The A to Z of Ballet Bar And Why You Need To Get One Now! by Robert Hull

Barre is a term popularly used by dancer to refer to the ballet bar. This term simply means a handrail that is utilized by beginners for practicing basic ballet movements or for added support during warm-up routines. In some cases, the term has become quite popular that it has been used to dub the exercises that are done using this particular dancing equipment.

There are several varieties to the ballet bar, but the more common is the wall mounted type. There are also several companies that manufacture free standing varieties, which is also increasing in its popularity. The bar material is typically made out of either metal or wood, with a standard height of 40 inches. However, experts would suggest that it would be best (especially for beginners or young children practicing ballet) to customize the height setting of the bar for their own safety.

Novice ballerinas must get their own ballet bar since it is an important aspect of training. Bars that are up to the waist help create support, enabling one to steady him or herself during the execution of the initial dance training, especially when one lacks the prowess of a professional ballerina yet. Its significance cannot be ignored since several exercises use the barre as reference point.

Hence, the ballet bar is every beginner ballerina's closest ally during the initial training. At this stage, the exercises are executed in a slow pace and mostly done in repetitions in order to become familiarized with those movements. Once you get to fully develop those basic movements, it will eventually improve the posture of the dancer and allow them to remain steady during the execution of poses. Aside from the bar, you will be mostly focusing your strength on the legs, thighs, and ankles.

What advanced learners need to understand though that they can also benefit from using a ballet bar, as much as beginners do. For instance, if you are trying to practice a move that consists of a partner, you can use the bar as an alternative of an actual partner. This will also serve as a good introduction when you are trying to become familiar with moves consisting of a partner.

When executing exercises on the ballet bar, it typically begins with the plies position. It will help to stretch out and add flexibility to your leg muscles, which will prepare your body for the next set of exercises. Your objective at this point is to train the body to assume particular shapes required with each pose. Then, you will move onto the releve. Apart from the legs, this one also focuses on your feet and ankles. Then, you will eventually cap that off with a battement tendu, which are mostly stretches done on the floor. Finally, there's the rond de jambe, which consists of the dancer executing a semi-circular motion with your foot on the floor for improve hip flexibility and leg strength.

Indeed, a ballet bar can make so many things possible when you enter the dance studio and provide more possibilities for any aspiring dancers to become better with the preciseness of their physical execution.