 We have been receiving many stories after my initial posting of this blog about a month ago. The stories have not only been beyond inspirational for me but also, frankly, mind blowing to grasp the depth and importance that the studio has brought to so many who are proud to call themselves part of its community. Below is one from one of the most brilliant and kind people ever to grace our floor. Please take a few moments to enjoy.
I’m not one for hyperboles, so believe me when I say this: Labarre Studios saved my life. I discovered Labarre in the summer of 2018. I was scouring Craig’s List, looking for a summer job, when I came across a listing for a part time childcare attendant. I had experience with kids and I saw that the job benefits included a free membership. As a dancer looking to stay active that summer, that perk sealed the deal. I applied, interviewed with Lisa, and was hired. What I thought was going to be just a way to take free classes and meet cute kids, turned into a family and community that has changed my life over the past four years. In the Spring of 2019, I was at college in New York when my mental health began to slip. I fell into a depression so deep, I completed the last six weeks of the semester from home in California. While most of my friends spent that summer with internships, I knew that I had to focus on healing. That involved lots of conversations with my therapist, but it also meant heading back to Labarre, where Lisa and Sara welcomed me with open arms. The summer of 2019 at Labarre most certainly saved my life. There were so many times that I felt suicidal and was literally pulled out of a hole by walking into that studio and taking a deep breath. That summer, Lisa encouraged me to become a certified instructor. The training and Lisa’s guidance gave me a newfound purpose that continued to tamp down my depression and bring out my old, happy self. The summer of 2019 alone would justify me calling Labarre a life-saver, but anyone who knows the studio knows that Labarre is never there for you just once.  Come spring of 2020, I was home for the shutdown. Lisa asked me if I would teach virtual classes and I readily agreed. For the first six weeks of quarantine, I taught a barre class every single day. Only two or three were through LaBarre, but on my days off, I would teach classes for my family and friends over zoom. That hour was a way for me to connect with my friends in other states and get my body moving after spending the day sitting in front of a computer. I am a big fan of talking about mental health and am a true believer in the importance of therapy and medication. I don’t believe that having good friends or taking walks is enough to cure my depression. But I am confident that LaBarre played a major role in my recovery. The combination of physical activity, positive thinking, and a supportive community, filled the dark gaps the medication couldn’t reach. Whether I was taking an 8:00pm HIIT or teaching a 7:15am barre, my soul was being healed in that studio. In May of 2020, I moved across the country for work and have not returned to San Jose for longer than 3 months. I have had amazing career opportunities in campaigns and now in Congress. But still, LaBarre remains the best job I have ever had. Not just my time as an instructor, but my time behind the front desk. Lisa and Sara have built a team that truly feels like a family. Furthermore, they prioritized my growth as a person and an employee by consistently granting me additional responsibilities and allowing me to use my previous skills in new ways to help the studio. I am currently living in Washington DC, but I know that in a few years I will be making my way back to San Jose. I have no doubt in my mind that when I do, I will be able to walk right back into LaBarre and pick up where I left off — after updating my training certification, of course! 
3 Comments
 About a week ago, I wrote a story about how labarre had saved my life… not only once, but twice. That blog can be found right HERE. As the owner and founder of the nearly five-year-old studio I knew all too well that starting a small business in California was as risky a challenge as I could ever face. I hunkered down with the help of some incredible people and put my heart and soul into it succeeding and never lost sight of the goal. That goal was to build an oasis for the mind, body and spirit of all who stepped through the front door. Little did I know that labarre would have residual benefits that were exponentially greater than what I intended it to achieve… This incredible story is in response to the post I created. Overly grateful for Carleigh Burdine and hope you will read her story as well.
Labarre Studios saved my postpartum body, and got me through state-to-state commuting with a nine month old, and a move. I wish I could’ve taken the studios with me to Washington State. I am a barre Instructor now, because of Lisa Alberino, her vision, and the incredible souls who’ve followed her. My second son was a large baby with a large head, and I went from running 5Ks, half-marathons, doing high-impact Hip Hop, and 12-hour night shifts high risk OB to limping on a long walk. There is not an option to not take your toddler to the park, or not baby-wear your 9 lb. newborn. You simply must solider-on.
So, I was limping down the Alameda with my double-stroller, after a particularly grueling barre class at another popular chain, when I met Lisa. She was warm, exuberant, intense, and authentic. And she saw my hurt. Everything hurt. And all they would tell me was that I had 2 babies in 2 years. And I needed time to recover. I did not have time to wait. I needed to be a mom, a nurse, a wife, and a human today. Even though, I had already been doing barre for 4 years by then, Lisa brought a humanity to her practice, that helped me heal.
I cried at the end of my first class knowing my babies were in loving hands. And someone gave a sh*t about me from the inside out. They encouraged me to heal that way. “Focus on yourself, your breath, and taking this time. The rest will come.” And they were right. I tear up just thinking about it. The move to Washington State did not save our family or my marriage. But teaching barre has. And now, I get to tell my clients to take that moment of gratitude for their bodies, their breath, and their life. What a gift, Lisa, words will never suffice.
6/12/2022 3 Comments How labarre studios saved my life! I feel its time to share my story. I know what you’re thinking … did I really read this correctly? The answer is, “yes you did! I have been thinking about sharing my story for quite some time and with our 5-year anniversary coming up on July 14th, 2022, I feel now is the time to be real. When I opened labarre studios in July 2017 my energy and enthusiasm was at an all high. During this time my dad was managing a terminal illness which ended up taking his life months before we opened. I lost my dad, and he didn’t get to see my dream come to fruition. This event absolutely broke my heart both figuratively and literally.
The excess stress settled in my heart and it started to beat out of rhythm in a very dangerous combination of Atrial Fib and Atrial Flutter. This condition is well known as “broken heart syndrome”. The only thing that regulated my heart was exercise, so when I was doing barre, this rhythm corrected. Once I was diagnosed, the surgeons moved quickly to perform corrective surgery on my heart. As I was being prepared for surgery, I was quietly wearing heart rate monitors daily, while teaching classes to record my heart rhythm. No one noticed, and I didn’t make any mention of it. Fast forward to the financial and emotional devastation of Covid-19 when my husband, Rob Alberino, lost his job as the Vice President of the San Francisco 49ers along with 33 million other Americans. Like many others, our world had crashed. Labarre Studios was in a forced shut-down and we were in limbo of what was next to come.  The urgency of this situation had me so hyper focused on our family and labarre that I ignored signs of an infection and was simply treating the symptoms while ignoring the signs. I was also being a good citizen by staying away from overly crowded hospitals that were dealing with the covid global pandemic with record numbers of deaths daily. Here’s where I give a big “shout out” to our Acupuncturist, Angelica Acton, who pointed out to me not once but twice that she was seeing signs of kidney infection through her exams and treatments. I made an appointment right away but couldn’t get into a doctor for a few weeks. Unfortunately, this spread to sepsis and septic shock. I landed in ICU in the infectious disease wing with all the Covid patients and wasn’t allowed any visitors. Ironically, or not, the nurse that checked me in was a labarre studios member and she promised me that she would stay with me and assured me that I was in good hands. My, how the tables had turned ….
I don’t know what I would have done without labarre studios during these difficult times. Taking classes and seeing our community brought me so much joy I will be forever grateful. Interestingly enough I am not the only person who can say “labarre has saved my life” as I have seen and heard this over and over again from our community over the past 5-years. I have heard the following phrase multiple times, “if I didn’t have labarre studios in my life, I may not be here today.” We have had staff and members who have lost siblings, husbands, children, nephews, friends, aunts, grandparents, parents and more. We have had members who have experienced mental health challenges, lost their careers, experienced illnesses, death and divorce who and have clung to labarre studios during the toughest of times. We have boarded up our building during the instability of this world due to events like George Floyd’s murder and the epidemic of gun violence we experience all too often.
Today we can shout that we are still standing as a business, and we are even stronger and better from the inside out. Again, both figuratively and literally!
I even had a mental health therapist cancel her membership due to a conflict of interest because she recommends labarre studios to her patients to help them in their own personal healing. So when someone says to me, “why do you put so much effort and time into your studio? Wouldn’t you be better off to sell it or move on from it now that you live in Kansas City?” My answer is simple, “because labarre studios saves lives.” We cannot be everything to everyone, but to someone we can be everything. We would love to hear how labarre studios is helping you or has made a difference in your life ... maybe even saved your life! Lets not keep secrets any longer and see if together we can help others! Xo ~ Lisa 4/17/2022 1 Comment Meet Karen Zell! If you have ever been to a labarre class, then you must surely know the fabulous Karen Zell. Yes, Karen… you know the one who has been here since the VERY beginning!! “My family was going to dinner at Zona Rosa, and we saw the coming soon sign on the bank doors as we were walking by and I thought … ‘Ohhhh a new barre place! I’ve got to get in at the ground level!’ So, I went that night and I joined without even taking a class. I looked at a lot of other places before, like Pure Barre and Barre 3, and I like that type of modality as I have had a lot of sports injuries and barre worked for me, so I joined that night. I took the first class the next morning at the underground facilities and that was that!” Karen joined labarre in the underground days of 2016. She is what we consider a labarre OG! She is also a Bay Area OG as this Santa Clara native was born in raised in the South Bay and proudly continues to call it home.
The community of labarre has also been home for this fitness warrior who has done everything from aerobics to gymnastics as well as outdoor activities across many levels including horseback riding and more! It’s no surprise that she immerses herself in the place that she lives. As a matter of fact, Karen has taken that love for the community and Santa Clara with her throughout her career. She is part of the Santa Clara Unified system and she supports a team of 18 librarians as she herself was a librarian at an elementary school. Now at an elevated position, Karen visits schools to help with lesson planning and best practices across the area. If that is not enough, Karen is reaching her year anniversary at labarre as an instructor and her journey to get there was one of motivation and commitment. “When I look back” Karen notes, “It’s been a lot harder than I thought it would be!” Karen was a student for 4 years and shifted less than a year ago into a lead role. “I thought this was going to be easy I had steadily done it, but I didn’t realize the many layers that were involved! Doing the exercises while thinking through the music and movements… I just had no idea. It’s been a great challenge which is why I wanted to do it. I needed to fill my mind and my body with a good active challenge and its definitely doing that.” She is feeling out her style and she loves to have fun. “I feel funny and silly, and I am chattery and really like to keep the class going. I try to go next to people and motivate and teach. It’s really been fun and I know the students enjoy it.”  Karen (center) teaches a full class at labarre! But the underlying reasoning for instructing was insightful and important as well. “The big motivation for me is defining healthy. Being healthy means having freedom. My family history has a lot of obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure, things that have prevented my family from going out and doing normal, healthy things. Especially with COVID and the past years, it means being able to continue to do the activities that I want to for the rest of my life. It’s now more important than ever. Labarre has really allowed me to keep that alive.” Karen continues to share her journey, “The timing of it was key and the state of the world was a part of it. I was at an all-time weight last spring. I had a little ‘come to Jesus’ talk with myself and something had to give. I was tired of online classes and tired of seeing what I was, and I needed a big kick in the pants! I was feeling low and enough was enough. I needed something bigger and that’s when the decision to teach came. It was a commitment because I would have to continue this on… it couldn’t just be a one-time thing. You must be fit to be an instructor. You just can’t get fit for one event… continually creating and getting better is what it would take to get there. It was a big picture thing.” Karen notes what labarre founder and owner, Lisa Alberino put out a call to add to the instructor lineup, “That was it! I signed up.”
Karen’s passion for life is infectious and when not better herself and others at the studio, she loves hanging out with her friends and this may come as a huge shocker… she is an avid reader! Yes, this librarian practices what she preaches! (By the way have you joined the #labook club yet? If not, you should because its free and awesome… but back to Karen!)
Both of her kids are now in college so travelling is always a wonderful escape for Karen and her husband when she’s not cuddled up with a book. Any chance they can get out of town and explore is time well spent. “Just travelling, camping… doing the empty-nest thing is wonderful” she says with a smile. So why try Karen’s class? Why try labarre? Why change up your routine?? “Just go for it – you lose nothing in trying! Try it on and see how it feels and you will never be sorry for trying!” Words of wisdom from Karen Zell. 9/13/2021 1 Comment Transformation at its Finest!When we last connected with founding member, Trinidad Pena, he gave us some great information. Born and raised in Santa Clara, CA, Trinidad is a staple in the neighborhood. He’s coming up on his 4th anniversary as a married man (lucky husband, Francisco better have a nice gift for him!)
“I took a manifestation challenge. Asking myself, what do you desire? And I thought about it for a while, I really thought it through. The truth is, the thought of barre kept coming through my head. I kept a journal and reviewed it often. 98% of it was all about becoming an instructor – manifesting that desire.” Trinidad shared. “There was a significant focus on the mind, body, spirit connection and I was ready to go for it.” For Trinidad, dealing with the stresses of COVID was as simple as two core thoughts: Stay healthy and stay sane.  “Mental health has always been important to me. Like most people I was a victim of high anxiety and depression, but COVID amplified it. So, I moved forward with the thought of becoming a barre instructor, but I was quiet about it and figured I would share it when I was ready.” Trinidad notes that owner, founder, Lisa Alberino helped in the decision making as well as the process of transforming from student to teacher. “Lisa was a huge influence in this and the equipe she has carefully assembled was incredibly supportive. As a student I was unconsciously being taught to be a teacher at labarre the entire time.” Trinidad has seen his fair share of classes as he began with the studio over 4 years ago completing hundreds and hundreds of classes. “A big influence was a purpose to serve and be in studio with people since the underground – seeing their hard work and seeing them becoming healthier inspired me.” How was Trinidad going to use this inspiration and switch places from pupil to instructor? Easy. He was going to use his creativity. “Personally, and professionally one of my goals this year was to be more creative. The opportunity to do so and to lead while doing it was right there.” He continues. “I had to get out of the cycle of ‘Is this good enough?’ I needed to boost that confidence and as I always say ‘Chest is proud, dig a little deeper!’  That pride has led Trinidad to the front of the class in one of the most difficult times this country has ever seen. Going front and center not only in studio but also virtually means taking your game to the next level. In his class you expect to get great instruction because of one key ingredient: The willingness from the members to embrace the situation as well. “We are going to work big time, but we are going to have fun! I go into the studio and get people inspired. New members allow me to see their progress in only a few class sessions and that fuels me!”
Trinidad’s methods are simple, effective, and embraced. He ‘goes with the flow’ and works alongside of those lucky enough to come to his classes. And what occurs during class? “Let’s see what happens – we may not be perfect. But I know we will surely be having fun!” After speaking with Trinidad, he closes the interview with a great thought. “For me, yesterday a member said, ‘I love coming to your class – there’s just something about your energy… it just turns a tough day around.’ That warms my heart because that’s inspires me and allows me to serve with purpose to my La Barre community. That’s why I chose to do this!” Won’t you try and feel that energy from Trinidad? Sign up for one of his amazing classes, HERE! 6/10/2021 0 Comments My Story
I had never run more than a 10K in my life, but ½ marathons were trending at the time … I justified the race as a great way to meet people and I do love the way running shapes my body. The irony is, I adore the excitement of race day and the camaraderie that ensues, but I absolutely detest the act of running!
But this race was different … It was sexy! First off, it was held in San Francisco, what a better backdrop to take my mind off of every pace of the run? Secondly, all finishers receive a Tiffany necklace (maybe that should have been my first bullet point!?) Lastly, there are firefighters in suspenders waiting to party with the runners at the finish line. Oh, and did I fail to mention that Ghirardelli chocolates are given to everyone after they complete the race? SOLD! The bummer is, through all of my training for the 1/2 marathon, I unfortunately tore my right hip labrum. My hip would periodically “lock up” and I would have to endure the most excruciating pain I had ever felt. I consulted with a Stanford surgeon who noted that the only way to repair this type of injury was with surgery. The surgery would be evasive, boasted a long recovery period, and required the use of a walker for six months. Compounding this woeful news, this doctor also shared that there was no guarantee that the surgery could fully eliminate the challenges I was facing. He recommended trying physical therapy (PT) a minimum of 5-days a week in lieu of the aforementioned surgery.  Having a degree in physiology & kinesiology, I am familiar with physical therapy and what it entails. PT is neither fun nor engaging for the mind, and it is certainly not built for consistency. While pondering options, a friend mentioned to me that she had maintained her running weight for an entire year by replacing running with barre classes. Barre workouts are engaging and focus on building strength in the hips, glutes, and core. The structure of a barre class is inviting, along with a friendly and welcoming environment which also engages the mind. I felt more comfortable committing to something that had this type of appeal, plus it’s no secret that PT is expensive and can add up fast! Plain and simple, what happened next changed my life. I joined a local barre studio, took 5+ classes per week, strengthened my hip, avoided surgery, and ran my personal best ½ marathon time!
My story isn’t over there. It continually evolves, like labarre studios which I founded in 2017. The studio at 1445 The Alameda in San Jose, California has become a testament to shifting and pivoting and allowing people, like you and I, to expand our horizons and give us the best fitness experience around. Barre, Pilates, Yoga, HIIT, meditation and more are on the menu when you walk in our front doors. This balanced menu of options is amplified by some of the finest wellness providers in the Bay Area including esthetician and facial services, massage therapy, chiropractic, acupuncture, lashes, skincare and more! My story has twists and turns and still remains to be fully written. Are you to write new chapters in your story? We at labarre would love to be a part of it!  1/27/2021 0 Comments labarre Spotlight - Julie Saccento Birthday: September 27th Hobbies: travel, barre (!), online shopping, learning about the enneagram, trying new & awesome restaurants (can’t wait to be able to do this again someday), visiting and exploring my favorite city and old stomping grounds, NYC. Family Life: Husband, 3 kids (Luke-13, Mia-11, Jack-6), cat, bunny, and a new puppy … pure chaos! Day Job: Montessori School Administrator Favorite color: PURPLE Food: Sushi Song: SO many. I love many genres of music spanning several decades, so it’s hard to pick just one song. But, “You Make My Dreams” by Hall & Oates always, ALWAYS brings a smile. Playlist: Actually, I’ll never forget Leilani’s 80’s barre playlist with so many of the songs from my childhood - Paula Abdul, Janet Jackson, Debbie Gibson, Fame, Huey Lewis. I loved that playlist so hard! Book: Anything by Glennon Doyle Thing to do during lockdown: well, not really a THING to do, but I have grown a DEEP appreciation for spending all day in yoga pants. To the degree that I now feel quite offended when I have to put on “real” pants.
Training: Drumming with Krissy KT in November 2019, and then (finally) Barre Intensity in August 2020 What led you to barre: I was drawn to barre because of my background in dance. As an adult, I struggled to find an exercise modality that I enjoyed enough to stick with. I knew that if I could tap into the only exercise that I had ever truly enjoyed - dance - that I would have found something that I would want to come back to again and again. What led you to labarre: I first came to labarre at the recommendation of Amber (Bilak Yip) during the end of the underground days and I believe that the universe led me to this incredibly special place. Labarre came into my life at a time when I truly needed healing. I had recently lost my little brother and was searching for a way to find myself again. I first fell in love with the way that labarre’s classes made my body and mind feel - an hour when I could focus on myself and not my grief. However, before long I recognized that there was more going on and that labarre was also helping to heal my soul. There is a magic here for those who are open to accepting it and letting it in. I am forever grateful to have found labarre at a time when I needed it most.  Philosophy/their WHY: Because everyone deserves to find something that fills them up and makes them feel good, inside and out! Classes they teach: drumming & barre Favorite classes to practice: drumming Instagram handle: julie.saccento
Advice for new students: My advice to new students would be to know that there is no judgment here, this CAN be for everyone, regardless of body type or previous experience, and to make it work for you. And if you’re trying drumming for the first time … just have fun, keep moving, and come back again because I’m not sure anyone feels like they nailed their first drumming class! First class experience: I convinced myself that I was “just there for the workout," but of course everyone was so encouraging, warm, and welcoming that I was hooked by the feeling of the community. I came back the following morning for my second class! Piece of gratitude from the last year: Oh gosh … it’s been a crazy year, but I am overwhelmed with gratitude. Gratitude for my own health and the health of my family. Gratitude for my job because it’s given me purpose despite the many challenges that COVID has presented. Gratitude for my kids’ school and the fact that they have been learning despite all of this. Gratitude for a safe, warm home, wine, grocery delivery, and Amazon Prime. Gratitude for labarre for encouraging me to get outside to take classes in the sunshine and fresh air and for fostering a community of truly amazing and KIND humans.
1/21/2021 0 Comments labarre Spotlight : Sarah Hays It's time to spotlight our guests, instructors, and those who make labarre studios the oasis that it is right here in the South Bay. We have written about our amazing members and equipe in the past and, in this new series, we will dig a little deeper and have some fun as we shine the spotlight once again... and first up is the lovely, Sarah Hays! Birthday - November 2nd Person I'd most like to meet: His Holiness the Dalai Lama Favorite TV show - Real Housewives of Beverly Hills (yes really!) Hobby: Coloring (I can even stay inside the lines! LOL) Day Job: Senior Director of Student Services, School of Education & Counseling Psychology at Santa Clara University; Lecturer in Public Health Program, College of Arts & Sciences, Santa Clara University Instagram handle: sidhaysnamaste
What brought me to labarre: I had done kickboxing for quite a while, had done the big gym stuff and wanted something "else". I found labarre, signed up, and my life has never been the same. I have made amazing friends, I have my Labarre family, and my happy place. What is my barre philosophy: My barre philosophy, my 'why' for taking barre (and HIIT, yoga, fusion, and drumming!) and teaching nearly all of them, is that it makes me better. I look better but I feel better. I'm more confident; I am happier after every class. I am a better wife, a better coworker, better daughter, sister, and friend. I am more joyful after all those endorphins are rocking through my body and I want everyone in my classes to feel the same way! What do I teach: Barre Signature, HIIT, and Fusion Favorite to practice: Barre!!
Advice for new students: Remember that we were all new students once. You are here with us, and we are so excited to see you! Try everything to see what speaks to you. You will find your tribe, your teachers, and your classes that bring you joy. My first class experience: I found labarre at the tail end of the underground days. I was so excited to sign up but nervous as hell the first day of class! I wanted to be perfect but had no idea what I was doing, so naturally I wasn't going to be perfect; I wasn't perfect (and I still am not!) but had a wonderful time and couldn't wait to come back...and here we are, in 2021, still learning and growing, teaching and sharing the joy. Piece of gratitude for 2020: I'm grateful for the little things. I love the little things. The biggest little thing was a driveway in April when we had to cancel our wedding; it's where I got to say "I do" to the love of my life. It was all we needed-- that driveway, our officiant, our rings, and each other. The little things are the best things.
11/22/2020 0 Comments Time to PIVOT! 2020 strikes again. And with every hit this year lands on labarre studios, my equipe, and those around me, I brace for impact and regain my balance only to swing back. We have pivoted over and over in the past few months as you already know! 2020 hits: we create a massive virtual library. 2020 hits again: we take our classes outdoors. 2020 hits yet again: we take our wellness providers outdoors. 2020 hits yet again: we add LIVESTREAM to our virtual platform 2020 hits harder, yet again: we find a way to pivot and that is where we are now. Introducing, #OperationPivot!  If we only had a DeLorean, we’d go back to the future, because 2020 has me feeling a little bit like Marty McFly! In 2016, I had a vision of bringing a barre-inspired studio right here in San Jose, specifically in our historic building, and I faced pushback from a few angles including franchised studios. It didn’t stop me. With focus and passion I assembled an incredible team of founding instructors and we began building out 1445 The Alameda… but I needed to get labarre studios off the ground as our build-out took almost 9 months and rent had to be paid. So, I decided to teach classes for free for 5+ months, certify instructors, and start building our community as we were creating our oasis before the drywall was up and the building was completed.
During this time, I needed a space to achieve this lofty goal, and I was lucky enough to connect with Donna Maruoka, Founder and Director of Roundhill Studios. Donna has been a part of the ballet & dance community for decades and after her studio suffered crippling damage from a fire, she relocated to her space at 1043 Garland Avenue in San Jose, CA. There she continued on with her work with dancers of all ages. Donna and Roundhill proved to be a great landing spot for labarre to launch, and we created our underground classes which were the foundation of our business! In under a half of a year we left Roundhill Studios and opened our doors on The Alameda always keeping Donna and her studio in our hearts and our family. You may notice the photos in the lobby of the ballet dancers around our studio, those photos were gifts from Donna and Roundhill Studios!
Well call Doc Brown and find some plutonium… because we are back at Roundhill! Thanks to Donna and Roundhill, we have found a way to keep in-person classes alive as the pandemic is forcing our in-studio classes to be shut down for the third time at labarre. Her open-air studio – which is a safe alternative as we slide into the Purple Tier here in Santa Clara – is ready to roll! With a huge garage door and open windows to allow for great air flow and safety for the members and instructors, we are returning to where it all began. We are headed back to the future for the time being! This movement has been coined, #OperationPivot! It’s not ideal but neither is anything that 2020 has thrown at you, your family, your friends and your life! We here at labarre are losing sleep so you will have one less thing to worry about. Assuring that you are doing your very best to feel good physically and mentally is what we strive for. The good news is that our wellness providers are still at 1445 The Alameda and open for business with safety protocols in full effect. Even better, ALL of our classes will continue to be livestreamed so you won’t miss a beat! Have questions or thoughts – email us at info@labarrestudios.com and we will get back to you immediately! It’s time to PIVOT! So grab your mat, props, and smile and we will see you at Roundhill Studios until further notice!  9/17/2020 0 Comments Drumming Up A Story On Julie! Born and raised San Jose you may know Julie as she has been around since, well, the beginning! She is also a wonderful drumming instructor and valued member of our equipe. This original member of labarre transformed into one of our terrific instructors but before we get to the present day, let’s jump into the time machine and get to know Julie and her journey. This Northern Californian decided to head to UC Santa Barbara for school as she received a bachelor’s degree in communications. After school, Julie headed to New York for a change of scenery and fell in love with the city that never sleeps.
Relocating to San Jose, Julie discovered labarre in the Summer of 2017… for those who have been around, we refer to those as the “underground days”! 
 “I had tried a lot of exercise programs, but none of them ever stuck. That was until I tried labarre!” Julie was drawn to the fact that it fit well with her dance background and ballet training, something she had done for the greater part of her life. The unique classes at labarre were a wonderful addition to her routine, but it was the drumming format that captured Julie’s heart. “The fun of the musicality and rhythmic feel was amazing, and it really fit well. I love tap dancing and I feel like when I am drumming, I am tap dancing with my sticks!” The change from student to teacher was about to happen. Never having taught a fitness class, Julie’s love of labarre would catapult her to the front of the class. “The transition from student to instructor was challenging, but it was Lisa [Alberino, Founder] who said ‘I know you can do it and I believe in you!’ I wondered if I should really be instructing, but after making the leap I was thrilled. I think my next step will be teaching barre”.  Julie is a busy mom of three and she also runs a non-profit Montessori school, so her time is limited but she gets her reps in whether she is instructing or enjoying the fruits of being a part of the labarre equipe. An important step in keeping her mind, body and spirit balanced in such challenging times.
“What I have learned from the lessons of 2020, is that the ability to adapt to technology has really been amazing but not as amazing as the ability to connect with people.” Julie continues “As isolating as this all has been, it has been hugely connecting at the same time.” 2020 has affected all of us and when some semblance of normalcy returns, that means Julie and her family will hit the road once again. “We love to travel! We love Tahoe and have spent quite a lot of time skiing and snowboarding, but we adore the beach too, specifically Cabo. We go there as a family every year.” Julie has taken her drumming class outdoors and is set to pull out her sticks and get people moving once again! “I tell my friends, come to my class. First of all, it’s the warmest most welcoming place, there’s absolutely no judgement. When we are drumming, it’s just a release, you can get a workout and rock out. Plain and simple.” Get rocking with Julie as she takes to the great outdoors this week! Sign up HERE  |
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San Jose, CA 95126 |
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