Barre (ballet)

The barre is a horizontal handrail, usually made of wood or metal, that is used by ballet dancers as a support during warm-up exercises. It is a fundamental tool in ballet training and is found in every ballet studio.

The barre is typically attached to the wall or is a freestanding structure. Dancers use the barre to maintain balance, stability, and proper alignment while performing various exercises that build strength, flexibility, and technique. These exercises, known as barre work, are a crucial part of a ballet dancer's daily routine and serve as preparation for more complex center work (exercises performed without the barre).

Barre work encompasses a wide range of movements including pliés (bending of the knees), tendus (extending the leg along the floor), dégagés (similar to tendus but the foot leaves the floor slightly), rond de jambes (circular movements of the leg), and développé (unfolding the leg to a full extension). These exercises are performed in specific positions (such as first, second, third, fourth, and fifth positions) and are designed to develop the muscles necessary for ballet dancing, improve turnout, and enhance coordination.

The height of the barre is usually around waist height for most dancers, but can vary depending on individual preference and the specific exercises being performed. Some studios may have multiple barres at different heights to accommodate dancers of different sizes.

While primarily associated with ballet, barre exercises (or adaptations of them) have also become popular in other fitness disciplines, such as barre fitness classes, which focus on incorporating ballet-inspired movements for strength training and flexibility.