what is barre
Barre has taken the wellness world by storm in recent years But barre’s roots go back nearly a century — and we have a woman to thank for it!
The Lotte Berk Method: where it all began
barre begans in post-war London. In 1959, Lotte Berk, a German-born former ballerina, developed a new kind of exercise After sustaining a back injury. Berk blended ballet technique with rehabilitative movements to strengthen her core and spine, that emphasized small, controlled movements focused on the abs, glutes, thighs, and arms.
Berk believed in empowering women to take ownership of their bodies through strength and sensuality — ideas that were radical for the time. Her classes quickly attracted a loyal following, including celebrities like Joan Collins and Barbra Streisand.
Barre crosses the atlantic
In the 1970s, a student of Berk’s, Lydia Bach, brought the method to the United States, opening the first studio in New yrok and adapting the class to suit an American audience with movements becoming more fitness-oriented and less provocative in tone.
Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, barre remained a niche workout, mostly known in dance and fitness circles. However, it quietly inspired a generation of instructors and dancers who would go on to create their own versions.
the rise of modern barre
Barre experienced a major resurgence in the early 2000s, thanks to a new wave of boutique fitness studios and wellness culture. Brands like Physique 57, Pure Barre, and The Bar Method emerged, each offering their own take on the Lotte Berk approach.
These modern barre classes fused elements of Pilates, yoga, and strength training with ballet-inspired movement — but without requiring a dance background. The focus remained on isometric holds, high repetitions, and small, precise movements, which help sculpt lean muscles and build endurance.
Barre’s appeal also grew thanks to its accessibility. The low-impact nature of the workout makes it suitable for a wide range of bodies and fitness levels. And as scientific research continues to highlight the importance of mobility, posture, and core stability, barre's benefits have become even more relevant in the age of sedentary desk jobs and digital overload.
Barre today: diverse, global and digital
Today You’ll find classes in traditional ballet studios, luxury gyms, community centers, and even online platforms. Many modern instructors bring unique backgrounds — from classical dance and gymnastics to physiotherapy and personal training — making today’s barre offerings more inclusive and varied than ever.
Some classes lean more athletic and intense, incorporating resistance bands, hand weights, and HIIT-style intervals. Others keep it closer to its roots, emphasizing alignment, breath, and grace. There are even prenatal barre and mindfulness-infused formats that cater to specific populations.
Yet at its core, barre still honors the legacy of Lotte Berk: movement designed to strengthen, empower, and connect you to your body.
final thoughts
Whether you're at the barre for posture, power, or peace of mind — you're part of a lineage that celebrates strength through stillness, precision, and grace.