Raising the Barre
Over the last ten years, The Ballet Barre Workout has become popular on both coasts and places in between, including Colorado Springs. This fitness discipline started in the 1950’s with the Lotte Berk Method. Since then, there have been many variations all presented with an emphasis on ballet technique. I am excited to share with you that I am raising something new in our lovely city. Pueblo’s premier Ballet Body Barre Studio has opened its doors to anyone interested in strengthening, shaping and sculpting a better image.
Upon my return to living in Colorado, it has been my desire to offer wellness and a better lifestyle to those interested. As a wellness curator, I had already been engaged in teaching others about wellness for about twenty years. So back in 1996 I began proclaiming a message that improved vitality is an adventure on which anyone can embark. Now, twenty years later, the vision is coming to fruition. Brilliant Balance is a specialty Barre Studio, also offering nutrition and wellness consulting to those desiring to balance their body chemistry and lifestyle.
For right now, let me belly up to the barre a bit longer. After immersing myself in learning, mastering and now, teaching it, I feel that ballet body barre, often referred to as just “barre”, has all the benefits of ballet without the maladies of bruises, bone spurs, and bunions, just to name a few. Initially, benefits of this ballet–inspired workout include improved posture, breathing, flexibility, coordination and balance. Those benefits alone are impressive. But wait; there’s more! As participants progress, strengthening, lengthening, toning and sculpting take place. A healthy mind/body connection develops and the brilliant aspect of balanced fitness evolves. Effective, yet safe, the techniques, although low impact, provide ongoing challenge.
This is a lively workout designed for all ages. In fact, I often have mothers and daughters, or daughters-in-law attending class together. And I even have had a few gentlemen attend class. Personally, I have experienced a sleeker, more toned body and rarely any stiffness or joint pain. Flexibility and balance have improved, and as a barre instructor, I am very aware of proper posture. I am so pleased that I receive all of these perks, and help others obtain similar results.
With consistency and dedication, the ballet body barre offers a dip in the fountain of youth for the body, and a community of people who desire to remain active and flexible, well into their golden years. For those engaged in other athletic endeavors, body barre is a perfect adjunct to strengthening specific muscle groups and maintaining flexibility. Prior dance experience is not necessary, but the instruction uses some ballet terminology and moves throughout. A total body workout that strengthens, shapes, and sculpts, has been my inspiration to "raise the barre."
Charlene Causey is a former registered nurse, who has had a passion for ballet since an early age. She has also been a model, nutrition and fitness instructor, and educational consultant. With over 40 years of experience in research and development, Charlene assists individuals in balancing their bodies in harmony with nature. She is currently Certified in Natural Health, as a Personal Trainer and as a Body Barre Instructor, whose focus is a natural approach to wellness and maintaining vitality. With eight years of previous dance experience, Charlene uses her dance background to motivate and encourage all ages to realize functional fitness is about vitality, not vanity. You can contact Charlene at www.facebook.com/brilliantbalance.