A Ballet Barre guide

How to set up your Ballet Barres-a guide

It can be quite confusing when you first start teaching your classes and have to choose which Barres you need / want.

Wall mounted or freestanding, what length do I need, what combination do I choose and how to fit them, among other questions.

So, we have decided to put together this guide to help take the stress out choosing your Ballet Barre.

What is a ‘Barre’

Barre – noun

a horizontal bar fixed at a convenient height for dancers to hold on to, in order to help them balance while exercising

*exercise using a barre, done by dancers and by other people wanting to be healthier and to make their muscles stronger:

Wall Mounted or Freestanding?

When it comes to making this decision, it really depends on two factors.

1. Are you able to drill into the walls to fix the Barres? Most rented spaces won’t allow this.

2. Do you want to be able to change the height of your Barres on a regular basis, if you’re using them for different ages of students and different styles of dance for example?

It really doesn’t matter which you choose as long as the ones you decide on, can do the job and are suitable to your circumstances.

What Length do I need?

For the studio

This really comes down to space, budget and class size.

For home use

To practise or teach via zoom for example, then a 1.0 metre, to a 2.0 metre should be suitable. You must, however, take into consideration the students height, age and ability.

How many dancers can I fit on my Barre?

This depends on the age, height and ability of the dancer and what type of exercise you are doing.

For example a leg stretch takes up much more room than plie.

As a general guide please see our chart below. (You can always add on to your sets by purchasing an extension kit should you need more barre space.)

What Variation do I need?

Take a look at our products catalogue online. They are broken down into freestanding ranges, wall mounted and floor mounted ranges.

Freestanding Range

Standard – Powder coated metal Barres that are height adjustable.

Premium – The same as standard but with index inserts to allow weight bearing excesses.

Classic – Height adjustable Ballet Barres with an Ash Wood Ballet Barre insert.

Wall Mounted Range

Standard – Powder coated metal Barres that can be fixed or adjustable height.

Premium – The same as standard but with index inserts to allow weight bearing excesses.

Classic – Ash Wood ballet Barres with complementing stainless steel fixed brackets in a single or double configuration.

Floor Mounted Range

Standard – Powder coated metal with Ash Barres available in single or double configuration.

Contemporary – Stainless steel floor mounts with Ash Barres available in single or double configuration.

Each of the variations (Ranges) is interlinkable with one other. This makes extending your set up very easy, if, and when, you require more Ballet Barre space.

See the video below on how to achieve this, as well as the instruction video on how to set up all the different ranges. (Links to these are in the helpful link section of the guide)

Extension Video

How high should I place my Barres?

This is a tricky one as it is  not a regulated height.

You need to have the barre at a height that complements the style of dance you are doing.

We would recommend between 42 inch to 44 inch from the floor to top of the Ballet Barre, but this is personal choice.

We would suggest speaking to your Ballet association and asking them what height they would prefer for teaching their syllabus. 

 Useful information

CARE AND MAINTENANCE INSTRUCTIONS FOR YOUR BALLET BARRES

Maintenance instructions must be followed to ensure the longevity and aesthetics of your Ballet Barres.

The Classic Range Ash wood Ballet Barres are supplied sanded and smooth to the touch, untreated with a natural finish. Over time the Ash wood Barre will acquire a natural patina from oils in the hand.

Here at The Barre we do not recommend treating your Ash ballet Barres with synthetic oils or varnishes. This may hinder the cleaning and longevity of the Barre.

Maintenance after use.

 Apply antibacterial cleaner to a clean cloth and wipe the Barres and brackets. Do not use sprays or chemical wipes directly on the Barre as it may cause discolouration to the Ash wood.  Then wipe over with a clean dry cloth.

Blemishes and marks may be removed from wooden Barres by lightly sanding with very fine sandpaper. Marks on the brackets can be removed using a mild cleaning solution with a damp cloth.

Industrial or abrasive cleaners should be avoided, as they may damage the surface of the Barre and or brackets.

Powder coated metal Barres can be cleaned with an antibacterial cloth.

Just a Note.

Please remember a Ballet Barre is an aid to Balance only, and should never be used for anything other than its designed purpose.

We strongly recommend you use a qualified trade’s person for any installations needed.

Helpful Links

Instructional Videos

Freestanding Ballet Barre assembly Instructions

Wall Mounted Ballet Barre assembly Instructions

Extension Kit assembly Instructions

Barres used

From The Car to The Barre Video

Picture Galleries

Gallery. Completed Projects