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.