Barre Variations

The Dailey Method franchise founder Jill Dailey joins Michelle on the podcast this month to talk about her start in movement, her exploration in the Pilates world, her national barre franchise, and becoming a parent through it all. Jill explains the philosophy behind her alignment-focused barre method and how it has evolved over the last twenty years to incorporate more mind/body connectivity. They discuss the realities of the business side of the fitness industry such as friendly competition and knowing your financial worth.

Show Notes:

This month’s episode is an exciting one to say the least. Michelle interviews legends of the barre fitness industry, Elisabeth Halfpapp and Fred DeVito. Michelle learns how the two of them first met and how their focus on the future helped them build a life together. Elisabeth was one of the first Lotte Berk Method teachers in the United States and Fred was the first male barre teacher ever.

They were later founders of Exhale and helped the expansion of Exhale to 26 locations globally. When creating the curriculum for their proprietary Exhale Spa barre classes and teacher training programs, Elisabeth and Fred took their different movement backgrounds, the Lotte Berk Method, and research with movement specialists to create an approach to barre fitness from that hones in on form, function, alignment, and musicality.

In 2019 they opened CoreBarreFit in 2019 where you can take classes with them in-person or virtually today.

SHOW NOTES:

CoreBarreFit

The tables are turned in this episode and Michelle is in the hot seat. Michelle DuVall is interviewed by Barre Variations Video Library guest teacher and founder of Barre Where You Are, Heather Johnson. They discuss how Michelle got her start in the fitness industry and the journey she's had up to now. The Barre Variations community submitted questions for Kendra to ask Michelle. Learn all the little details that make Michelle who she is!

Sponsors:

This episode Michelle is joined by Barre Variations Video Library guest teacher Jenny Niggle. Jenny is a professional dancer, ballet teacher, and hosts her signature ballet barre fitness classes ‘Body by Jenny.’ Since the pandemic she has shifted her classes to a virtual studio like many others. Michelle and Jenny discuss their shared experience of growing up dancing in smaller towns that were close to larger cities, giving them the best of both worlds. They chat about the social media games that have to be played to best the algorithms and whether it’s worth it, the sudden shift to virtual classes in the fitness industry, and the need to have a certain level of assertiveness in order to succeed in the professional dance community.

Show Notes:

Andrea Isabelle Lucas, owner of Barre & Soul, author of “Own It All,” and the founder of Barre Guild Academy joined host Michelle DuVall to swap entrepreneurial stories and goals. Having started her teaching career with Exhale Spa and Fred DeVito and Elisabeth Halfpapp, Andrea shares some lessons that she learned early on that have stayed with her. Michelle and Andrea discuss Ester Fairfax’s warm, welcoming personality coupled with her impressive showmanship and performance quality. They also mention the insights into her world that Ester’s memoir, “My Improper Mother and Me, “ provided each of them. The original Lotte Berk training program, run by her daughter Ester Fairfax challenged Andrea’s perspective on teaching and helped her grow to encompass more into her personal teaching style.

Show Notes:

This episode Michelle interviews Britany Williams, a collegiate Division 1 track and cross country athlete turned barre-lover and barre instructor. Currently in Portland, OR, Brittany recently launched her twelve week at home barre experience, Barre with Britany for the Sweat app. Michelle and Britany discuss how the benefits of barre and movement serve everyone, not just dancers. Britany shares the skills she has learned and the teaching versatility that she has gained from teaching for a franchise, and then how she set out on her own.

In this episode Michelle interviews Nathalie Errandonea-Mewes. Based in London, Nathalie owns and operates her studio, NRG Barrebody and recently launched her app by the same name. Michelle and Nathalie discuss Michelle’s visit to NRG Barrebody last year (pre-pandemic), the developmental dichotomy that teenage dancers, and what dancing means for each of them now. Nathalie shares her teaching philosophy and her best tip for teachers.

Description: In episode 28 Michelle interviews Lina Alvarez, an Ottawa-based barre and yoga teacher who works in international business for the Canadian government all while pursuing her masters in strategic design and management. Lina’s creation, the BarreJar is a pop-up event and virtual space for everyone to find a safe, friendly barre community. Michelle remarks how she knew Lina was going to succeed based on how they first connected. Lina shares a sweet story about the beginning of her movement journey in a hot yoga studio and how her love and need for movement evolved over time. Michelle and Lina discuss the multiple teaching styles/energies a teacher can use to coach their clients and their thoughts on which styles work the best.

In this episode Michelle interviews Nikki Branning, founder and creator of Door Barre Fitness. They discuss Nikki’s professional dance career and how she fell in love with barre fitness in cities all over the country during her work travels. Nikki shares the story behind the idea for and creation of Door Barre Fitness. Being two small business owners, Michelle and Nikki talk about business competition and how much time, money, and love go into launching a small company.

Welcome back to the third season of the Barre Variations Podcast! Michelle starts off by recapping and brings everyone up to speed about all happenings in the world of BV. Then enjoy the interview with Danielle Havens, who shares her journey in the wellness world where barre has always been there as a support. Also, hear how nursing has played a major role in shaping her coaching practices today.

SHOW NOTES:

In this final episode of the year Michelle reflects on this wild ride that has been 2020, looks back on the three amazing years of Barre Variations, and shares a sneak peak of what is on the horizon for 2021. From having her baby in at the very beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic to pivoting and shifting like the best of them to preparing new offerings for the Barre Variations community Michelle has accomplished a lot (even when she thinks she hasn’t). One new offering is the BE/U Accelerator Workshop on January 30th which aims to provide resources for fitness professionals, especially barre, pilates, and yoga teachers.

This episode Michelle interviews Becky Parker, a Pilates and Barre certified instructor, a health coach obsessed with empowering women to become the best versions of themselves physically AND mentally, a guest teacher for the Barre Variations Video Library, and a co-creator of the Bump Safely at the Barre bundle. Aside from Becky’s journey to becoming a fitness professional, they discuss prenatal and postpartum fitness realities, the transfer of pilates principles to everyday life, her connection to Beach Body, and more!

SHOW NOTES:

Michelle DuVall and Barre Variations are excited to bring you a special BONUS episode about all things athleisure wear, entrepreneurship, pivoting in 2020. Whether you are a fitness professional, barre babe, at-home exerciser, or just love looking comfy and cute - this episode has something for you. Lexi Soukeroff, creative director and owner of Daub+Design, is the special guest this episode. Michelle and Lexi discuss the ten amazing years of Daub+Design, from the beginning when the company produced swimwear to now and its athletic and athleisure focus. Lexi shares her process of connecting with the fitness and fashion industries, notes that much of that has changed due to the pandemic, and reflects on the positive aspects of that.

Show Notes:

MORE ON:

DAUB + Design

Social: @daubanddesign

In the theme of Thanksgiving, Michelle looks back and appreciates the community of listeners, trainees, attendees, and others who have supported her and her platform so that she can share her methods of success with others. One way she does this is through workshops and programs. She is teaming up with previous podcast guest Shannon Werner to host the BE/U Accelerator program (more information in the show notes). Michelle also asks listeners to send an email listing things they are grateful for to be shared on the next episode.  

This month Michelle interviews Eian Crockatt, the Barre Boy. Eian is the head of Barre at Move Your Frame in London. Eian has such a big love for Barre and how it can be such a powerful stand alone class or used to help assist any other workout or sport. Michelle and Eian discuss the journey to becoming a professional dancer, what it’s like to teach during a pandemic, and even a little about Eian’s home renovation interests. 

Show Notes:

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Eain Crockatt

Social: @thebarreboy

Michelle teases listeners with information about Barre Variations’ upcoming events including a one day event she is hosting with Shannon Werner (episode 2 guest) in January called B/U Accelerator. This event is for barre, pilates, and yoga professionals looking to gain strategies to uplevel their businesses in the digital age and movement experiences curated to take their practices to the next level.

The interview this month is with Corrine Wainer, co-founder of SHAKTIBARRE and consultant for AFPA and SUPER*MEGA*BOSS. Corrine is a former four sport athlete, graduate of Havard’s Graduate School of Education, and currently a PhD student in cognitive, social, and developmental psychology at The New School. She explores the necessary intersection of self, compassion, exercise, and female fitness branding.

Show Notes:

In this episode Michelle encourages you to cut yourself some slack and to embrace the new world of on demand classes, which may allow you to create a routine that best suits your lifestyle. She loves the growing community and true sense of community in the Barre Variations VIPs Facebook group and in the online workshops such as the Mini Mentoring Mastermind series.

She also interviews Ben Rippe, the founder of Barre Summit. The normally in-person conference is still happenly, just in a virtual space this year with many on demand classes. Ben graduated from Colorado State University with a business degree and has worked in the fitness industry since 2006. He worked with companies such as Mad Dog athletics, Peak Pilates, and spinning. Additionally, he produced several fitness education conferences like ECA and Mindbody.

SHOW NOTES:

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Benn Rippe and Barre Summit

Social: @barresummit

Michelle starts off this episode with exciting news and upcoming virtual events. There is also an update for BurnBarre, guest Eryc Taylor’s amazing, portable barre company. Eryc Taylor is also the artistic director of the internationally recognized nonprofit dance company, Eryc Taylor Dance and the company’s outreach program ETDoutreach. He earned his MFA from NYU Tisch. Eryc is a certified Pilates instructor, speaker and dance writer, choreographer, director, inventor, and art curator.

Show Notes:

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Eryc Taylor and BurnBarre

Social: @burnbarre and @burnbarretechnique

Description:

This episode of the Barre Variations Podcast is being recorded amidst the national protests and demonstrations over the death of George Floyd and there is no dismissing or ignoring that fact. Michelle recognizes the traumatic pain being felt. Later she interviews Crystal Widman, the Philadelphia-based studio owner of Y2B Fit. Crystal is a personal trainer and yoga and barre teacher. She holds degrees in exercise science, counseling psychology, and nutrition education. She brings the complete package to her clients and speaks openly with Michelle about her journey in movement and becoming a mother.

SHOW NOTES:

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Crystal Widmann

Social: @y2bfit @crystalwidmann

Michelle shares her experiences of sheltering in place with an infant and her love/hate relationship with phrases like “shelter in place,” “the new normal,” and “quarantine.” Learning to do everything with one hand while snuggling with her baby with the other, Michelle acknowledges that her to-do lists needed to be simplified - and that’s OK! In June Michelle will be hosting live stream talk backs for current and former members of the Barre Variations Training programs. She will also be speaking at the Brink virtual conference. All the details for events can be found in the show notes. 

Later she interviews Lauren Leavell, a Philadelphia-based motivational coach. Lauren is a NASM certified personal trainer, a personal finance geek, and mediation leader. They discuss their mutual love of all things Philadelphia and then get into a nitty-gritty discussion about making choices about your future. Can you remake your future and career into something you truly want it to be? Can you make money while doing so and handle your student debt? It’s honest, fun, and will leave you with lots of questions to ponder. Take a listen! 

SHOW NOTES: 

COMMUNITY QUESTION: “What things have you been doing, not doing, reading, eating to support yourself during quarantine?” 

Remember to email or leave a voice message your answer to this episode's community question to info@barrevariations.com or https://anchor.fm/michelle-duvall  

MORE ON: 

Lauren Leavell 

Social: @laurenleavellfitness 

Welcome to Episode 15 of the Barre Variations Podcast, where host Michelle DuVall brings the barre community together. Before jumping into the theme of the month, “Considerations,” Michelle runs through the training workshops (both online and in-person) happening in 2020. The word consideration keeps jumping into Michelle’s brain and means specific things to her but, listen in for all the possible outlooks it could provide.

Michelle interviews Kaye Straub, the Director of Training & Operations for The Barre Code. With multiple fitness certifications and degrees in both theater performance and mathematics, Kaye engineers The Barre Code’s best-in-class fitness program to be an efficient, effective, & inspiring experience for every BODY. Have a listen!

SHOW NOTES:

COMMUNITY QUESTION: “What dreams do you have for barre?”

Happy New Year and Welcome to Season TWO of the Barre Variations Podcast!

Michelle announces her upcoming trainings and reminds listeners that there will be only about 6 in-person trainings in 2020 (because baby boy is on the way!). This month’s theme is fear - recognizing it, embracing it, and letting it go. Michelle provides an example from her recent teaching in London, UK. Later Michelle interviews Daniel Hurst, barre instructor for Equinox, Hang 5 Fitness, and Chicago Athletic Clubs. Finding movement through theater and dance as a child, his first foray into group fitness was teaching Zumba in the Bay Area. Now Daniel is a full time barre instructor in Chicago, IL and performs musical theater on the side. He is also delving into the writing world. Michelle and Daniel discuss the performance aspects of teaching; such as, how to use your voice in a range of ways to be commanding of your class. They also speak to how the fitness world provides opportunities and space to pursue other endeavors, not just one particular job.

SHOW NOTES:

COMMUNITY QUESTION: No question this month, just have fun!!

In the final episode of 2019, Michelle reviews her personal and professional

experiences of the past year. The good moments, the less than fun times, and the lessons she learned along the way. Barre Variations is entering its third year and Michelle has plans coming your way. She is looking for your input though so check out the community question.

Then Michelle interviews Lauren George, co-creator of the “Enhanced Barre Above Program” and the creator of “The Musicality Method.” Lauren is also a master trainer for Balletone and own “Clemson Fitness Company,” a studio in Clemson, South Carolina. They discuss the changing teaching trends in group fitness, and barre specifically.

SHOW NOTES:

COMMUNITY QUESTION: “What highlights from 2019 would you like to see repeated and expanded in 2020?”

In Episode 11, Michelle designates the entire month of November as the Month of Thankfulness, not just Thanksgiving Day. Listen to Michelle recap the amazing experience “Barre Babes Unite,” hosted at Michelle’s home studio in Brooklyn, New York. She announces a free live stream event happening the day after Thanksgiving and how to register. Later she interviews personal trainer and barre teacher Sofie Calvert, creator of Barre Brunch Club. As Sofie speaks from personal experience about the benefits of low impact exercise to rehabilitate injuries. They discuss how to ease clients back the confidence they had prior to injuries (hint: it’s all about language and choice). Sofie explains the history behind Barre Brunch Club and why she felt strongly that there should be more to it than barre and brunch. Take a listen to find out the successful secret ingredient.

SHOW NOTES:

COMMUNITY QUESTION: “In what ways would you like to take your barre classes beyond the barre and out into the community?”

Welcome to Episode 10 of the Barre Variations Podcast!

This month’s theme is creativity and Michelle discusses some possibilities from where inspiration for such creativity could come (the obvious and also the uncommon possibilities). Michelle adds to last month’s community question with a task to help you blend your personal talents with your creativity. Listen for Michelle’s interview with Jessica Bowman, a Bar Method studio owner and creator of the Barre Boss blog. They talk about Jessica’s journey from dabbling with barre to owning her own studio and the rise of boutique fitness as a whole. Find out how Jessica recharges when away from the studio and where her inspiration comes from. They both offer pro tips on how to make it through those classes when the energy is off or the clients are hit a nerve. Enjoy!

Welcome to Episode 8 of the Barre Variations Podcast, 

This month’s episode discusses the different ways to think about abundance. Listen to hear how Michelle’s motto, “there’s enough room at the barre,” connects to the idea of abundance is a variety of ways. Later on Michelle interviews Kendra Alley, founder of “barreAlley.” They chat about gymnastics, the benefits of low impact exercise, and how “barrreAlley” came to be. Find out what Michelle and Kendra think about training in other modalities as a way to keep their barre classes fresh and interesting.  

Ep. 7 | Collaboration | Interview w. Heather Johnson (BWYA)

Welcome to Episode 7 of the Barre Variations Podcast, where host Michelle DuVall talks about the importance of collaboration in her teaching and work. Then stay tuned to listen to an interview with Heather Johnson, founder of Barre Where You Are. Michelle and Heather discuss Heather’s professional dance career, her love of bringing dance arts to children in schools, and the accessibility of fitness. They chat about different teaching styles and the smart ways to collaborate with clients. Find out the surprisingly useful tools Heather learned while dancing on a cruise ship and how they prepared her for owning her own companies. 

Ep. 6 | Support | Interview w. Melissa Feeney

Welcome to Episode 6 of the Barre Variations Podcast, where host Michelle DuVall shares her strategies for support and what people she likes to surround herself with. Then stay tuned to listen to an interview with Melissa Feeney, creator of The Barre Blog and owner of Barre Goods Co. Melissa takes us behind the scenes of being a blogger, and shares her passion for barre! 

Welcome to Episode 5 of the Barre Variations Podcast, where host Michelle DuVall takes about making aligned choice and the ability to choose again. Then stay tuned to listen to an interview with Lexie Woodmansee, owner of Finesse Fit in Washington state. Lexie takes us through her fitness evolution from fitness enthusiast to opening a studio!  

Subscribe and listen on iTunes, Spotify, Google Play, or our website at www.barrevariations.com. Support the podcast by listening and leaving a review on iTunes. Thank you for supporting!   

 SHOW NOTES: 

COMMUNITY QUESTION: What strategies do you use when making a choice or deciding to say yes or no to something?  

Welcome to Episode 3 of the Barre Variations Podcast, where host Michelle DuVall interviews Kelly Wackerman and Pamela Kennedy, co-founders of The London Method. Hear the ladies chat about “the original method,” how they know they are exactly where they should be, and what happens when their colors show up! In this episode, Michelle also shares her journey to go meet and take class from Esther Fairfax, Lotte Berk's daughter. We also dive into what it means to "own it" and how to just be uniquely YOU!

~Follow Barre Variations on social @barrevariations~ Subscribe and listen on iTunes, Spotify, Google Play, or our website at www.barrevariations.com. Support the podcast by listening and leaving a review on iTunes. Thank you for supporting!     

SHOW NOTES:  

Community Question: What are your unique talents as a barre teacher?? 

In this episode here what fears try to block Michelle, and an interview with Nadia Murdock and Shannon Werner. You'll here all about why community is important to them, and why the joined forces to start the one day community event Barre Babes, Unite!  

~Follow Barre Variations on social @barrevariations~  Subscribe and listen on iTunes, Spotify, Google Play, or our website at www.barrevariations.com. Support the podcast by listening and leaving a review on iTunes. Thank you for supporting!   

 Community Question: What stories are blocking you? 

Welcome to episode 1 of the Barre Variations Podcast! This episode is an introduction to why I started this podcast, sharing my feelings about the new year, and interviewing Jason Williams of Pilates Barre Training. 

~Follow Barre Variations on social @barrevariations~ Subscribe and listen on iTunes, Spotify, Google Play, or our website at www.barrevariations.com. Support the podcast by listening and leaving a review on iTunes. Thank you for supporting!  

COMMUNITY QUESTION: What inspires you?