IBBFA Barre study plan
IBBFA Barre · Give each week a clear focus.
8 weeks · About 6 hours per week
Barre Technique and Movement Fundamentals
Map the full barre class arc (warm-up, upper body, thigh work, seat work, core, cool-down) and label the technique emphasis of each segment
Rehearse and self-record the foundational stance: neutral pelvis, ribs stacked, weight distributed across the foot, slight knee bend
Practice the core barre vocabulary aloud (tuck, lift, pulse, hold, small range, isometric) until each term is used accurately without notes
Identify five common technique faults in your own recorded movement and write the correction cue for each
Your checkpoint
A one-page class-arc map plus a 10-minute self-recorded technique demo with a written self-correction list of five faults
Barre Technique and Movement Fundamentals & Anatomy, Kinesiology, and Biomechanics
Connect each barre position (parallel, first, second, turned-out, attitude, arabesque) to the joints and muscle groups it loads
Trace the prime movers and stabilizers for hip abduction, hip extension, and knee extension work using an anatomy reference
Explain neutral spine versus imprinted spine and state when each is appropriate in a barre class
Build a personal glossary of 25 barre terms with a one-sentence anatomical rationale for each
Your checkpoint
A 25-term glossary where every entry pairs the technique term with the joint action and primary muscle involved
Anatomy, Kinesiology, and Biomechanics
Analyze the biomechanics of turnout: where rotation originates, how to protect the knees, and what limits range
Compare isometric, concentric, and eccentric loading and identify which barre exercises rely on each
Describe the role of the core, pelvic floor, and breathing in supporting spinal alignment during standing and floor work
Diagram the planes of motion and give one barre exercise example for each plane
Your checkpoint
A two-page biomechanics summary covering turnout mechanics, contraction types, and planes of motion with barre examples
Class Design, Sequencing, and Cueing & Barre Technique and Movement Fundamentals
Draft a full 55-minute class with timed segments and a stated intensity curve
Write layered cues (setup, action, alignment, imagery) for at least eight exercises
Sequence three transitions between segments that keep clients moving without losing alignment
Adapt the same class outline for a beginner and an advanced group by changing range, tempo, and leverage
Your checkpoint
A complete written 55-minute class plan with timings, layered cues, and beginner/advanced modifications
Class Design, Sequencing, and Cueing & Safety, Injury Prevention, and Contraindications
Audit your class plan for joint stress and insert regressions for the knee, low back, wrist, and shoulder
List absolute and relative contraindications for barre movements and state the modification for each
Script safety language for setup, transitions, and hydration breaks that sounds natural, not scripted
Rehearse cueing a full segment aloud while maintaining breath support and clear pacing
Your checkpoint
A safety and modification matrix pairing 10 exercises with contraindications, regressions, and the exact cue you would say
Safety, Injury Prevention, and Contraindications & Teaching Methodology and Client Communication
Practice hands-on and verbal correction scripts for six common faults, using consent-based touch language
Role-play three client scenarios: a pregnant client, a client with knee pain, and a deconditioned newcomer
Deliver a 15-minute teaching demo to a peer or recording and collect structured feedback
Revise your cues based on feedback and re-record the weakest segment
Your checkpoint
A recorded 15-minute teaching demo plus a feedback summary and a revised cue sheet for the weakest segment
Teaching Methodology and Client Communication & Professional Practice, Ethics, and Business Essentials
Draft a client communication framework covering intake questions, goal setting, and progress check-ins
Outline the ethical boundaries around scope of practice, referrals, and handling medical disclosures
Build a simple business plan sketch: class pricing, studio versus freelance costs, and liability insurance needs
Write a 10-question client intake form aligned with safe class placement
Your checkpoint
A client intake form plus a one-page scope-of-practice and referral policy
Barre Technique and Movement Fundamentals & Anatomy, Kinesiology, and Biomechanics & Class Design, Sequencing, and Cueing & Safety, Injury Prevention, and Contraindications & Teaching Methodology and Client Communication & Professional Practice, Ethics, and Business Essentials
Run a timed full-length mock exam across all six domains and score it by domain
Re-teach the three weakest concepts from memory without notes and check accuracy
Deliver one final full 55-minute class to a peer or recording, integrating cues, safety, and modifications
Compile a one-page personal cheat sheet of high-risk facts and cue phrases for exam day
Your checkpoint
A scored mock exam with a domain-by-domain error log plus a final recorded 55-minute class
Milestones
Week 2: Can explain every position in the class arc, name the primary muscles loaded, and demonstrate correct setup without notes
Week 4: Complete 55-minute class plan exists with timings, layered cues, and beginner/advanced options; peer or self-review rates it as teachable
Week 6: Safety matrix is complete for 10 exercises and the 15-minute teaching demo shows clear pacing and at least three effective corrections
Week 8: Mock exam score is at or above 80 percent overall with no domain below 70 percent, and the final class recording is complete end to end