What is BalleCore?
The signature 55-minute class of the BalleCore program is a perfect blend of Pilates, Ballet and Yoga. The precise sequencing has been devised over years of teaching to best harmonize these three tried-and-true modalities into one dynamic and fluid practice that is anything but routine! The moves of the class take the body through a variety of planes of motion from the mat to standing. This allows for a comprehensive approach to training the core muscles of the body, correcting posture and taking out of the room what you put into the class.
The integration of these three disciplines in a seamless flow is creatively composed and choreographed to inspiring music. If you would never dare go to a Pilates, Ballet or Yoga class you will still enjoy and benefit from BalleCore. This is because the BalleCore class is designed to be accessible, fun and effective for all ages, fitness levels and exercise backgrounds. There is no dancing and there are no steps or combinations to memorize! You can just follow the flow of this low to non-impact class at your own pace.
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[-] Hatha Yoga and BalleCore
The ancient practice of Hatha yoga includes, among several key principles, a series of movements called "asanas" to build a strong flexible physique and to quiet and balance the mind and body. The BalleCore class integrates many of these asanas for their superior ability to enhance body awareness through the breath as well stretching, lengthening and toning muscles and freeing the muscles and joints of tension.
[-] Classical Ballet and BalleCore
Dancers communicate artistically through movement. Yet how they dance challenges and significantly reshapes and conditions the body. Classical ballet refers to a specific dance technique that was developed in late 17th century France and Russia. The artistry and athleticism of the BalleCore class comes from a way of moving derived from ballet, though knowledge of, or experience with ballet is not necessary to obtain the full benefits of BalleCore. This is because the instructor is guiding you through the movements every step of the way.
[-] What is the core?
The spine and the deep abdominal and back muscles that support your pelvis, internal organs, legs and arms form the core of the body. A stronger core allows more efficient movement, improved balance, better organ function and reduces the chance of injury, especially to the back.
[-] What is Pilates?
Originally created by Joseph H. Pilates at the beginning and into the middle of the 20th century and was called 'Contrology'. Mr. Pilates devised his system of physical and mental conditioning for anyone and everyone wanting to maximize their physical and mental potential and viewed it more as a lifestyle than just exercise. The Pilates system was introduced to the dance world for its advanced ability to condition and strengthen the body and for its facility to rehabilitate injuries with less convalescence. Exercises began on the mat and then developed to include a variety of apparatus.
Pilates has gained wild popularity, over the last 15 years especially, because of the phenomenal results that can be achieved by learning the moves and the ruling principles at work, including concentration, control, centering, flowing movement, precision and breathing.
[-] Pilates and BalleCore
Pilates moves comprise an economic use of the body through few repetitions of a variety of exercises that work the Powerhouse (a co-contraction of the lower back and belly) to enhance the overall function of the core. Both Pilates mat and standing exercises may be used in the BalleCore class. (Click here to learn about BalleCore BARRE Pilates that uses the signature BalleCore Barre with traditional Pilates exercises.)
 It all comes together in a BalleCore class.
The powerful ability for movement instruction and the widespread recognition of Pilates terminology allows for an ease of communication within the class. There is limited or no use of French or Sanscrit, depending on the instructor and the class level, environment and atmosphere. The instructor allows for different levels by showing alternative moves appropriate to the class’s overall level and aptitude.
Instruction about breathing, posture and form throughout the class allows for continued improvement, understanding and mastery. BalleCore is more than the sum of its parts. It is a successful partnership, not only between the three disciplines, but also between instructor and participant in training and conditioning the body and the mind. |
