Why don’t barre classes turn out in first and second position like ballet?

We work in a narrower stance to create a stronger foundation and to protect the knees. Many people do not have the external rotation necessary for proper knee alignment for a wide turn out. Our classes are more athletic than traditional ballet and we have modified certain positions to accommodate this.

Barre prefers to work in a narrow stance to create a stronger foundation to protect the knees. Because of the range of motion necessary for proper knee alignment for a wide turn out, performing movements in the first and second position can be too difficult and can increase the risk of injury for some people.