Rae of Sunshine!

She’s been a part of the studio for a while now, but we wanted you to formally meet one of labarre’s newest instructors, Rae Sterk!

Rae grew up in West Des Moines, Iowa, a long way from the coast of California! She ventured even further for college as she attended Calvin University in Grand Rapids, MI, where she met her husband, Landon, a Santa Clara native. 

They returned to California for work as Rae taught English at a nearby school while Landon was a software engineer in the heart of Silicon Valley.

Growing up participating in sports as well as ballet and different genres of dance, Rae was active from the get-go.  In high school she played softball, golfed and did synchronized swimming, however she wouldn’t define herself as an athlete and notes, “I was always terrified of the gym! But I liked certain forms of exercise, especially low impact ones. While I was in college, there was a barre studio that opened and it offered a student discount.”

Always open to new things, Rae decided to try it and connected immediately with the routine. ​

“I loved the classes and have forever since.  Barre has been my favorite kind of workout.  It was the first one that wasn’t intimidating.  The form came naturally to me because I had danced and grew up doing ballet so I loved it.  I loved the music and the people!”  After moving to California, Rae knew she would want to keep attending barre classes.  She tested out several different studios in the area and then she found labarre in 2021.

“It has the best community feel out of any of the studios I had been to and that was what made me stay.  I liked that it felt like the ‘right place.’    After being a student for a while I made the leap to become an instructor because I enjoyed it so much.  I simply feel filled up when I do it.”

Labarre’s community stands out to not only Rae, but to those who are willing to join and more importantly, actively participate.  “I just love that everyone is welcome.  There are several other places that say everyone is welcome, but labarre proves it.  The emphasis on all body types, all ages, the emphasis on diversity, that is unique and it’s not something found everywhere.  I haven’t experienced it in other studios.”

The studio also offers selection and that was a selling point for the well-rounded Rae.  “There are so many different class types as well.  I’ve done Bar Method and Pure Barre, and they have some heated options but overall, it’s just barre.  At labarre studios we have HIIT, yoga, barre, and you can alternate classes so it adds to the whole-body workout!” 
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The studio space alone offers so much for its members and Rae reflects on 1445 The Alameda with pride. ​

“It simply feels like a neighborhood place to go.  I like how the people I have met there have been really friendly.  Being from the Midwest it sometimes is hard to find genuinely friendly people, but they are in abundance here! (and as I write this I agree as I am from Minnesota and have lived in Philly, Kansas City, Denver, Phoenix to name a few places!)

Adding to the studio's charm are the talented wellness providers on the premises. 

“The studio is wonderful and focuses on your body health like other studios do, but here it continues on and focuses on overall wellness.” On the transition from student to teacher, the leap wasn’t so massive for Rae, but she had some doubts at first. ​

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“When they offered instructor training, every time I saw it promoted, I had a little tug, like ‘Maybe I could do it!?  Maybe I have those skills!?’  Having been a classroom teacher, I know how to be at the front of a room and give direction and have that presence, so that was something that I already had, but I was more nervous about coming up with class structure and workouts because I was so used to having someone come up with it for me.  It came more naturally than I expected, and I just love it.”​

When not on the studio floor and looking for an escape, Rae and Landon find themselves at home in the kitchen.  Cooking and baking are a treat for the couple and while teaching feeds Rae’s soul, Landon’s culinary expertise in the kitchen working with plant based recipes simply feeds the two!  Stepping out of the chef role, they both put on their explorer hats.  California offers boundless sites to explore, and Rae and Landon are on the go in their down time, visiting all that the amazing state has to offer.
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If you are in the area and thinking of taking a class with Rae… don’t hesitate!  This Iowan turned Californian will tell you her classes – which will make you shake and quake – are also a great time!

“My classes go by fast, and they are fun. You will work every part of your body before my class is over.  Even if you come in on a bad or stressful day, by the end, you will be grateful and have a positive outlook.  Your mood will change when we are done!”

Why not come see Rae?  If you know her, you love her as we do and she is waiting for you at labarre