Barretenders

Laura began her dancing journey at 3 years of age with ballet, tap, jazz and modern. She fell in love with teaching at the young age of 15 with the intense discipline of Ju Jitsu and wanted to share the importance of self-defence to her peers. Laura has since broadened her teaching disciplines with Stott Pilates Training, 100HR Yoga Certified and the Barre Life Instructor Certification. She has always loved the interaction with others, hearing their personal goals and working together in a way that motivates and improves. She brings to Barre Life her experience, hilariously outgoing personality and a continuous desire to learn.

Beckie was just a kid dancing for fun who got put forward for an audition for a UK Ballet boarding school at the age of 11. She was fortunate enough to be offered a full scholarship to The Hammond School of Dance. Beckie completed the intense 5 years of training but opted out of the balletic path her teachers had intended for her. She was eager to expand her dance training to incorporate new styles and moved to London UK at the age of 16 to complete 3 years in one of the top UK triple threat colleges. This is where she received a diploma in Performing Arts from Laine Theatre Arts and earned her dance teaching qualifications along with the confidence to begin work with her first job at age 19 as a singer/dancer on Regent Seven Seas and Princess Cruises. Back in the UK she danced for artists such as B.o.B, Jason Derulo, Danny Howard, Example, Ollie Murs, Texas, Garry Barlow also dancing on adverts on UK Television and then launched her own company providing other dancers in the UK and Europe. Beckie moved to Canada in 2017 and completed her Instructor Certification at Barre Life and is always excited to share her amazing talent with our belles!

Julia has been dancing almost her whole life, and fell in love with ballet at a very young age. She recently achieved her Solo Seal Award, the highest examination in the Royal Academy of Dance. Julia has spent summers training across Canada at the Royal Winnipeg Ballet School, the Goh Ballet Academy in Vancouver, and Rhythm and Grace Productions. She was also a part of the Canadian National Ballet’s Nutcracker. Julia loves the barre workout because she is able to incorporate her knowledge of ballet into fun and upbeat exercises. We love having her be a part of the barre life team.

Having discovered her love of barre through practicing at Barre Life Fitness Studio, Lisa decided it would be an exciting opportunity to further her training by completing her Barre Instructor Certification with the studio. With a background in interior design, she was up for the challenge of trying something new and tries to instil this concept of pushing your limits through all of her classes. She loves the interaction with students most of all, while helping them achieve their personal fitness goals.

After suffering a neck and shoulder injury from a car accident, Lorraine joined Barre Life Studio to aid in her rehabilitation and was quickly reminded of all the benefits that come from working out. With a strong background in both gymnastics and figure skating along with her coaching experience, Lorraine was destined for a career in physical fitness. As an Executive Recruiter, her natural tendency to mentor individuals and her genuine ability to connect with people on many levels made her decision to transition into the fitness industry a natural one. Lorraine is a Certified Essentics Level 1 Instrcutor, certified Fitness Trainer (ISSA certified) and is currently working on her Barre Certification. She is passionate about helping others reach their goals.

Patricia (Pat) worked in Marketing Management for over 20 years before embracing her second career in dance-based fitness. She became a certified Group Fitness Instructor with the American Council on Exercise in 2001 while living in New York. She has been teaching for over 15 years, including Cardio Dance, Zumba, Yoga and Barre. Her most recent passion is Essentrics, which combines flexibility and strength to lengthen and rebalance the body. She is delighted to expand this program at Barre Life and hopes to inspire people of all ages and fitness levels.

Sharon took her first yoga class 14 years ago. Although she took classes over the years it wasn’t until she had to give up her first love, running, because of injury, that she developed a consistent yoga practice. Sharon first enjoyed the physical side of yoga, loving the way it constantly challenges her body. She soon discovered the spiritual aspect of yoga and was amazed with how yoga pushed her to be more mindful of her own body, mind and spirit. After years of a consistent yoga practice, Sharon took the next step of going through teacher training to further her own practice. With a background in Social Work, Sharon’s desire to help others help themselves extends to her life as a yoga instructor. Through her classes she encourages her students to find their own peace and strength, providing them with the opportunity and place to be their authentic self. Sharon’s classes create a strong, spacious body and a peaceful mind.