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: The Dailey Method The Dailey Method Instragram Jill Dailey Instagram Sponsors: Barre Where You Are Barre Goods Co Fit For Barre Pointe Studio
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 Website Instagram SPONSORS: Barre Where You Are Barre Goods Co. Fit For Barre Pointe Studio
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: Barre Where You Are Barre Goods Co Fit For Barre Pointe Studio
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: Body by Jenny Niggle Youtube Channel Body by Jenny Instagram Sponsors: Barre Where You Are Barre Goods Co Fit For Barre Pointe Studio
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: Andrea Isabelle Lucas Barre Guild Academy Barre&Soul Sponsors: Barre Where You Are Barre Goods Co. Fit For Barre Pointe Studio
In this episode Michelle talks with Xtend Barre founder Andrea Rogers. They discuss the organic development of Xtend Barre from one class in south Florida to a global franchise. Andrea shares her philosophy when it comes to working with other companies and partnerships, and learning when she needs to set boundaries. Michelle mentions how exciting it was to watch Xtend Barre become a trailblazer in the industry. Andrea shares the trajectory and determination that became her collaboration with OpenFit, the on demand fitness app where her classes can be found. SHOW NOTES: Xtend Barre Andrea Leigh Rogers Xtend Barre on OpenFit SPONSORS: Barre Where You Are Barre Goods Co Fit For Barre Pointe Studio
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. Learn more about Britany: Work out with Britany. Follow Britany on Instagram. SPONSORS Barre Where You Are Barre Goods Co Fit For Barre Pointe Studio
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. Learn more about Nathalie Errandonea-Mewes: NRG Barrebody Studio and On-Demand NRG Barrebody SPONSORS Barre Where You Are Barre Goods Co Fit For Barre Pointe Studio
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. Learn more about Lina Alvarez: The BarreJar Show Notes: Barre Where You Are Barre Goods Co. Fit For Barre Pointe Studio
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. Learn more about Nikki Branning and Door Barre Fitness: https://doorbarrefitness.com and https://www.instagram.com/doorbarrefitness/ Show Notes: Barre Where You Are Barre Goods Co. Fit For Barre Pointe Studio
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: Find and follow Danielle Havens on social media @daniellehavenshealth and visit her website at www.daniellehavens.com . Thank you to the sponsors: Barre Where You Are Barre Goods Co Fit For Barre Pointe Studio
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: Learn more about the B/U Accelerator event. Find out more about Corrine Wainer and SHAKTIBARRE at the website and on Instagram. Podcast Sponsors: Fit For Barre Pointe Studio Barre Goods Co.
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: MORE ON: Benn Rippe and Barre Summit Social: @barresummit Website: www.barresummit.com SIGN UP: Mini Mentoring Mastermind September Sign Up: https://app.acuityscheduling.com/schedule.php?owner=19125509&appointmentType=15875463 PODCAST SPONSORS: Fit For Barre Pointe Studio Barre Goods Co. Barre Where You Are
This month Michelle discusses those pesky questions we ask ourselves when we are doubting our abilities. “Am I doing this the right way? Did I say the right thing?” Michelle explains the importance of not to let those insecurities get in your way and how to reask the questions to be more helpful. Michelle also interviews Briana Milton, a former college athlete, mother, counseling administrator and barre teacher. Together they share postnatal fitness experiences and the mental gymnastics it takes to get back to the barre. Briana explains how she brings movement into her counselling work and the reverse - how she slips in her counselling experience into her teaching method. Later Briana candidly shares her experiences with racism discrimination within the fitness industry and barre community more specifically. Show Notes: Technique Workshop Info: https://barrevariations.com/courses/technique-workshop/ MORE ON: Briana Milton Social: @barre_bri Website: www.barrebri.org PODCAST SPONSORS: Fit For Barre Pointe Studio Barre Goods Co. Barre Where You Are
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: MORE ON: Crystal Widmann Social: @y2bfit @crystalwidmann Website: www.y2bfit.com PODCAST SPONSORS: Fit For Barre Pointe Studio Barre Goods Co.
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 Website: www.laurenleavellfitness.com PODCAST SPONSORS: Fit For Barre Pointe Studio Barre Goods Co. Barre Where You Are More Info on Brink: https://hopin.to/events/brink2020?ref=3313a801cd97
Happy month of love! This month’s theme is “sharing is caring!” The way in which you share your insights with the community at large should be intentional so that you can offer support to others. Michelle offers her example and discusses the need for healing and regrouping. Then Michelle interviews Marnie Duncan, owner of MOD Fitness in Austin, Texas and former Division 1 athlete. After a severe cervical spine injury, Marnie found her way to barre, pilates, and yoga to help recover her body. SHOW NOTES: COMMUNITY QUESTION: What experience can you share that you think others will benefit from when it comes to barre and/or business? 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: Marnie Duncan Social: @marnieduncan and @modfitness Website: www.modfitness.com PODCAST SPONSORS: Fit For Barre Pointe Studio Barre Goods Co.
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: MORE ON: Eryc Taylor and BurnBarre Social: @burnbarre and @burnbarretechnique Website: www.burnbarre.com PODCAST SPONSORS: Fit For Barre Pointe Studio Barre Goods Co.
Welcome to Episode 4 of the Barre Variations Podcast, where host Michelle DuVall interviews Stephanie Lyons, president of Barre Intensity. We chat teaching as a career, burn out, and asking "what's next." Looking to investigate what drives your teaching forward? Tune in for some tips of how to hone in on your Mission, Vision, and Purpose! ~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: How did you get your start in movement/fitness? 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 Find out more about Stephanie Lyons and Barre Intensity by clicking HERE!
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?” 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 George Social: @laurengeorgefitness Website: www.laurengeorgefitness.com