What is barre?
The term "barre" is often misunderstood, leading to misconceptions that it's exclusively for dancers or requires dance experience. In reality, barre workouts are suitable for individuals of all fitness levels. One of the key benefits of attending a barre class is the opportunity to receive a highly personalised workout within a group setting. This unique environment allows you to tailor the intensity of the exercises to your own fitness level while still benefiting from the collective energy and motivation of the group.
Origin
"Barre" originally referred to the section of a ballet class where dancers would warm up and refine their technique using the support of a horizontal barre. The barre provided stability and assistance, allowing dancers to focus on precision and grace in their movements.
In the 1960s, the concept of barre transitioned into the fitness realm thanks to Lotte Berk, a German professional ballet dancer who developed a rehabilitation program after sustaining an injury during her performance career. Inspired by her ballet training, the Lotte Berk Method emphasises core stability and incorporates elements from traditional ballet barre exercises.
Evolution
The allure of a dancer's physique, characterised by its long, lean, and flexible attributes, sparked interest in bringing the benefits of barre workouts to a wider audience. Over the decades, these essential exercises and concepts have been adapted to cater to individuals of all fitness levels, making barre accessible to anyone seeking to improve strength, flexibility, and overall fitness.
Today, barre has evolved into a popular fitness sensation, blending elements of dance, Pilates, and functional training to provide a dynamic and effective workout experience that has captured the attention of the fitness industry.
