Tuesday 30 December 2014

The Advantages of Free Standing Ballet Barres

You've seen this scenario many times on TV shows and in movies: a ballerina practicing her pliés and tendus holding onto a wood, wall mounted ballet barre. What you may not know is that ballet barres have developed by leaps and bounds over the past few decades and one of the leaders in portable barre production is Boss Portable Ballet Barres.

Whether you're a studio owner, dance class instructor or a fitness buff who likes to workout at home, there are many advantages to using free standing ballet barres vs. wall mounted barres. Here are the top 5:

1. Portable ballet barres can be configured to maximize teacher/student interaction. Instead of students always facing a wall or mirror and having to turn their heads to see their instructor, Boss Barres are lightweight and can be easily moved from one spot to another or from room to room.

2. Boss Ballet Barres are made of durable long lasting structural steel tubing, designed in collaboration with many studios and schools. In fact, it was the daughter of the president of the parent company, Boss Steel, Ltd., who originally came up with the idea. And, she was an accomplished dancer to boot!

3. Wood barres collect dust, dirt and germs, harboring bacteria and transferring them from person to person. Boss Ballet Barres are easy to wipe down and can reduce the transfer of germs from continued use.

4. Because dancers touch, hold onto and continuously pull on wood barres, they eventually splinter and can cause damage to the walls. That's never the case with Boss Portable Barres because they're free standing and made from sturdy steel.

5. While traditional wood barres are one height and the same distance from a wall or mirror, Boss Barres come in different models -- from the Boss Pro and Intermediate to the Princess Barre for beginners. Plus, our barres come in different lengths with extensions available on some models.


One other great reason to buy from Boss Ballet Barres is that in addition to a durable, long lasting product, customer service is our top priority. Contact us today to find out about the many benefits of our portable ballet barres; we'd be happy to share any information you require.

Friday 19 December 2014

Stay Healthy and Happy with Ballet Barre Exercises

Anyone who is a part of the workout community is most likely aware of the growing trend of dancing workouts, such as ballroom or Bollywood inspired dances. But ballet barre exercises is the latest way of getting the job done for amazing toned legs and all around workouts these days.

Barre workouts are becoming a very fashionable way to get and stay in shape, especially for celebrities. But why is it becoming so popular? Here are a few reasons: 
  • Can be done by anyone, no matter your size, age, or gender
  • It's a complete workout for your entire body that improves your health, posture, and confidence over time
  • It's never dull, you can change it up every day and still see results
  • The exercises are gentle on your joints, but tough on your muscles
Many gyms have begun to offer barre classes as an enjoyable activity and numerous new studios have appeared throughout the country with barre techniques as their form of exercise. But if either one of these options doesn't make you want to move your body, you can always buy your own barre, look up a video, and put on your favorite music within the comfort of your own home. 


Not to mention, physical benefits aren't the only form of exercise you receive. You have to focus for barre exercising, just as a professional dancer would have to. Plus, you can actually dance after you workout and just enjoy moving your body that is wonderfully limber and becoming healthier by the day. Who could ask for a more comprehensive workout!

Feel free to contact us to learn more about ballet barre exercising; we'd be more than happy to answer some of your questions, and share with you exactly how Boss Ballet Barres can be a part of your exercise regimen.

Friday 12 December 2014

Try These Ballet Barre Exercises for Tighter Abs

Though ballet moves are certainly beautiful and graceful, they also require muscle strength that comes from hours of conditioning. Some of the most important muscles for ballerinas are the deep core muscles, which are used to support and stabilize several ballet exercises. What's more, because ballet exercises use the core muscles so much, they are a great way to strengthen them.

Here are several ballet barre exercises that will give you the core strength and physique of a professional ballerina's.

1. Rotating Side Plank

To go into a rotating side plank, start off in a forearm plank position. Now, turn your hips so that one is leaning on top of the other. After that, place your right arm on the floor while the rest of your body is lifted up. The first thing you're going to do is pulse your top leg toward the ceiling several times. Once you're done pulsing, rest your leg back into the side-plank position.

Now you'll want to lift your top hand and twist your body toward the floor until your hand reaches through the open space between your body and the floor (remember, your right arm is still supporting your plank position at this point.) Do this several times and then repeat on the other side. You should be feeling the burn by now!

2. Pelvic Tuck

Did you know that increased motion in your pelvis helps strengthen your lower abdominal muscles? That is what happens when you do a pelvic tuck. To do one, face a ballet barre with your feet separated wide apart. Your hands should be resting on the barre. Start bending your knees while carefully bringing your navel to your spine. While you're doing this, be sure to squeeze your belly button towards your spine. Hold this position for a few counts, release, and repeat!

3. Abdominal Scoop

Abdominal scoops strength the deep muscles of your core. How? Well, when you're doing them you'll be bringing your navel into your spine the whole exercise. To do an abdominal scoop, sit straight on your mat with your knees bent and squeezed together. Hold the back of your thighs and "scoop" your abdomen – that is, create an round shape with your upper body by drawing your navel towards your spine. Lean back slightly, come back towards the center, and repeat the exercise.


Want to learn more about ballet exercises that will tighten your abs? If your answer was "yes!," feel free to visit our website and/or contact us.

Thursday 4 December 2014

The Best Ballet Barre Exercises to Define Muscle


It's not just ballerinas who work out at the barre these days. Celebrities, athletes and every day people are using the ballet barre to build and define muscle with safe, non-impact workouts. A Boss Portable Ballet Barre is the perfect piece of equipment for the perfect workout.

Here are the top 5 ballet barre excercises you can do in the studio, classroom or privacy of your own home. Be sure to warm up first with lots of stretches.

1. Plié: With feet apart and toes pointed outward, bend your knees and lower yourself toward the ground. Keep your heels on the floor.  Put your free arm out straight to the side. This will stretch your thighs and glutes.

2. Grand plié: Similar to a  plié, this time you'll slowly raise your heels as you descend toward the floor until the back of your thighs make contact with your calves. This will give a deeper muscle stretch.

3. Relevé: Again, with feel apart, toes pointed outward and your free arm to the side, raise yourself up onto the balls of your feet bringing your heels off the ground. This move will engage your calves and feet muscles. Be sure to keep your legs straight.

4. Battement tendu: With one hand on the barre and legs together, slide your outside foot out, keeping it on the floor and ending with a point. This will stretch the foot and build overall leg muscles. This is a great way to warm up also. Do several repetitions and then switch sides and work the other leg.

5. Rond de jambe: With one hand on the barre, point outer foot and move in a semi-circular motion keeping toes on the floor. This is like sweeping the floor with your toes. This helps with hip flexibility and defines calve and foot muscles. For a more advanced workout, you can do the same move with your foot in the air. After several repetitions, turn and do the same move with your other leg.

For more information on all of the Boss Portable Ballet Barre products for studios, classrooms and home, please contact us.

Friday 21 November 2014

Top 5 Reasons Why You Should Invest in a Portable Ballet Barre

In a typical ballet class, the barre is mounted on a wall and dancers can only choose between facing the teacher or a mirror. This is not an ideal setup and limits the interaction between teacher and student. Boss Portable Ballet Barres are the perfect solution. Here are 5 of the top reasons to invest in portable ballet barres:

1. Boss Portable Ballet Barres are lightweight, considering their amazing strength, are easy to move around and easy to configure in any size space so dancers can always see their teachers and teachers can see their students.

2. Traditional wood barres collect germs. Our barres are  made of high-strength steel with a germ-resistant powder coating. They're easy to wipe down and don't require any special cleaning product.

3. Our portable barres require no maintenance, whereas wood and wall-mount barres can eventually pull away from the walls, causing damage and requiring constant repairs.

4. Most wood barres are one height but we recognize that not all dancers are the same height. Our barres come in the standard 44" height, along with our 37" Princess Barre for beginning dancers. Another plus is that the center bar on some of our models can be adjusted up or down.

5. You don't have to be a dancer to own a portable ballet barre! Our 6 foot Pro model is ideal to stretch and do a ballet workout in the comfort of your own home. It's so easy to move and store too.

Whether you're a dancer, teacher, studio owner or someone who just likes to stretch and get limber at home, we have a product that's right for you.


Contact us for more information.

Tuesday 18 November 2014

The Best Portable Ballet Barre Money Can Buy

It was a dancer who suggested Boss Steel Ltd. manufacture a portable ballet barre. It wasn't just any dancer who came up with the idea, but an accomplished, award winning dancer who also happened to be the daughter of the company's president. Her idea sparked a durable line of portable ballet barres that combine our patented line of connectors with high-strength structural steel tubing.

What makes our products better than others is the fact that they're not only fairly lightweight, but also easy to maintain and clean. And even more importantly, they'll last for many, many years. This alone is attractive to studio owners who have to continuously replace and repair wood and wall mounted barres.

At Boss, we developed a set of prototypes and asked our contacts in the dance industry to try them out. What better audience to test a product than the one that will actually end up using them!   Our barres were tested at several schools and studios for over a year before being made available to the general public.

Boss Ballet Barres, a member of the Boss Steel family, is proud of establishing a tradition of superior-quality products and service, where building a relationship with our customer takes priority. Since 1991, when Boss Steel was founded by Doug Loyst and Steve Walker, we have provided superior products and customer service.

Boss Portable Ballet Barres come in a variety of models that are used in the dance studio, classroom or home. In fact, the benefits of barre workouts for non-dancers have been recognized by athletes looking to build strength, flexibility and endurance. Whether you're a studio owner, teacher or figure skater, we have a model that's right for everyone!


For more information on our company and products, please contact us.

Friday 7 November 2014

Attention Baby Boomers! The Benefits of a Barre Workout for Flexibility

The 2014 U.S. Census Bureau states that there are 76.4 million Baby Boomers -- those born between 1946 and 1964. This generation is continuously seeking new ways to stay fit, whether it's Pilates, yoga or Zumba classes. A great alternative is a ballet barre workout. 

As we age, one of the key factors in keeping our bodies healthy is to focus on low impact exercises and stretching. Our muscles are most flexible when we're younger and the opposite as we get older. While touching toes first thing in the morning is a great start to staying flexible, the benefits of a barre workout for flexibility help add a level of creativity to your regular workout. 

Here are the top reasons why a Boss Portable Ballet Barre is the piece of equipment that complements your regular workout or and is an alternative to a trip to the gym for busy Boomers:
  • Basic ballet moves at the barre are something anyone can do. Some specific moves that increase flexibility include pliés, tendus and attitudes, which engage hip flexors, ankles and hamstrings.
  • You can target parts of the body that need increased flexibility such as hips, shins and back. And, there's no impact on your joints which means no recovery time.
  • Stretching at the barre is a great way to warm up if you're heading out for a jog, a swim or to play touch football with the family. It's important to stretch before and after a physical activity. 
  • Flexibility is a measure of the range of motion of a joint. Working out at the barre first with small, repetitive movements not only builds muscle, but can help reduce the side effects of chronic pain.
  • Many Boomers maintain busy schedules and may not have time to get to the gym. A Boss Portable Ballet Barre is lightweight and easy to move. Watching TV while increasing flexibility at the barre is a great alternative to your exercise routine.
  • There are many videos online that demonstrate barre workouts with the sole purpose of increasing and maintaining flexibility. 
There's really no downside to working out at the barre to increase flexibility. It's convenient, maintenance free, cost effective and fun.


To learn more please contact us. Your muscles and joints will thank you!

Thursday 30 October 2014

You May Be Surprised by the Benefits of a Barre Workout: For Athletes

Our series exploring the benefits of a good barre workout continues this week, with a focus on Athletes.

There's a terrific episode of the TV show, "Glee," in which football players in full uniform and black tar under their eyes dance with joy on the field to Beyonce's hit, "Single Ladies." It's not traditional ballet but it represents a trend in athletic training that's been taking shape over the past decade. 

You may think ballet and sports training aren't at all similar, but that's not the case. Not only are there similarities between the two, the benefits of a barre workout for athletes are numerous. Whether you're an amateur or professional athlete, here are some of the top benefits:
  • Sports and ballet use some of the same muscle groups. A barre workout can help in the rehabilitation of sports injuries because it's low impact so that ankle, knee and shin injuries aren't aggravated. 
  • According to Healthy Living, NFL Hall of Fame member Lynn Swann credited his graceful performance in games in part to flexibility that he learned from ballet training, adding that it helped him achieve body control, balance and a sense of rhythm and timing. Football greats Hershel Walker studied ballet when he was playing for the Dallas Cowboys as did Walter Payton when he was playing for the Chicago Bears. 
  • Even the biggest, strongest football player can use Boss Portable Ballet Barres. They're made from high-strength structural steel and are durable enough to use in the training room or at home. 
  • Ballet training in general, and barre workouts in particular, promote flexibility and graceful movements. If you watch the swing of a tennis racquet or the way a football player leaps into the air to catch a ball, it's not a far cry from what is learned at the barre.  
  • Of course anyone who watches competitive figure skating recognizes an intense component of ballet training. Skating requires excellent posture, core strength for jumps and lifts and controlled body movements. These are all integral components of a barre workout.
  • Gymnasts, like ballet dancers, need to achieve an extensive range of motion. Both will work to achieve flexibility in their back, hips and ankles at the barre.
In sum, athletes from any sport can benefit from a barre workout. It helps with cross-training, balance, coordination, dexterity, flexibility, discipline and core strength. A 100 pound ballerina could probably show a 250 pound linebacker and thing or two at the barre!


To learn more about the benefits of a barre workout for athletes, please feel free to contact us.

Monday 27 October 2014

A Perfect Fit: Boss Ballet Barres and the UDMA Show!

Boss Ballet Barres took center stage in New Jersey and Chicago during the annual United Dance Merchants of America (UDMA) Show in October. With multiple booths to showcase our portable ballet barres, Boss products were a hit with the thousands of studio and dance school owners who attended.

The UDMA show, in it's 21st year, provides vendors with exclusive opportunities to connect with studio owners, directors and teachers from across the nation to demonstrate products and answer questions from the experts who know the benefits of quality ballet barres.

The UDMA Show guarantees that 100% of the attendees are dance teachers and studio owners - exactly the kind of folks that we want to show off our barres to. It's also the perfect place to launch new products and get immediate customer feedback. The show is not only the biggest of its kind in North America, but it also takes place during the time of year dance teachers and studio owners are ready to shop.  What better way to allow our friends and fans to touch and feel our products, and to really experience the strength and quality of a Boss Ballet Barre,

Our portable ballet barres are made of sturdy, high-strength steel and are easy to clean and germ resistant -- ideal for the onset of flu season. We offer many sizes, from our 4' Princess Barre, a 6' and 8' Barre Pro to the 12' and 14' Extended Barre Pro. Since our barres are portable, they're ideal for small or large studios and can be easily configured to maximize teacher/student interaction. We also offer gift certificates which are a great way to thank your favorite teacher.

Boss Ballet Barres and the UDMA Show is a match made in dancer's heaven.  If you're a dance or fitness instructor, studio owner, parent or dancer, contact us for more information.

Friday 17 October 2014

Let Your Mom Know About the Benefits of a Barre Workout For Seniors

Our series on the benefits of Barre Workouts continues this week, with a look at how Seniors can make use of a good barre workout plan.

The age group considered "seniors" is younger and more active than ever. Senior living communities offer an excellent alternative lifestyle, especially for those who enjoy group activities and interesting classes.

In addition to standard exercise classes designed just for seniors, such as water aerobics and low impact cardio, fitness instructors should consider the popular barre workout which can easily be tailored for seniors. Boss Portable Ballet Barres are a perfect addition to a multipurpose room at a senior center. They are lightweight and can be configured to maximize space while giving everyone enough room to easily complete their pliés and elevés!

So what are the benefits of a barre workout: for seniors?
  • Having to remember the sequence of movements at the barre helps improve memory and stimulates the brain, both of which are important as one ages.
  • Working at the barre increases flexibility and builds muscle strength. Both are important factors with seniors who are at risk of permanent injury from falls. 
  • A barre workout will improve posture, whether you're 20 or 70. In an article from BBC News about seniors who have taken to the ballet barre, the instructor remarked on how the women in his class have grown. They've stopped slouching from stretching and lengthening their back and shoulder muscles. 
  • They are part of a group working toward a focused goal. Many seniors have lost a spouse and find a sense of support and community in a barre class.
  • Some seniors danced when they were younger and love the idea of recapturing those memories, but with the advantage of working at their own pace.
  • A barre workout not only strengthens muscles, but bones as well. This also is a major concern for seniors and a barre workout is a terrific alternative to going to the gym to use weights. 
  • You don't need any dance experience! If you can stand, follow directions and move, then a barre workout is an ideal way to get in shape for women and men in in their 50's, 60's and beyond. 
If you know a senior who would love to work out at the barre but doesn't have access to a class, Boss Portable Ballet Barres make the perfect gift for an at-home ballet class. They offer a lightweight beginner's model which can easily be moved and stored.


Want to learn more? Please contact us and we'll be happy to help. 

Thursday 9 October 2014

The Benefits of a Barre Workout: General


Today, we begin our series of blogs discussing the amazing benefits of Barre Workouts.  

The movie "The Turning Point" features some terrific closeups of the great Mikhail Baryshnikov warming up at the barre with Grand Battements, Port de bras and Rond de jambes. That's generally the image people have of a barre workout: it's for ballet dancers only.

That's no longer the case. Classes are popping up all over the country offering barre classes and with the advent of cable TV stations offering nothing but workout programs and classes,  it's becoming more popular in homes as well. Whether you're taking a studio class that uses Bass Portable Barres or have decided to purchase one for your home, there's no downside to an energizing barre workout.
  
The benefits of a barre workout: General
  • It's a full body workout that strengthens and lengthens your arm, leg, and back muscles. This is a great alternative for those who suffer chronic back pain.
  • Unlike jogging or high impact exercises, a barre workout puts minimal stress on your joints.
  • A barre workout combines the most effective aspects of pilates, ballet and flexibility training, with the added benefit of accompanying music to get you motivated.
  • You don't have to be a dancer to work out at the barre. No experience is necessary and you can progress at your own comfort level, working in small or expanded movements.  
  • You can purchase portable barres to set up a home to accompany a video workout. They are lightweight, affordable and easy to store.
  • Barre workouts will increase flexibility and range-of-motion which reduces the risk of injury.
  • Isometric movements protect your bone health and increase the percentage of lean muscle mass. This will also help to burn calories throughout the day.
  • You'll never stop moving and virtually every part of your body will get a good workout, after which you'll feel refreshed and invigorated.

Want to learn more about how you can benefit from a barre workout? Just contact us for more information.

Thursday 2 October 2014

Why Studio Owners Should Choose Portable Ballet Barres

While tradition has long favored wall mounted barres, portable or free-standing barres are becoming a more popular option for studio owners.

Here are the top reasons why Boss Ballet Barres are the best choice for your studio that will put the debate of wall mount vs portable barres to rest: 
  • Our free-standing ballet barres were created because many studios wanted to get away from the wall mount style barre, due to the eventual repairs and maintenance that needs to be done to keep them from coming out of the wall, etc. Not to mention, a portable or free-standing barre allows studios and schools to put dancers on BOTH sides of the barre, to maximize space.
  • Portable barres can be configured so that dancers are all facing the instructor rather than a mirror or wall. This optimizes learning and creates a more focused teaching environment.
  • Wall mounted barres are usually the same height. Our barres come in the standard 44" height, along with our 37" Princess Barre for beginning dancers. Plus, the center bar on some of our models can be adjusted up or down.
  • A wall mounted barre is not something you see in dancer's homes. Our portable barres are ideal for home use. The 4ft Intermediate or Princess Barre are both lightweight and make a perfect gift for the beginning or advanced dancer. We offer gift certificates too!
  • Portable barres also make it possible for studios to use a classroom for ballet class that doesn't have a wall mounted bar already installed.  This is another great example of optimizing space.

Now that you're convinced portable barres are the best investment for your studio, contact us for more information.

Friday 26 September 2014

Are Wooden Ballet Barres, Sanitary? You Decide!

With cold and flu season right around the corner, you'll need to take every precaution to keep you and your children safe from germs that can keep you cooped up at home for days. Plus, you'll also have to count all the time missed from dance practices.

Of course, as a parent or even a working adult, one of the main questions that keeps creeping up in your mind is 'Are wooden ballet barres, sanitary?'

This is a very good question and it's one that can be answered very simply and easily. First, let's look at regular wooden ballet barres:

What can you expect from regular wooden ballet barres?
  • covered in wet perspiration
  • have absorbed perspiration also known as other people's sweat
  • accumulated dirt and grime from hands
  • covered in dirt and grime from feet
  • have absorbed bacteria
  • and plenty of germs!
Now, let's look at Boss Ballet Barres and what makes them stand out above the rest.

If you've never heard of Boss Ballet Barres, you're in for a treat. They were developed by a dancer and not just any dancer - this dancer was the Boss president's daughter. As an accomplished ballet dancer with many awards, she knew what kind of barres the ballet world needed and with a little help from the company's products and extremely structural strong steel tubing, these unique barres hit the market.

What makes them different from the usual germ-covered wooden barres? Boss barres are:
  • made of high-strength structural steel
  • contain a baked-on powdered coating
  • coating is made with a germ-resistant material
  • a quick wipe-down keeps them clean
  • portable
With the worry of sanitary issues gone, practicing through the cold and flu season won't be an issue. Whether you have a barre inside your home or you are looking to get one for your school or business, knowing these barres resist germs eases your mind and that of your students.

If you have a business, be sure to advertise that your barres are germ-resistant. Due to the fact that simply wiping the barre is all it takes to remove unwanted grime, bacteria and germs, you can easily wipe it down after each class to keep colds and flu at bay.
Want even better news?

Boss Ballet Barres now have a flat shipping rate of $50 making it the perfect time to order your barres now!


If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to contact us so we can help you choose the best barre for your needs.

Friday 19 September 2014

Ballet Barre Fitness Routines You Can Do At Home

Although it's ideal to go to a studio and work out with a group of people, it's also possible to get a fun and challenging barre workout at home, especially if you're crunched for time.

So set up your Boss Portable Ballet Barre and try out one of these Ballet Barre Fitness Routine video workouts.
  1. A warm-up video to get you started.
  2. This classic 40-minute workout suits beginners and advanced students alike.
  3. Want to kick it up a notch? Try this cardio-focused barre workout.
  4. If you need to take it easy, this simple workout is just your speed.
  5. This 12-minute workout is a quick one you can squeeze in to a busy day.
  6. Work your thighs and enjoy beautiful scenery in this video.
  7. This workout brings together ballet barre moves and pilates.
  8. Chairs are used as barre-substitutes in this video, but the beach makes for a nice backdrop.
  9. For a quick workout with advanced moves, try this workout with professional ballet dancers.
  10. Watch this video if all you need is basic stretching.
Another great home workout resource is Netflix Instant. They have a category filled with dance and barre workouts.

These videos prove that a ballet barre fitness routine is not impossible to do in the comfort of your own home. Enjoy our recommendations but feel free to do your own searching on YouTube or Netflix Instant for ballet barre workouts to try out.


To learn more about our free-standing ballet barres and other products, contact us or visit our website.

Tuesday 16 September 2014

Ballet Barres a Must for New Studios

If you're opening a new dance studio, there are going to be many things on your mind. The space itself, decor, acoustics, and more are all important considerations that can make or a break a studio. However, one item you really should invest in from the start is a high quality, free-standing ballet barre. Of all types of dance studio equipment, ballet barres pull the studio together and make it a great place to practice.

What are the benefits to installing a free-standing ballet barre in a new studio?
  • Professionalism. A ballet barre immediately makes a studio seem much more professional. Most people associate barres with advanced levels of dance and athletics, and in many people's minds, they define a studio. Without a barre, you could really practice anywhere. Installing  a high quality barre shows students you are serious about dance.
  • Versatility. Ballet barres are useful for so much more than classic ballet (though they remain great for that too). All forms of dance benefit by having a barre to stretch at, and often to practice posture, feet placement and moves requiring dexterity. Regardless of what kind of dance you will be teaching, barres will be of use.
  • Maximize Space. Free-standing barres are particularly useful for new, or recently re-located studios, that may be in a temporary or new space. Perhaps the room has unconventional dimensions, or is a bit cramped. With barres that are free-standing, and not affixed to a wall, you have much more freedom to organize dancers and space the way you want. If you are focusing on conditioning, move them to the center. If they're in the way, put them to the side.

Ballet barres are a necessary purchase for new dance studios. When making that important purchase, you want to choose a barre manufactured by a trusted company. Boss Ballet Barres are known for making the strongest portable barres available, and conveniently ships all over continental North America. Please contact us for more information.

Tuesday 9 September 2014

Flat Rate Ground Shipping is Here!

Boss Ballet Barres can be found in homes, schools, studios and universities all over North America, and we're so happy to see all of the different areas our barres travel to.  However, as some of you may know, even shipping one barre can be expensive when it heads out to the extremes of the continent.  We make them strong, so their weight counts against the shipping price, as can the length of the barres themselves. We have heard from some of our friends and fans in the past that they would like to buy more barres, but at times the shipping expense can be daunting.

We heard you, and we listened.  After going to bat with our shipping company, and working out all kinds of scenarios and ideas, we are very happy to introduce $50.00 FLAT RATE ground shipping per barre, on ALL of our ballet barres.  That's a pretty amazing deal, as it can mean literally HUNDREDS of dollars of savings on a typical order.

So how does it work?  It's very simple: add any barre to your cart, and the ground shipping for that barre is only $50.00, regardless of where in continental North America (except Hawaii and Alaska, sorry!) you may be.  Some examples:

1 x 8-Foot Barre?  $50.00 Flat-Rate Ground Shipping (typically upwards of $110.00)
1 x 14-Foot Barre?  $50.00 Flat-Rate Ground Shipping (typically upwards of $130.00)
1 x 6-Foot Barre? $50.00 Flat-Rate Ground Shipping (typically upwards of $80.00)

Add more barres, and each one only adds another $50.00 to the shipping total, as below:

2 x 8-Foot Barre?  $100.00 Flat-Rate Ground Shipping (typically upwards of $220.00)
2 x 14-Foot Barre?  $100.00 Flat-Rate Ground Shipping (typically upwards of $260.00)
2 x 6-Foot Barre? $100.00 Flat-Rate Ground Shipping (typically upwards of $160.00)

Keep in mind that this is also on top of any current sale we have going, such as the September Online Price sale running at the moment.  Our website has already been updated, and is ready for your order.  Please contact us if you have any questions or comments - we'd love to hear from you!

Friday 5 September 2014

For the Best Ballet Barre Value Come to Boss Ballet Barres

We know that above all else born dancers want to perform. They need equipment to be at the same high level. We also know that dancing is not always the most lucrative of professions. Dance organizations need to stretch their budgets as much as the dancers stretch their muscles. Enter Boss Ballet Barres.

We have a reputation for producing the strongest, longest lasting product in the industry. With Boss, you can make an investment you can depend on.

We have three varieties of barres:
  • The Boss Barre Pro Series: available in 14, 12, 10, and 8 foot models, these barres feature a larger diameter than the Intermediate Series, made for situations where multiple users will be on the barre at the same time, constantly.
  • The Boss Intermediate Barre: this barre is made from high-grade structural steel and is built to withstand heavy use in schools, studios and homes
  • The Boss Princess Barre: built in a smaller size and height than our other barres to accommodate young dancers from 2-6 years of age, the Princess Barre has the strength that can lay the foundation for years of correct practice.
Our product has the strength and durability for continual use whether at home, in school, in companies, or at competitions. We put the same care into it that your dancers have placed in their art all these years.

You will not find better portable, free-standing ballet barres for the money. Hands down, this is the best ballet barre value. Delivery is no problem either. We ship to any destination in North America.


Please consult our website for more information. We also have a twitter feed with the latest news about our business. Don't hesitate to contact us  with any questions.

Wednesday 3 September 2014

Producing the Strongest Portable Ballet Barre

When we decided to create our ballet barres, we knew they would be the strongest portable ballet barres available. How? Because our ballet barres evolved from our existing steel company, Boss Steel Ltd. Founded over 20 years ago, Boss Steel is an industry leader, doing everything from supplying raw materials to completing custom projects. The daughter of our company's President (an accomplished ballerina herself) challenged us to create the strongest portable ballet barres - and we did!

We took our 24+ years of steel expertise, knowledge, and thoughtful construction and created Boss Ballet Barres, a division of our parent company Boss Steel Ltd. By combining our EuroKlemp line of products with extremely strong structural steel tubing perfected at Boss Steel, we were able to create a sturdy, durable portable ballet barre. How sure are we that we've created the strongest possible ballet barre? We offer a lifetime guarantee for our products.

Our parent company, Boss Steel, goes above and beyond the industry standard to get the job done right, and we do too. When we designed our ballet barres, we sought out dance and fitness industry feedback to ensure that we created a barre that met the needs of actual dance professionals and studios. Consequently, our barres are stronger, more stable, and longer-lasting than other portable ballet barres available. We know that dancers need a strong foundation to learn proper technique, and we're proud to produce a barre they can place their full trust in.  And fitness centers put their barres through even more rigorous paces, which Boss Ballet Barres easily stand up to, over and over again.

Want to experience the strength of our portable barres? Please, contact us for more information.

Thursday 21 August 2014

Why Your Fitness Centre Should Consider Adding Ballet Barre Workouts

A growing trend in the fitness industry is the inclusion of a different kind of fitness equipment - the ballet barre. Ballet bootcamps and barre workouts have become increasing popular over the past few years, with studios spreading from major city to start-ups in small towns, and many fitness clubs offering classes featuring the barre.

If your studio or fitness center has not yet incorporated barre workouts into the programming, now is the time to change that. For fitness enthusiasts looking to switch up their usual workout routine, or individuals who are ballerinas at heart, these type of classes are providing a solid workout that combines ballet, yoga, Pilates with balance exercises, for full body fitness. Offering barre workout classes provides a new fitness experience that will keep your customers coming back for more. Additionally, with so many members of the general population seeking out barre classes, offering these classes will get new customers into the door as well.

With Boss Ballet Barres, setting up a barre studio has never been easier. With a variety of sizes that are easy to set up and take down, it is possible to transform any open space into a ballet studio. This means a barre class can be held in the same location as other cardio classes, eliminating the need to find additional space. A prime feature of these barres are their portability factor: gone are the days where a barre has to be affixed to a wall. With Boss Ballet Barres, simply set up the barre in any area and use the available Boss Barre Dolly to move it from room to room as needed.

Not only portable, each of the different barres are known for their durability due to high-strength steel construction, and wide leg base offering maximum stability. Available in a variety of lengths, and some with adjustable center bars, they are perfect for everyone from beginner to professional.

Your fitness center or studio can be the hot topic of conversation with the simple addition of a ballet barre and barre workout classes.


Contact us today to find the right barre today.

Thursday 14 August 2014

How to Prevent Injuries when Using our Dance Barres

More and more people are discovering the benefits of using a dance barre to stay physically fit. The key to any good exercise program involves injury prevention, and here are just a few ways you can stay safe on the barre.

The most common injuries involve the lower back, feet and hips, and are typically caused by poor form. To avoid these common injuries, you should focus on keeping your spine long and avoid excessive “pelvic tucks.” Ideally, you should feel no strain whatsoever when tucking your pelvis under if your body is positioned properly.

Another way to ensure you maintain a long spine is to pull your abs in and up while exercising. Avoid the urge to compress your abs, as this could actually cause a strain in your lower back instead.

Many people have a tendency to develop foot injuries after performing repeated relevés, which involve lifting the heel off the ground and balancing yourself. If performing high relevés causes you foot pain, lower your position somewhat or wear sneakers with arch supports rather than ballet shoes.

You may want to adjust your position when performing turnouts as well. In the beginning, turn your feet outward at approximately a 45-degree angle, and then adjust your position as needed to relieve any strain on your knees and hips. The ideal position should feel very natural rather than being awkward or forced.

Working out in front of a mirror is another excellent way to ensure you use correct form and maintain good posture throughout your workout. Using a mirror can also help you build confidence, since you are likely to become more fluid and graceful as you advance.


The right ballet barre can also play an important role in ensuring you stay injury free. Here at Boss Ballet Barres, we have one of the widest selections available, and invite you to contact us to find out more.

Friday 8 August 2014

Finding the Right Ballet Barres for Your Studio

For dancers of all kinds, ballet barres are an essential part of their education. It allows a degree of stretching that regular floor exercises cannot achieve. These barres provide a support when they are young and learning how to balance, and in their more advanced classes as a vital pointe warm-up tool. Free-standing barres provide portability without skimping on durability. Here are a few factors to keep in mind when finding new free-standing barres for your studio:
  • Ensure the barres you choose have non-marking foot pads, to ensure your investment in good flooring does not get damaged.
  • A wider leg stance creates a much more stable barre; a very important feature to look for.
  • Size is key; measure out how much space you can allow for a free-standing barre during class and for storage.
  • Construction of the barre should be simple and easy, and not wasting your valuable time.
  • Powder coated barres mean that you spend less time maintaining them, unlike wood that must be kept from drying out, splintering and collecting bacteria.
With Boss Ballet Barres, all of these criteria points are met. With varying sizes, colors, and portability options like the Boss Barre Dolly, your studio will be running at full capacity with happy students, parents, and teachers. We also make barres for home use, so a child may continue practice for fun or for an upcoming recital, a teacher can plan out the next class session's barre stretches, or anyone interested in barre fitness can exercise in privacy.

Wall mounted barres can be very costly, but our free-standing barres are reasonably priced. Special promotions at www.balletbarresonline.com are easy to find, showing you a list price and any current online sale price, and the difference as the savings compared to purchasing the same type of barre somewhere else.

As we are all passionate about the beauty of ballet, let Boss Ballet Barres provide the ease free-standing barres can give you and your studio. We are well known throughout North America as providers of the strongest, most durable barres, so we guarantee our high quality barres for life.


Please contact us today about your next barre purchase.

Tuesday 5 August 2014

Boss Ballet Barres: The Strongest Free-Standing Ballet Barres Will Let You Know YOU Are the Boss!

Boss is well-known for producing the strongest ballet barres available in North America.  We specialize in free-standing ballet barres for studios, dance schools, universities, and for home users.  You will feel like the boss of your workout or dance routine from the moment you place your hand on the stand alone barre by Boss.

Our users range from beginner to professional; therefore, we have designs to fit your every need. You will be assured stability with our ultra-strong construction using structural steel tubes.  For even stronger and more stable barres we add an extreme tensile strength and deflection-resistance material to the middle of our Extended Pro barres.  This allows for the elimination of a third upright leg in the center of the longer horizontal bars, which results in minimal "sag", if any at all.

Feeling grounded, comfortable and safe is an important factor when using a barre, so we give you maximum stability by providing wider leg stances. Stronger is better, however, we don't want "stronger" to be difficult when it comes to setting up or taking it down your new barre.  Our strong free-standing ballet barres are hassle free because there is only one tool, and we provide that for you.  You also get to choose from either a semi-gloss black or white powder coated finish that will fit any décor. This powder coating process is a much more resilient process than regular paint, lasting many times longer, and is also germ-resistant.

Whether you are in the market for a barre for yourself, a child, or business, we feel confident that we can fit your needs.  Our free-standing, strong and durable barres are great for home, small studios, and schools. If you or your students are competing or practicing with one of our barres, you can be assured you in control as the boss, because you are using a Boss Barre.


We carry a variety of sizes and styles, and all of our barres will provide you the strength and durability that you should demand.  You will feel balanced and safe which will make your workouts even more enjoyable.  We ship to anywhere in North America and for more information or to discuss your specific needs, please feel free to contact us.

Friday 25 July 2014

Ballet Barres: A Beginner's Guide

Whether you’re trying to learn ballet or other forms of dance, or simply want to become more flexible and toned, you’ll need a ballet barre for training purposes. The best results are only possible whenever you use the barre correctly, so here is some advice you can use to help guide you in this process.

When holding onto the barre, make sure that most of your weight is not supported by it. You should simply be resting your hand on it without gripping too tightly. To see if you are placing too much weight on the barre, lift your hand off it. If you begin to fall, you are gripping too tightly. In the beginning, holding on for support is acceptable: however, as time goes on, you should become less reliant on the barre for balance.

Practice good posture while at the barre. Your back should be straight, shoulders back, and knees, hips, and ankles all in perfect alignment. Try using a mirror to help you identify whether or not your posture needs improving.

You should be the right distance away from the barre. You shouldn't be so close that your elbow is nearly resting on it, or so far away that you have to extend your forearm in order to grab it. Most people find a distance of around six to eight inches from the barre ideal.

The height of the barre is also important, as the top of it should ideally come between your hipbone and waist. Boss Ballet Barres' top bar height was determined after speaking with hundreds of schools, teachers and dancers.   On some of our models, the lower bar can be adjusted, to help accommodate younger or shorter users.


Here at Boss Ballet Barres, we have a wide selection of barres to choose from, so you can easily pick the one that’s right for you. And we're always an email away if you need assistance with your selection.  To find out more about our products, contact us.

Thursday 17 July 2014

The Strongest Portable Ballet Barres for Colleges and Universities are Boss Ballet Barres

Sometimes it is impossible to devote the necessary space for a permanent dance studio, and this can be especially true on a college campus. Dance departments are forced to take space where they can find it, and often time the rooms that they use are also used by another department. That makes mounting a permanent dance barre difficult...or even impossible. The solution is to use a portable dance barre, but usually these contraptions were flimsy and couldn't hold up to the demands of the college-level dance class. That's why we were inspired to start building portable ballet barres for colleges and universities out of our durable, top-of-the-line steel products.

We already had access to the best steel in the industry, so it was only a matter of testing out various models to figure out how to build a barre that was portable and durable, and could hold up to the demands of the most enthusiastic classroom. We ended up with our Boss Barres, and immediately these barres became a success with colleges and universities who needed something durable that could be wheeled in and out of a classroom setting as needed.

If you are an instructor looking for a portable dance barre, check out our Pro line. The Boss Barre Pro comes in 8, 10, 12, or 14' barres and uses a slightly larger steel tube in the structure, making it ultra durable for the classroom setting. You'll still be able to easily wheel your barre wherever you need it, and you love how stable it is in practice. Go ahead and place an order through our website, where you'll get a hefty discount on our list price. Our Boss Barre Pro line starts at only $398.00.


Be sure to contact us if you have any questions about our line of portable ballet barres. We want to make sure you have the information you need so you can make smart buying decisions for your classroom and studio. You can reach us by contacting us through our website. We'll get back with you right away and make sure all of your questions are answered about the Boss Barre. We're excited for you to experience the strength and graceful design of our barres!

Thursday 10 July 2014

It's Time to Replace Your Wall-Mounted Barres

If your wooden barres are beginning to crack or splinter, they are becoming a health and safety hazard, and it's time to replace them.

Once those old barres begin to show signs of wear, they are no longer as sturdy as they need to be in order to keep your dancers safe. Their cracked surface becomes a breeding ground for bacteria and other health hazards, and certainly everyone knows that splinters are no fun.

So now it's time to replace those barres. Wall-mount ballet barres have been a standard for dance and fitness studios for a very long time, but they have their limitations. They limit barre use to the walls of the studio, they can only be used from one side, and they are only as stable as their attachment to the wall.

If you'd like to get more use of your barres, providing better access to more users, then it might be time to replace your wall-mounted barres with our free-standing Boss Ballet Barres.

Our barres are crafted from high-strength, structural steel components that make them reliable while being flexible and portable. You're no longer limited to working against the mirror. With the quality Boss Barres, you can have both stability and flexibility, having unobstructed view of the mirror, no matter what direction you face.

Line the barres up across the center of the studio and everyone can be facing the same direction for instruction, and you can now really fill your barre fitness class with eager students!

Add one of our cost-effective dollies with non-marking casters, and your barres can travel, making any number of spaces available for warm-up, training, or practice.

If you've been wondering if it's time to replace those old wall mounted barres, then it probably is. So think differently; think of our stable, safe, reliable, and flexible, free-standing steel barres.


Contact us; we'd love to help you choose the barres that will fill your needs.

Thursday 3 July 2014

Free-Standing Ballet Barre Exercises to Help You Firm and Tone

Free standing ballet barres are not just for ballerinas, as they can be used as part of an effective fitness routine to help you firm and tone muscles. Here are some exercises you can try to help you get in great shape and look terrific.

Plié Squats

This exercise is similar to a traditional squat, but is done with toes facing outward and legs slightly wider than hip distance apart. Lower your body until your knees are just over your toes and parallel to the floor. Lift yourself up on your toes and hold for five to ten seconds before lowering your hips up and down by about six inches. Perform around 20 reps at each workout to firm your thighs, calves and buttocks.

Battlement Tendu

Begin by standing with one side to the bar and legs crossed in front of you. Your back foot should be facing the bar, while your front foot should be facing away. You will then stretch your front foot toward the front, back or side, while keeping it flexed and pointed. Repeat on the other side, performing a total of ten to fifteen reps to increase flexibility and strengthen the ankles and calves.

Incline Push-up

Place your hands on the barre about shoulder distance apart and walk backwards until you are at a slight incline. Be sure your body is in a straight line from shoulder to toe, and then lower your body until your chest touches the bar. Hold for a few seconds, and then raise to the starting position. Complete 15 to 20 reps per workout to strengthen your chest, arms and shoulders.


These exercises are easy enough to do, even if you are a beginner. Add them to your workout, and you should notice results after around 10 workout sessions. To find a ballet barre that is perfect for your fitness routine, contact us.

Friday 27 June 2014

Barre Fitness Classes: Get The Right Ballet Barre For The Job

There was a time, not long ago, when ballet barres were only found in ballet studio and had to withstand only the weight of very svelte dancers.

With the popularity of ballet barre classes, that has all changed.

Barre classes are one of the hottest fitness trends on the market right now. Because they promote strength, agility and flexibility all while provide an excellent cardiovascular exercise that's out of the ordinary, they're enjoyed by men and women of all fitness types and abilities.

That means instead of elfin dancers, ballet barres now have to be able to support 200-lb+ men, too. Ballet barre classes also use ballet barres in a way that's similar, but not the same, to the way that they are used in dance instruction. All of this means that, for a ballet barre class, not just any ballet barre will do.

If you own a fitness studio and you are thinking about launching a ballet barre class, be sure to check out Boss Ballet Barres. We've been in business for a long time, so we know ballet barres like nobody else. We can make sure that you're properly equipped to take advantage of this popular fitness trend. We will listen to what you want to do, and we will make recommendations based on your needs and desires -- we can do that within your budget, too. That's the advantage of working with the first, last and premiere name in the business.


For more information, please feel free to contact us

Wednesday 11 June 2014

In Ballet, Quality Matters

When the time comes to upgrade dance studio equipment, quality is important. Quality ballet technique requires hours and hours of training at the barre.  In that technical training, every pique and plie is executed with careful precision. Conscientious consideration should be taken before a purchasing decision is made in ballet equipment.

Boss Ballet Barres were designed with dancers in mind. There is fierce training behind beautiful dance performances.  Dancers need to know the equipment they use can withstand the hours of rehearsal.  They need to know their equipment is built to last and has a design that can meet their unique needs.

Made from steel, Boss Ballet Barres will not splinter or collect and absorb bacteria like wooden barres still seen in some studios.  They are free-standing, which is something important to consider when adding new equipment to your studio.  Free-standing barres allow better visibility for the instructor and for the student. It also allows the dancers to move them when they are ready to work across the floor or at center.  Thanks to the Boss Barre Dolly, these free-standing ballet barres are easily portable.

Because of their wide-stance leg system, they are fitted with maximum stability to keep dancers safe while training.  The barre is a powerful training tool for ballet dancers. Safety and stability are vitally important in choosing any type dance studio equipment.

Everything dancers do requires quality and attention to detail.  Whether it's the careful tying of their pointe shoe or improving their channe, they are constantly working toward perfection.  It's important to know they have quality dance studio equipment to help them reach their goals.


contact us

Friday 9 May 2014

The Ballet Barre is an Important Part of Many Fitness Routines

All across the nation and around the world, ballet-inspired fitness classes are cropping up, making use of the ballet barre and even bungee cords in order to give participants a ballerina's physique.

According to a recent article from Reuters, the International Health, Raquet & Sportsclub Association reported this year that 39 percent of gyms offer dance fitness classes. In classes, the article states, the barre is often used for the participant to hold on to for balance, while working on strengthening shoulder muscles or for doing ballet postures, plies, leg lifts and more. 

Bungee cords, in conjunction with our ballet barres, are offering a new spin on some ballet-inspired fitness workouts, being suspended overhead and used by participants to sustain the first or second position and to sculpt muscles, work the upper body, upper thighs and challenge the core, the article stated.

If you're hoping to bring your ballet-inspired fitness workout out of the gym and into your home, Boss Ballet Barres can help. Inspired by an accomplished dancer -- the daughter of our company president -- we use our current steel product lines to make an amazingly durable, portable ballet barre that will stand up to the most rigorous of workouts. Whether you're a competitive ballerina, an exercise enthusiast, the owner of a gym or studio, or the parent of a child in dance class, our ballet barres are easily moved from room to room and venue to venue so they can go anywhere you need them to be.


For more information on the various sizes of Princess, Intermediate- and Pro-series ballet barres we carry, contact us.

Friday 25 April 2014

A Proper Warm Up is Key to a Successful Ballet Barre Workout

While maintaining a workout routine is key to living a healthy lifestyle, properly warming up before exercising is essential to warding off unwanted injuries. Even though a ballet barre workout is low impact, forgoing a well rounded stretching regiment can have a negative effect on your fitness level which may end up hurting your goal of living a healthy lifestyle. Unfortunately, there are many misconception surrounding what constitutes as a proper warm up. To help you perform a suitable warm up routine before using your freestanding ballet barre, we have listed the most important concepts behind correctly preparing for your next ballet inspired workout.

Get Your Heart Pumping

When it comes to warming up, many people mistake stretching as the complete package, when in fact, stretching is only part of the warming up process. Priming your muscles for a workout begins with accelerating your heart rate and getting your blood flowing. You can accomplish that by jogging briskly, jumping in place, or performing any activity that slightly picks up your heart rate. The goal of any warm up is to communicate to your body that you are about to go through a vigorous workout.

Stretch Don't Strain

Once you've got your blood flowing, you can begin the next step of warming up. Stretching your tendons, ligaments, and muscles helps prepare them for the more strenuous extension exercises you will perform on your ballet barre. There are two critical points you must remember as you carryout your stretching routine. The first is don't force your stretches. You are trying to ready your body for your workout, not overextend your muscles, which can ultimately lead to an injury. The second is don't bounce into your stretches. There was a time when bouncing was encouraged but in today's fitness world, bouncing equals less control over your muscles which can result in you getting hurt. While stretching is critical to a successful workout, you must refrain from overexerting your muscles.

Don't Push Your Hold Time

Holding a stretch for too long is a common mistake. Many individuals believe the longer you remain in a position the better the results. Unfortunately, this misunderstood concept can cause your body damage. Stretching before a workout should focus on relaxing your muscles not pushing them to the limit. Every person is different and should time their stretches according to their body's boundaries.

Jumping into a workout on your portable ballet barre without warming up and stretching can have a dire effect on your fitness. A proper warm up routine will help you further your workout results and keep you from injuring yourself. If you are looking to elevate your fitness level, adding a portable ballet barre to your home gym can provide you with a unique and effective exercise experience. To view our durable, freestanding barres, please contact us today.

Friday 11 April 2014

How to Choose a Quality Dance Studio for Your Child

If your child has shown interest in dancing, now may be the perfect time to enroll them in dance classes. Selecting a dance studio you're comfortable sending your child to will require a bit of research. If you're unsure on how to start your pursuit for a quality dance studio, the list provided below can help you narrow down your choices before making your final decision.

Recommendations

Asking friends about their own experiences with a studio is an excellent starting point for your search. Their opinions on the setting and the teachers at the dance school can help you decide whether or not further research is warranted or if you should simply cross a studio off of your list.

Visit a Variety of Dance Studios

The only way to truly feel out a dance studio is by visiting the establishment. The overall appearance of the studio is a good indication of how the school is run. If the front lobby is organized and the dance equipment, barres and floors are well maintained, you can rest assured the owner and staff take pride in their dance studio. On the other hand, if the environment is chaotic, the studio's dance classes will most likely reflect the school's atmosphere.

Talk to the Teachers

During your visit, ask to talk to the dance studio's instructors. Finding out each teachers dance qualifications plus their experience with children can tell you if they have the proper training. Sitting in on the class you wish to enroll your child in is also key to knowing whether the instructor's teaching technique is a good fit for your child's personality.

Inspect the Equipment

The quality of the dance studio's equipment is essential to your child's safety. Ask about the dance floor and whether or not it's cushioned. Dancing can be a high impact activity and if the floor is not cushioned your child has a higher risk of hurting themselves. Dance barres are another piece of equipment that you're likely to spot in a studio's classroom. Now-a-days many establishments invest in portable dance barres due to the convenience of moving the barre from one classroom to another. While you're walking around the building take a moment to inspect the strength and sturdiness of the dance barres you see.

Nurturing Your Child's Love For Dance

Once you've chosen a quality dance studio and your child has started to attend classes, their love for the art of dance will quickly bloom. If you've found yourself looking for ways to further their dance experience, you may want to consider purchasing a portable dance barre for your home. Doing so will allow your child to practice outside of the studio which can boost their confidence and their skills.

To learn more about Boss Portable Dance Barres, please contact us and we'll be happy to answer all of your questions.