The Making of barreMADE
It was 2013, and I knew that Barre was my new obsession. As a child who grew up dancing and as an adult who was fully committed to nailing every shower dance/song routine, Barre class went with me like peanut butter goes with jelly. This instant connection with my love for dance, discipline, and great music would lead me to a lifelong passion, but it resulted in me becoming an instructor with the studio where I took my first class. That's kind of the beauty about Barre as a workout - it's about community as much as it's about the last eight counts seated in chair. The people I've met as a result of teaching and attending classes have left me with a long-lasting impact that I cherish.
As I look back at the beginnings of my Barre journey, I can't help but feel nostalgic and proud of how each step I took on that path brought me to where I am today. Although I was born and raised in Alberta, my heart has never felt so close as it does to Victoria. As a child, I'd come here to visit my family and felt drawn to stay near the ocean and breathe what felt like fresher air. So, when a family member offered to open her home to me, I knew it was an opportunity I couldn't pass up. barreMADE began with humble beginnings as I'd run classes out of rented various spaces on the island. I always knew that my goal would be to open a boutique studio of my own, but like all good things - patience was needed. Through that patience and time waited, I began to integrate myself into the fitness community here in Victoria. Coming from a studio back in Edmonton where the community was first, and Barre was second, I knew exactly how I wanted to run my soon to be new space.
As with all beginnings, there were struggles, but I was fortunate to find that I'd stumble upon something great through the roadblocks I was facing. barreLESS was a name I brainstormed and came up with one night as I struggled to figure out how I could run a Barre class without a ballet barre. Yep, you heard that right. I came all the way out to Victoria only to find that no studio space that was renting had the logistics to set up a proper barre. It speaks to the versatility of what Barre can offer that I was able to modify an entire class to be done in the center of the room. barreLESS takes the cardio portion of the barreCLASSIC class and expands on it. You will find cardio sprinkled throughout the entirety of a barreLESS class and an added challenge of finding your core stability without the support of a barre. This class style became such a hit that even now, with my studio, I've continued to offer these cardio-focused classes as a regular timeslot on my schedule.
barreMADE. Having just opened my own doors a little over a month ago, I find myself reflecting on my studio name a lot. Throughout my entire fitness career, one thing that I knew I wanted to fight was this idea that there specific spaces that are exclusive. That is why I talk about barreMADE being made for YOU! It's made for any and everyone who wants to try. No matter where you are in your Barre journey, or heck just your journey in general, I want to foster a space that brings the heat, the leg shakes, the smiles and the love. Through music and movement, we have the chance to show up vulnerably and truly be seen.
So, whether you're reading this, toe socks in hand, or considering filling out that online waiver for the first time - know that this beautiful space, is in fact, 'our space.' There are no hangups or prerequisites to join the barreCLUB here at barreMADE. As long as you're showing up, ready to work, have fun and be yourself - then we've got a place for you! To everyone who has helped me get to this next exciting chapter of my life, thank you. To all those who I have yet to meet - thank you; I can't wait to see what's next in store for us!
With love,
Katharine
