Ballet moves for the booty

A workout that combines techniques from ballet, yoga and Pilates has come to the Hibiscus Coast for the first time.

Kelly Barnett of Mainly Dance Studios on the North Shore brought Booty Barre to Orewa last month.
Her background in ballet, as well as fitness, attracted her to the programme, which originated in the United States. Kelly completed her Booty Barre training in Sydney.

What she loves about the class is that it is accessible for everyone, being low impact, and “it tones like crazy”.

There is no actual dancing involved – the techniques taken from ballet are all about stretching, and holding poses to strengthen muscles and improve flexibility.

“The idea is to stretch and tone, creating long lean muscles instead of bulk,” Kelly says.

Around 60 percent of the time is spent at the barre, doing squats and other moves. “Expect to spend a lot of time in a squat position,” Kelly says.

There is also a section that focuses on the abdominal muscles, and another using light weights to sculpt the arms.

“It’s a full body workout – including your brain!”

Kelly offers a free trial. The classes are recommended for those over the age of 16 and are held at Centrestage Theatre, Kingsway School and Orewa College. Info: www.mainlydancestudios.com