Bar ballets or barre are the railings that most of the dancers use to bring certain positions and movements in a balance. These are used as rehearsal items. Dancers use these for warm up exercises as well.
Types: These are generally of two types including fixed and portable option.
Fixed: These are most often mounted on walls and permanent. These can not move. It is a horizontal rod that is attached to the wall.
Portable: These are free standing items that can be moved easily. It is also a horizontal rail that can be moved easily when required. This helps to develop strength and balance especially for the beginners. This should not be too heavy so that it can pick up easily by the dancers. Mostly the portable ballet bars are horizontal and single line. However, some square and triangular shapes are also available. These may require more storage space than a single line barre. Sometimes these are formed in a way that can be fold easily.
Size: There is no standard and specific size for that bar. It all depends on the way this bar is constructed and the material used. Usually the bar has diameter not more than 2 inches. The bar of 1-1/2 or 2 inches is considered the best and comfortable option. Heights of these bars also vary. However, mostly just above the waist or forty plus inches are preferred. The shortest length is usually 4 feet. Bars more than 12 feet are too heavy and can not handled with convenience.
Material: These can be made with the help of metal, plastic and wood.
Wood: the most classic material used for this purpose. It is comparatively light weight material and the end product it produces is also nice in touch and appearance. These are available in six plus lengths and expensive as well. The rails made of cheap wood may deteriorate and damaged easily. Wood rails are weaker than metal made item. However, stronger as compared to plastic.
These can be used as fixed bars with floor or wall support. However, when used as portable item this is not so efficient. The bar may damage with frequent motions.
Metal: This is comparatively inexpensive and strong choice. Most of the dancers preferred this material. However, its cost depends on the metal that is used. It has greater strength. Some metals used are aluminum, and steel.
Aluminum is light weighted but weak item when compared with steel. This requires more appropriate support as well. Moreover, aluminum bar must be coated with some special powder otherwise it will turn your hands black when handled frequently. Aluminum is also bit expensive than steel.
Plastic: It is the most inexpensive and light item that can be used easily with great convenience. Moreover, it is the most available material. It is usually not recommended for fixed barres because these are not that much strong.
As a portable item, these are very suitable especially when the budget is tight and most of the student crew is young. Moreover, if someone opens a new studio, plastic barres are the best available option. A drawback associated with this item is that these may break with heavy weight of student's legs and feet.
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