Barre
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Barre Classes: Strength, Grace, and Fun for Every Body
Barre combines the grace of ballet, the core strength of Pilates, and the flexibility of yoga. Using safe and effective dance conditioning movements, you will build strength and endurance while embracing your inner dancer.
Our adult classes reflect the same commitment to thoughtful instruction, artistry, and joy in movement that we bring to our youth programs. Our barre classes are dance-based conditioning classes, rooted in classical ballet technique. This class is designed for adults who want to move with greater strength, coordination, and musicality while enjoying the physical and mental benefits of recreational dance.
Using the ballet barre as a tool, we explore foundational dance movements that support alignment, balance, and controlled movement through space. Classes include simple, structured dance sequences, including standing and floor-based exercises.
What to Expect
Dance-based movement inspired by ballet technique
Conditioning exercises that support posture, alignment, and coordination
Simple dance phrases set to music
Opportunities to explore flow, breath, and mindful movement
A welcoming class for adults of all experience levels
No prior dance experience is required. This class is appropriate for adults who enjoy movement to music in a recreational setting.
Meet Your Instructor: Stephanie Getman Gronholz
Stephanie brings exceptional qualifications and infectious enthusiasm to every barre class. In addition to co-owning Sandra’s Studio of Dance and overseeing the instruction of dancers 3-6 years old, she is certified in both Barre Above and Balletone methods and has completed a comprehensive 200-hour yoga teacher training. This unique combination of certifications allows her to create classes that are both safe and effective, drawing from the best elements of ballet and yoga.
Stephanie understands that adults come to a class with different goals, abilities, and comfort levels. Her teaching philosophy centers on modification for every body and creating an atmosphere where students can work up a sweat to fun playlists while simply enjoying movement. Her approach ensures that everyone—from fitness newcomers to seasoned dancers—feels welcome, challenged, and successful.
Class Format
Our barre classes are carefully structured to ensure safety and proper progression:
Warm-Up: We begin each class with gentle movements to prepare your body for movement. This includes “foot fitness,” joint mobility work, light stretching, and cardiovascular activation exercises that wake up the core and smaller stabilizing muscles.
Upper Body Strengthening: Using light weights or just body weight, we work the arms, shoulders, and upper back with ballet-inspired movements. These exercises improve posture.
Barre Work: The signature portion of class! Using the ballet barre, we perform targeted exercises for the legs and glutes. These small, controlled movements are incredibly effective for building endurance in the lower body.
Stretch and Dance: Just like in a traditional ballet class, we stretch at the barre before coming center to bring our heart rates back up with a dance. You get to choose your impact level!
Core work: Drawing from Pilates dance conditioning principles, we dedicate specific time to strengthening the deep core muscles that support your spine and improve overall stability. These exercises help prevent back pain and improve posture.
Flexibility and Cool-Down: We end each class with yoga stretches that maintain and improve flexibility while helping prevent soreness. This mindful cool-down helps you leave class feeling relaxed and rejuvenated.
Modifications for Every Body
One of the most beautiful aspects of barre fitness is its adaptability. Stephanie ensures that every student can participate fully by offering:
Pregnancy-Safe Modifications: Expectant mothers can safely continue their movement routine with appropriate adaptations.
Injury Accommodations: Whether dealing with knee issues, back problems, or other physical challenges, sequences can be modified while maintaining effectiveness.
Strength Variations: From beginner-friendly versions to advanced challenges, everyone works at their appropriate level.
Equipment Alternatives: Don't want to use our weights, balls or resistance bands? No problem—we show you how to make every sequence work with just your body weight.
What You'll Need
Comfortable Clothes: Wear fitted athletic wear that allows you to move freely. Avoid very loose clothing that might get in your way during floor work.
Grip Socks, Ballet Slippers or Bare Feet: For safety and stability, grip socks are ideal, but bare feet work perfectly too. Regular athletic shoes are actually not recommended for barre work, but you can wear a clean pair if you are working through any foot or ankle limitations.
Water Bottle: Stay hydrated throughout the workout—you'll definitely work up a sweat!
Yoga Mat: If you have one, bring it for floor exercises. If not, don't worry—we have extras available.
Open Mind: Come ready to try something new, challenge yourself, and re-connect with your inner dancer!
Addressing Common Concerns
"I'm not flexible enough." Flexibility is something you develop through practice, not a prerequisite for starting! Barre actually improves flexibility through the combination of strengthening and stretching.
"I've never done ballet." No dance experience required! While we use ballet-inspired movements, beginner build from the basics.
"I'm not strong enough." Everyone starts somewhere, and every movement sequence can be modified for your current strength level. You'll build strength gradually and safely.
"I might feel out of place." Our classes attract people of all levels, ages, and body types. The supportive atmosphere helps everyone feel welcome from day one.
"It might be too easy/too hard." The beauty of barre is that it's infinitely modifiable. Stephanie ensures everyone is appropriately challenged while working within their capabilities.
Transform Your Movement Routine
If you're looking for a class that strengthens your body, calms your mind, and actually feels enjoyable, barre might be exactly what you've been searching for. It's dance conditioning exercises that happen to enhance your daily activities, build both physical and mental resilience, and connect you with a supportive community of like-minded individuals.
Join Stephanie Getman Gronholz for a fitness journey that honors your body's current abilities while gently challenging you to become a stronger, more flexible, and more confident dancer. Your body, mind, and spirit will thank you!
Ready to discover the transformative power of barre? Register using the links at the top of the page, or please contact us at the phone number or email below.