a time to unplug, become aware of one’s breath, and reconnect body and mind.
Barre classes go by many names, each with its own unique style. Among them: Core Fusion, Lotte Berk Method, Bar Method, Pure Barre, Physique 57, Dailey Method, Rasamaya Barre (formerly A to Z Method) and many more. I teach Core Fusion and Rasamaya Barre, and my private sessions are influenced by these styles, as well as the other movement disciplines in which I engage.
If you have not tried a class yet, it is time to find out what you’ve been missing! To take a class with me, check out my group class schedule. Prepare to be amazed!