Between classes, most flexibility gains happen at home. A barre corner needs less space than you think — here's a setup that fits a bedroom wall and a 20-minute routine to go with it.
The barre
A portable double ballet barre gives two heights for different exercises and folds away after practice. Height-adjustable steel means one barre lasts from age 5 to adult — see all configurations in the ballet barres collection.
The floor
Add a cushioned mat for kneeling and floor work, and leg warmers for cold rooms — warm muscles stretch further and safer.
A simple 20-minute barre routine
- Warm-up (5 min): ankle circles, relevé rises ×20, gentle pliés.
- Barre stretches (10 min): leg on the barre — front, side and back splits progressions; 30-second holds, two rounds each side.
- Strength finisher (5 min): slow développés holding the barre, 8 per leg, then 30-second passé balance on each side, no hands.
Add resistance as you grow
Once the routine feels easy, loop a resistance band around the working foot for développés, and finish with foot-stretcher work for line. Consistency beats intensity — 20 minutes, four times a week, transforms flexibility in a season.