Beginner Barre with Kamila Abreu

This is a nice beginner barre that you can do at home, from Kamila Abreu.  If you're looking for a ballet barre to keep you moving while our class is on summer break, this is a wonderful one to try. The barre includes a gentle warm-up, pliés, tendus, jetés (dégagés), rond de jambe, grand battements, and a short stretching sequence at the end. Throughout the class, Kamila offers excellent reminders about posture, turnout, arm placement, head positions, balance, and using your muscles with control rather than momentum.

KEEP IT SAFE:  Though is presented as a beginner barre, Kamila demonstrates exceptional strength and flexibility. Her leg extensions are much higher than most beginners can comfortably achieve, her back has a great deal of flexibility, and she demonstrates deep grand pliés that may not be appropriate for older dancers or anyone with knee concerns.  Always work within your own range of motion.  Keep your movements smaller when needed, and skip or modify any elements that don't feel right for your body. Remember, good ballet technique is about quality of movement, not how high your leg goes or how deep your plié is.

 This video is also archived on the "At Home" page of this class website.