A Living Tradition
Original Barre Method
A tradition of strength, grace, and feminine power — from 1960s London to Madrid.
What Is Barre?
Barre is a full-body workout rooted in ballet, physiotherapy, and yoga. Using a ballet barre for support, you perform small, precise movements — isometric holds, pulses, and stretches — that target your deepest muscles. Think pelvic floor, core, posture, and flexibility, all in one class.
It's low-impact but deeply intense. You'll feel the shake, the burn, and the transformation — without jumping, jarring, or straining your joints. The method was designed specifically with the female body in mind: sculpting long, lean muscles while building real inner strength.
And no, it's not a dance class. You don't need coordination, dance experience, or any particular fitness level to begin. Just show up. In 60 minutes, you'll feel the difference — and you'll notice visible results from your very first class.
Lotte Berk
Born in Germany, Lotte Berk trained as a ballet dancer before fleeing the rise of Nazism in 1938 to settle in London. After a back injury ended her dance career, she began experimenting - blending ballet technique with rehabilitative exercises drawn from physiotherapy and yoga.
In 1959, she opened a small studio in her West End basement and launched what the world now knows as barre. It was groundbreaking — a workout created by a woman, for women, helping them uncover sensuality, freedom of movement, and the innate power of the female body.
While Vidal Sassoon was reinventing hair and Mary Quant was popularising the mini skirt, Lotte was quietly sculpting women's figures in an entirely new way. Her classes became a sensation. Sharp-witted, playful, and famously demanding, she held her students to the highest standards — and they adored her for it.
She taught well into her eighties and passed away in 2003, leaving behind a technique that spread across the world — with many adaptations along the way, many drifting from its original London elegance.
Lotte's Words
“To have a dancer body all you have to do is DANCE”
“My unique workout couldn't fail! — unless you were LAZY...”
“There's no need to be shapeless! You can be plump — but be shapely plump!”
Esther Fairfax
Lotte's daughter, Esther Fairfax, became the dedicated guardian of her mother's original approach. While the technique spread worldwide and evolved into various forms, Esther ensured that the precision and elegance of the London method remained intact.
She taught from her home in Hungerford, Berkshire, well into her nineties. Her living room became a global destination for those seeking the authentic technique, where Esther personally guided students with a natural blend of discipline and warmth.
She trained only a select few instructors, demanding total loyalty to the principles her mother created. Esther passed away in April 2024 at the age of 90. Having spent a lifetime safeguarding this tradition, she entrusted her legacy to the small circle of instructors she personally certified to carry the authentic Lotte Berk Method forward.
The Tradition Continues
Didi is proud to be part of the small circle of instructors who trained directly with Esther Fairfax, learning the authentic technique firsthand. Under Esther's guidance and Sophie's instruction (Sophie Ritchie, Master Trainer), she committed to teaching the class exactly as it was passed down - faithful to the original vision.
She now brings this tradition to her studio in Madrid, where it continues to transform women's bodies.
Experience the Original Tradition
Whether in the studio or from home — discover the method that's transformed women's bodies for over 60 years.
Historical images courtesy of the Lotte Berk family.