So you have a barre certification, you are well-versed in the terminology, have the anatomy down pat, can cue exercises effectively and have great timing. However, there’s so much more to teaching barre than explaining exercises. If you’re looking to get hired as an instructor, or are currently instructing and want to increase your value, have you thought about what other unspoken or overlooked qualities studio owners might be looking for?
If you want to stand out as a barre instructor, here are some things to think about to help you land and maintain the gig of your dreams.
Source: The Barre + Yoga Experience
Have You Taken One of Their Classes Before?
This may seem simple but have you actually sampled their method before applying for a job there? “As a studio owner, whenever someone applies or reaches out looking for a teaching gig, the first thing I do is look up their account and see if they’ve taken classes,” says Angela Vieira of The Barre + Yoga Experience.
Making a Connection Is Everything
According to Angela Vieira, there’s so much more to being a barre instructor than being well-versed in the exercises and teaching the class. Creating a lasting relationship with your students is paramount to ensuring your class numbers build and your community grows.
She suggests breaking down the connection into three parts. Before, during and after class.
Before Class – One of the easiest but maybe overlooked things an instructor can do before class (even if it’s online) is to greet them using their name. “Introduce yourself and ask the student if they’ve taken barre before, if they have any injuries and maybe something to really develop a connection like ‘do you live around here?'” Angela suggests. “If your student is a regular still connect with them before class. You can ask how their weekend was or how they’re feeling after their last class.”
During Class – “It’s important to remember this is their workout, not yours,” Angela says. “So often I see teachers with their backs to students or face down in the mat. At that point, we’re not teaching anymore – the focus gets taken away from students and there’s nothing more disconnecting.”
She suggests making eye contact and telling students they’re doing a great job. Motivate them by using their names. Something, I personally think works really well.
After Class – Setting aside a few moments for housekeeping at the end of class is important. When the class is wrapping up, Angela suggests reminding everyone of your name and when they can take a class with you again. Answer any questions they might have too, follow-up is just as important as the introduction and the connection you make in class.
Lastly, Angela suggests checking in with as many students as you can. “I never let a student leave without saying goodbye, if I miss them, I often yell to them in the parking lot – it seems excessive but it is important!”
Source: The Barre + Yoga Experience
Mindfully Challenge Body-shaming Language
We might not even realize we’re doing it sometimes, but body-shaming language can creep into our dialogue, especially in a world with narrow beauty ideals. According to Adrienne Rabena of Barre Eclipse, one of the main things all instructors should learn is to be aware of body-shaming language. “In my online barre teacher training program, we have an entire module dedicated to ‘waking up’ to the myths we’ve been fed about health and our bodies,” Adrienne says. “In this module, we discuss how to create a truly empowering environment for students and how to use inclusive language in our instruction, too.”
Body-shaming language can be very subtle that we might not even notice that we’re making back-handed compliments. Something like “you’re so brave for wearing a crop top to class, I could never do that,” might come off as insulting. It implies that despite their size, showing skin is an act of bravery when really they should be allowed to wear whatever they feel most comfortable in.
Always Be Furthering Your Education
So you have a barre certification. Maybe you’ve also been trained in related disciplines like yoga or Pilates. What about advanced training? According to Lori Winter, the Director of Operations and Master Trainer for BarreAmped®, instructors who are motivated to continue their own education can give them an edge over other potential hires.
“Clients can tell when an instructor is simply phoning it in, as opposed to the fresh energy and new skills they bring to class after taking a workshop or advanced training,” says Lori. “If you’re an independent contractor hired by a boutique fitness studio, this is the kind of edge you want to ensure you’re the in-demand teacher who can fill up classes.”
Taking Care of Yourself Is Just as Important
In addition to your physical health, are you taking care of your mental health? “No one can pour from an empty cup,” says Lori Winter. “We teach the importance of warm-up, cool down, rest days, nourishing and fueling your body for activity, breathing well and deeply, etc.”
You Won’t Be An Effective Teacher If You’re Burnt Out
Here’s some good news! Worried that you have to take the entire class along with the clients? That can cause you to burn out and is not the best way for clients to get the most out of the class. “Overtraining can easily creep in and take over if instructors are taking the classes they’re teaching. We encourage our trainees to demo exercises, but to also come away from the teacher barre and focus on the clients in the room,” says Lori. “Do your own more intense exercise as a student when you can fully connect your mind to your body and be present.”
