Welcome to Barre Series’ Foundations Course for Barre Instructors – an in person program (online options avail) designed to equip aspiring fitness professionals with the knowledge and skills needed to confidently lead barre classes. Throughout this course, participants will explore the intricacies of barre, fostering a deep understanding of the discipline's principles, techniques, and the science behind its effectiveness.
Our overarching objective is to empower individuals to step into the role of a proficient barre instructor, prepared with the necessary education to cater to clients seeking a unique and impactful fitness experience. Emphasising the importance of proper technique and alignment, this course will explore the anatomy, potential injuries, and the science underpinning barre's effects on the body. The course is structured covering vital topics such as Pilates workshops focusing on breathing and pelvic floor engagement, a detailed breakdown of barre exercises and portions that are expected to be covered in each class, and specialised sessions on prenatal and postnatal considerations.
The barre workshop is at the core of our curriculum, a six-part series addressing essential elements, including warm-up, upper body, lower body (front and back barre), core engagement, and stretching barre exercises. Participants will not only learn these exercises but also gain insights into effective teaching and cueing strategies. This encompasses comprehending diverse learning styles, refining teaching methods, and upholding a high standard of professionalism within the fitness industry.
Preparation is key to success, and this course dedicates time to instilling the importance of arriving early, setting up efficiently, and creating an inviting atmosphere. From greeting clients (touch points) to addressing injuries or concerns and having a well-prepared lesson plan, participants will be well-versed in the art of creating an energetic and inclusive class environment.
Understanding exercise templates is a core component, guiding instructors on regressions (modifications), progressions (advancements), and seamless transitions between exercises (flow). This knowledge ensures that instructors can tailor classes to meet the diverse needs of their clientele, creating an environment that is both challenging and supportive.
Anatomy: The identification and description of the body structure in relation to barre.
Understanding the basic anatomy of the human body is fundamental for any barre instructor aiming to guide clients through effective and safe workouts. In this section, we’ll explore key aspects of anatomy that are particularly relevant to barre instruction......
Pelvic Floor and Barre
The pelvic floor is a group of muscles located at the base of the pelvis, playing a crucial role in core stability, posture, and movement. It acts as a hammock, supporting organs like the bladder, intestines, and uterus in women. In barre, where core engagement is a fundamental principle, understanding the pelvic floor is essential for instructors to teach effective and safe exercises. We will now look into pelvic floor and barre in depth.....
Flexibility and Range of Motion in Barre
Flexibility and range of motion are essential components of barre, influencing the fluidity, depth, and effectiveness of many exercises. Flexibility refers to the ability of muscles to lengthen and stretch, while range of motion (ROM) is the degree to which a joint can move in all its directions. For barre instructors, understanding how these two elements interact is critical for guiding participants safely and effectively through stretches and movements........
Science of barre, Efficacy and Benefits,
Originating from the ballet world, Barre has evolved into a revered exercise regimen that seamlessly blends elements of dance, Pilates, and strength training. The roots of Barre can be traced back to the early 20th century when renowned dancer Lotte Berk combined ballet barre exercises with rehabilitative techniques to recover from a back injury. This fusion of movements, focused on muscle isolation and precise form, soon caught the attention of fellow dancers and fitness enthusiasts alike. Over the years, it has evolved, incorporating elements from Pilates and strength training to create a holistic approach to fitness. Today, Barre continues to captivate practitioners, sculpting their bodies, improving posture, and fostering a deep mind-body connection........
The Core Principles
Barre workouts focus on precision, control, and alignment, leveraging the ballet barre as a support tool to engage muscles in a highly effective way. The core of each movement emphasises small, targeted motions that activate muscles often overlooked in traditional workouts, particularly in the thighs, glutes, hips, and core. By combining proper alignment with concentrated effort, barre enhances posture, stability, and balance, while also working deep into the body’s smaller stabilising muscles. This approach ensures that each exercise is safe and effective for participants of all fitness levels.....
Benefits of Barre......
List of common injuries related to average lifestyles and or barre/pilates classes and suggested class related modifications.
As with any physical activity, it's crucial to be mindful of potential injuries that can arise during barre and Pilates workouts. These exercises, while immensely beneficial, require proper form, technique, and awareness to mitigate the risk of injuries. It’s important to remember that everyone has different anatomical structures and may face unique physical limitations. Instructors should encourage participants to listen to their bodies and offer modifications as needed. For example, participants with limited hip mobility may require adjustments in deep squats or lunges, while those with tight shoulders might need more assistance with overhead movements. Offering modifications ensures inclusivity, prevents injury, and allows participants to safely enjoy the full benefits of barre and Pilates classes.......
Key information about prenatal and postnatal clients.......
Helpful Hints and Teaching Cues......
Positioning and Visual Demonstration.......
Cueing in Time with Music and Rhythm.......
Modifications and Inclusivity......
Encouragement and Safety.....
Practical exam
The concluding practical exam for this foundational course will consist of a 45-minute pre-recorded barre class choreographed by each course participant. To ensure a comprehensive evaluation, a minimum of two participants is required—one demonstrating advanced exercises and another executing modified variations. Modifications should include prenatal, postnatal, and injury/ability appropriation. The class structure should encompass a well-rounded sequence, including warm-up, upper body, barre 1, barre 2, core, and stretching segments. Suggested time frames for each section are as follows: warm up (5 minutes), upper body (10 minutes), lower body/barre (20 minutes), core & stretch (10 minutes). Your performance will be assessed based on the even execution of exercises on both the right and left sides, the clarity and effectiveness of cueing, adept modifications for diverse fitness levels, the proficiency in demonstrating movements, your distinctive teaching style, and overall efficiency. Musical elements such as suitable tracks at approximately 132 bpm, precise timing, and rhythm will significantly contribute to your evaluation. Strive to create a class with music that complements the exercises and sets an appropriate tone for the session. This practical exam aims to evaluate your comprehensive skills as a potential barre instructor and will be a pivotal element in completing the foundations course.
The final assessment is based on the submission of a pre-recorded video, in which participants must demonstrate their ability to teach a barre class. The criteria for assessment will include correct form, effective cueing, participant engagement, and adherence to the proper structure of a class, all of which are outlined in the Barre Series Foundations Course PDF. A pass mark of 80% is required for proficiency. Participants who do not meet this standard will be given the opportunity to reassess as many times as needed until they achieve the required competency.
Statement of Ethical Standards......
Grievance and Appeals Procedure......
Learning Aims and Outcomes.....
Entire manual of barre exercises covering warm up, upper body, lower body and core exercises will be provided to all attendees. Certification will be processed once successful theory and practical exam are submitted. All attendees have a maximum of 6 months to complete certification from the date of the course commencing.
