Practical Application of Floor Barre in Ballet Training

Floor barre in ballet training is one method used to assist students with concepts of dance movement in a nontraditional dance setting. This type of class consists of dance-specific movement in the supine, prone, and side-lying positions, not typical of vertical step-oriented classes. Although this concept is not new and has been expanded upon by many dance professionals, the value of this technique in ballet dancing cannot be underestimated. Floor work can be used to develop a kinesthetic sense of the body's moving through space in addition to isolation of various muscle groups and emphasis on lumbopelvic stability to support a moving body. Emphasis on stability is incorporated into therapeutic exercise programs designed and implemented by practitioners in physical therapy, sports medicine, and athletic training. For dancers who have traditionally trained for a number of years, floor barre can assist with movement repatterning as well as cross-training with carryover to standing movement. This paper discusses floor barre technique in a variety of environments—studio, university, and professional settings. Also included are recommendations for active recovery of performing dancers and alternatives to traditional training techniques.