Pointe shoes, tutus and leotards. Nutcracker, Swan Lake and Don Quixote.

Oh, ballet. I spent countless hours in rehearsals and performing in full-length ballets starting at the age of 4. And I absolutely loved it – but couldn’t make the time commitment anymore towards the end of college. But low and behold, I have finally found a PERFECT compromise – barre fitness classes.

Ballet, pilates and yoga enthusiasts – this is your calling. Barre classes combine small, concise movements to create an amazing workout for those looking for the long, lean muscles of a dancer. Tone up, not bulk up! You’ll find pilates mats for floor work, light dumbbells for arm toning and the sturdy wooden ballet barre – of course!

I took a look at Barre3 in Georgetown – I was blown away. First of all – THIS STUDIO is some serious eye candy. The instructor told me the building is one of DC’s oldest and that it served as one of George Washington’s tobacco warehouses back in the day. I could not get over the exposed brick and stone as I walked through the door.

Now down to the important stuff – THE WORKOUT. Who would have thought the smallest, tiniest leg lifts and planks would work up such a sweat. I’m already feeling it the soreness start to creep in. Should feel lovely tomorrow.

Barre is my new fitness obsession. What’s yours?