Exercises at the barre help dancers strengthen their legs, back and feet while providing balance support and warming up the body. Hold on to the barre while you practice steps like plié and battement. For a fitness-focused barre workout, check out a ballet-inspired class offered at studios like Bar Method and Pure Barre that focus on toning and tightening the buttocks, legs and abs.
Use the strength you gained at the barre while you practice dance steps in the center of the room. Dancers practice turns, slow balances and small, quick jumps called "petit allegro" as part of the center floor portion of class. Take care in perfecting these larger, traveling steps, as they often make up the choreography you will perform on stage.
Practicing traveling across the floor with leaps, turns and waltz steps helps a dancer learn how to use space while also offering a cardiovascular challenge. Across-the-floor exercises include large jumps called "grand allegro" and rapid traveling turns for advanced students. Beginner dancers may practice simple walks, runs and more basic jumps across the floor instead.
Conditioning workouts can complement your ballet training and help you stay in shape between dance practices. Exercise methods like Pilates and yoga can help increase your flexibility, balance and mind-body awareness as you strengthen your arms, legs and core. You might also try dance-based conditioning methods like the New York City Ballet Workout, which fuses ballet exercises with Pilates and resistance training to strengthen the body. Low-impact cardio workouts like swimming and cycling can also benefit your dancing by improving your endurance without added strain on your joints.