Whether you're a serious dancer or an enthusiast, making your own ballet barre (or bar) will save you money and inspire your fitness. If you're a professional, you can warm up before rehearsal or performance, refine your technique and stay fresh. If you simply like ballet, you'll be able to practice, stretch and strengthen your skills.

Considerations

Before you make any purchases, consider these questions. Would a wall-mounted or portable ballet barre work best for you? Will children and adults be using the barre? Do you have a space that can accommodate a person extending his leg in multiple directions from the barre?

Types

Most ballet barres are supported by metal brackets fixed to a wall or a freestanding floor structure. For a wall-mounted barre, drill the brackets into wall studs for optimal weight support. A freestanding floor barre requires four 1-foot pipes to support the structure, elbow joints, T joints and fasteners. Place sand bags or something similar at the base of the structure to stabilize the barre when using it. The portable ballet barre gives you the convenience of storing it elsewhere when not in use or sharing the space with others. Choose a barre that is durable and smooth. Check that the diameter of the barre gives you a comfortable grip. Traditional barres are wood rods that need to be sanded, stained and finished. However, piping can also be used. Ask for pipes to be threaded and cut to a length that fits your space. Compare prices, materials and space requirements when choosing the brackets for your ballet barre. Review the limits on the brackets' overhang, the span between the brackets and the barre size the brackets will support. The barre should move freely in the brackets.

How to Measure

The advantage of making your own ballet barre is that you can customize the height. The average distance of the barre from the floor is between 36 to 46 inches. Take the following measurements to determine the ideal height for your barre. Stand with a straight back and your feet together. Drop your shoulders and bring your forearms parallel with the floor. Measure the distance from your hand to the floor.

Source:

"Black & Decker Complete Guide to DIY Projects for Luxurious Living: Adding Style & Elegance with Showcase Features You Can Build"; Jerri Ferris; 2008