Barre (ballet)

Barre, as used in ballet terminology, refers to a handrail used during warm up exercises. The term more widely refers to the series of exercises themselves, and also to the part of class which is comprised of barre exercises.cite web|url=http://www.dancer.com/tom-parsons/faq_2.html#whats_barre|title=Ballet-Modern FAQ|last=Parsons|first=Thomas W|accessdate=2006-07-09]

Construction

Barres may be free-standing or mounted on the wall. They may be made of metal or of wood. They stand approximately at waist-height and are over an inch and a half in diameter.

Exercises

Barre exercises are often slow and repetitive. They are meant to gradually build strength while teaching the body correct placement.cite web|url=http://www.dancespirit.com/backissues/jul_aug00/atthebarre.shtml|title=Getting The Most From Your Ballet Barre|last=Flender|first=Nicole|accessdate=2006-07-09] Barre makes up a significant portion of the beginning dancer's class, but it continues to be an important tool in all levels of ballet. Barre can be considered to be a preparation for partnering, with the barre providing the support a partner would later on. It is also important for dancers who are just beginning pointework, while their ankles may not be strong enough to support them in the center.

References

External links

Barres

* [http://www.thebarrecompany.com/ The Barre Company]
* [http://www.alvas.com/barres.html ALVA's Dance and Theatrical]
* [http://www.attitudeballetbarres.com Attitude Ballet Barres]

Barre music

* [http://asgardprod.com/balletbarreandcentrecds.htm Asgard Productions]
* [http://www.danceclassmusic.com/digidance.html Digidance]