May 8, 2017

Meet Leslie Miller of WellBarre Studio in Melrose

Local Stories

Today we’d like to introduce you to Leslie Miller.

Leslie, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
WellBarre Studio opened its doors in 2015. Opening the studio had been a dream of mine since taking ballet lessons when I was five-years-old. Our primary goal was to make the space warm and welcoming, so that anyone wanting to do Pilates and Ballet Barre feels comfortable, and that they don’t feel they need to be an accomplished ballerina walking in the door. When I finally did open my dream studio in 2015, I had a lot of experience as someone who had taught exercise in NYC for many years while auditioning for roles in Broadway and Off-Broadway plays. I had always danced, but considered myself more of an “actor who moved well” than a dancer, although I LOVE and will always love to dance. When the life of an actor turned out to be primarily a life of waiting tables, I went to graduate school and got a Master’s Degree in Social Work. Another passion of mine is helping people. After working several years as a social worker, and realized I wasn’t always able to help people in the ways I had believed I could…I guess I am a bit idealistic… I returned to my first love. I have actually come full-circle to realize that it’s pretty impossible to feel good mentally, if you do not feel good physically. Having physical discipline is essential to bringing vitality and energy to our bodies, health and relationships.

Pilates and Ballet Barre in my view, takes exercise to the next level. I love the classical foundation of both disciplines as it is all about form, strength, power and grace. We combine those experiences for our WellBarre Studio members, who experience the joy, beauty, and freedom of movement that Pilates and Ballet Barre gives you. I plan to teach Pilates until I am 90, and I am greatly inspired by the many Master Pilates Instructors who continue to teach into advanced age.

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Opening the Studio has been challenging and has not been all smooth sailing, difficult landlords and things that you can’t plan for will always find a way to happen. My philosophy is that no matter what happens, you have to keep moving forward.

Please tell us about WellBarre Studio.
We feel that what sets WellBarre Studio apart is that we believe that Pilates fitness is a lifestyle. Pilates fitness becomes an integral part of your day-to-day life, and a necessary part of a healthy routine, like brushing your teeth. Our clients tell us that they miss us and don’t feel well when they haven’t been in. We are a small, boutique style studio and tailor sessions to fit the needs of the individual. We get to know everyone and are like a family. Our instructors are classically trained Pilates and Ballet instructors who really understand the importance of correct form, alignment and posture, and most importantly, the way you move around in the world in everyday life.

If you had to go back in time and start over, would you have done anything differently?
When we first opened, I naively believed that if you build it they will come. However, we are tucked away in terms of our location, so if people can’t see you, they have to hear about you. It took us a while to get the word out, and if I had to do it over again, I would have focused my energies on spreading the word before opening our doors!

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