Two years ago, Marlo Miller, owner of Pure Barre in Avon, started hosting a special event to promote the opening of her new location.
Barre in the Park is an outdoor event, designed to give current members a change of scenery and a fun day together while exposing nonmembers to what barre is all about.
“Pure Barre is a workout facility designed as more of a community than a gym,” Miller said. “We’re supporting our members physically, mentally and spiritually. We want it to be a place where everyone feels welcome.”
The low-impact, high-intensity moves incorporate ballet practices and target the smaller muscles that ballerinas use to make them lean and strong. There are four different classes focused on cardio, weightlifting, alignment or stretching, and the classic, small-movement ballet moves.
“No one is dancing around the studio, but we’re using the bar for balance or stability,” Miller said. “Sometimes you’re only moving your arms and legs inches to work that specific muscle. There are modifications for every move so if you have a bad knee or a sore muscle you can still attend.”
Miller would know. It was her first class at a barre facility in Greenwood that sparked her interest. As a lifelong marathon runner, she was surprised at her body’s reaction after one class.
“I couldn’t sit down for three days,” she said. “While I was doing it, it didn’t feel like I was going to die. It was actually really fun. You’d look around the room and there’s someone older than you doing it and they’re kicking your butt. My friend told me they were interested in a location in Avon and I went home and talked to my husband. There were lots of prayers on this one.”
Miller said she likes to plan ahead. Her background as a physician’s assistant in a gastrointestinal and nutrition office, and then earning her doctorate during the pandemic, equals a woman who is organized and knows her next step at all times – but not this time.
“It was a ton of faith in God to see if this is really what I was supposed to do,” Miller said. “When I decided to jump in, I knew I needed 1,600 square feet, and the next day the spot next to Emmy’s opened up. Then I needed a teacher and someone walked in the door and said, ‘I’m a teacher. Are you looking for anyone?’ It’s really been a faith journey. I believe in this so much and it’s more than someone wanting to open a gym. It’s just this full sense of community.”
Miller hopes she’s creating an environment where people can come as they are.
“If you’re having a bad day, that’s OK,” she said. “We just started a book club recently. We’re going to meet up and discuss over dinner. Another woman just started a Bible study. Everyone is welcome to join if they’d like.”
It’s that welcoming and positive atmosphere that brings the community together for the seasonal Barre in the Park events too.
After the public barre workout session, there will be snacks and drinks available.
Last year they hosted three events in an Avon, Brownsburg and Danville park. This year, they’re taking it up another notch.
“We’re now adding a charity component to it,” Miller said. “We will raise funds to benefit Family Promise of Hendricks County, Misty Eyes [Animal Center] and others. We wanted to give back to our community.”
On May 17 at Washington Township Park, they’ll have a wine truck and doughnut truck included in the price of the ticket. Additional donations will also be welcomed and will go toward Family Promise of Hendricks County.
July 12 will be the second Barre in the Park event at Beasley’s Orchard in Danville. Admission will include entrance into the flower gardens, an apple cider slushy and a doughnut. All proceeds will benefit Misty Eyes.
The third event will be held at Ellis Park in Danville on August 23. More information to follow.
For more information or to purchase tickets, stop in to Pure Barre in Avon or visit Pure Barre Avon on Facebook.
