
WHAT IS BARRE?
“Life is the dancer and you are the dance.” Eckhart Tolle
Barre classes blend the grace and elegance of ballet with the alignment and flow of yoga to improve strength, posture, muscle tone, balance and stability. It’s a great way to to strengthen, tone, support injury and burn fat.
The sessions are on Mondays from 10.45 – 11.45am.
The next 12 week Barre course starts on Monday September 14. BOOK YOUR PLACE HERE
WHAT TO EXPECT
A typical class usually starts in the centre of the room for a full body warm up to music.
After that students head to the Barre (or chair back/window ledge) which provides support during exercises where the body is contracted in small, repetitive movements, focusing on the legs and glutes. Movements are repeated on both sides as well as facing the Barre. When at the Barre, it is important to keep the abdominals engaged and the pelvis/tail bone tucked under. You will hear a lot of Ballet Jargon like “plié” and “tendu”. These French words are explained in English too and students usually quickly pick them up.
The second half of the class typically takes place away from the Barre in the centre (on a Yoga mat), with a focus on the core and arms, to strengthen and tone the upper body. Classes finish with a cool down and stretches, and finally a short relaxation.
WHO CAN DO IT?
Barre is suitable for all ages/abilities as it is so supported by the prop and you can allow the barre to take as much or as little of your weight as you want to. There is a maximum of 12 students in the class and the movements can be adapted and modified to make them harder or easier to suit.
Benefits of Barre classes include improved strength, posture, flexibility, balance and stability, endurance and potential weight loss. The exercises target muscles that support and stabilise the body which are often neglected in everyday life. No ballet experience (or grace!) necessary!
BOOK HERE
