Pure Barre Dupont Circle

5 mins class pass lateness policy. Especially for first time visitors is a bit too much

Barre can be hit or miss with regards to how challenging it is; I’ve found Pure Barre to be a great all around resistance workout using your body. The hour goes by surprisingly quickly and would recommend this studio to friends looking for a barre workout.

I’ve been doing pure barre off and on for the past year or so both at the DuPont location and the newer Cathedral Commons location.
The pluses:
It’s a really effective workout!
It’s a good compliment for runners (my reason for doing it)!
They offer a lot of classes and the wait list really works for full classes.
The minuses:
Some instructors are more friendly and helpful than others. Form is really important in barre and some instructors don’t offer corrections during class. While some instructors will introduce themselves to students before class or give overviews of the moves to new students, others seem to limit their interactions to those they already know.
The music… sometimes is not motivating. It’s often heavy on the techno or softer music that isn’t super exercisy. It would be nice to switch it up and maybe add some more current music or music with a beat.
Oh and the cost. I don’t do it regularly because of the cost but I initially took advantage of the new client special (definitely recommend!) and subsequently have bought other promos that have made the classes a bit more reasonable.

Friendly service, nice studio, and great Pure Barre workout. Pure Barre is a chain so you will get the same slow-​paced, HARD workout and results as other studios in the area. This studio seems larger than the Arlington spot, but not as big as Alexandria or Capitol Hill. It also seemed a little older. Four stars for the instructor I took… I still had a great workout because Pure Barre is structured that way… but the instructor lacked energy and seemed bored.

Pure Barre is a chain — which to me is great because I normally know what to expect. Pretty pricey for a work out place, but on par with any other barre studios. They offer a variety of class times which is great for my working schedule!
Each class is different, depends on the instructor. But it is structured basically the same way. Sometimes pure Barre is a little too slow for me — but all in all I love it! This studio is small. No shower. One restroom and a few changing rooms! Front desk service is also always very friendly.
I love this community and their weekly email updates but can’t say it is a place I am addicted to — but one of my top choices on class pass!

Jade is a fantastic instructor! I was amazed at how she can remember students names and provided me encouragement and support throughout the class, even though I was constantly the weakest link. I exercise regularly but this workout is super hard and I thought about quitting after the first class. The morning after my first class my abs were sore. For someone who never tones her abs, after one month of barre I lost 1 inch off my waist. The classes vary but I would also take different teachers to get a different spin as well. All of the staff here are friendly.
Their website drives me crazy because it takes multiple clicks to figure out how to get in to register for a class. Their reminder emails about your upcoming class which underline the no show charge if you don’t cancel within 4 hours does not include a convenient link to do so. I wish their site told you which classes are full before you try to register for it. This would come in hand should I decide to change classes and can see before I cancel a class if I can’t book a replacement class.
I would prefer if my class reminders came the morning of, not the day before. See I take evening classes so if Monday morning I get an email reminding me about class at 5pm I assume it’s tonight, not tomorrow. Then I have to look up what time tonight’s class is. I think the 4 hour cancellation window is too big because I can be called to stay late at work at the last minute. The Bar Method only has a one hour cancellation window. My yoga studio sends me reminder emails the morning of my evening class, in fact the email says «your class scheduled Today».
They have a water cooler but no cups. I’m already carrying my purse, gym bag, and don’t want to add the weight of my heavy water bottle as well. Is it a big deal to have free paper cups?
I wish there were more hooks in the changing rooms as I need one for my jacket (which I can’t put away until I enter the studio) and one for my purse and gym bag. So I’m balancing 3 items on one hook, I’d rather not put it on the floor. The bathroom also doesn’t have a hook on the back of the door. The toilet paper roll dispenser at this location drives me crazy as it’s so hard to get a continuous roll of paper out. I wish they’d use the same system as their Capitol Hill location.
The students here are oddly enough primarily made up of married women in their 20s. I like wine down wednesdays!

I love this place. The receptionist was nice and remembered me even when 3 weeks passed between my 1^st and 2^nd class! The instructors are welcoming and always stay longer to answer any question. I wish I was withing walking distance I would be here mornings and afternoons. I also wish they offered child care :(

Cannot say enough good things about this place. All of the staff I met were so friendly and helpful-​I was nervous as it was my first time attending, but the instructor was really sweet and so helpful and nonjudgmental with her adjustments. She found a way to praise everyone in the class, and the class was TOUGH. Awesome workout, seriously. Will definitely be back!

I love Pure Barre Dupont Circle!
The staff and instructors are great. During my first visit, my instructor, Andrea took me through all the motions. It is important to note that it takes about 10 classes for you to really get the hang of things, but whether it is your 1^st class or your 101^st class, the instructors will provide hands-​on corrections to ensure proper form and will offer modifications if you are nursing an injury.
The exercises themselves are low impact (a great cross training workout for runners! Hello, knees!!) but intense. Though the format of the classes are all the same (warmup, arms, thighs, seat, abs), the movements vary from class to class, ensuring that your muscles are always challenged!
The music is sometimes hit or miss but of course that depends on your personal preferences. That being said, I always end up downloading at least one song from class.
I would definitely recommend Pure Barre to anybody looking to lift, tone, burn, and have fun!

I was really nervous, because it was my first barre class ever. But they are so friendly — they learn your name right away, and if you are new the instructor will talk to you ahead of time to show you the ropes. The receptionist was so friendly and so was my instructor, Annie. Even though there are a lot of people in the class, it doesn’t feel too crowded and the instructor gives everybody a lot of personal attention. They seriously know everybody’s name, it’s awesome! It makes it feel like a friendly, supportive environment right away.
It’s also just a great workout — I broke a sweat almost immediately, which I didn’t expect. I’m still sore the next day! I will definitely be back.

I’ve found that specialized barre and yoga studios are sometimes a bit intimidating and snooty, but the staff at Pure Barre were so kind that when I first stepped into the door I immediately felt welcome and excited to work out! The instructor really makes the class, and Jade is a fantastic instructor. She made an effort to know each student’s name, and even though there were over twenty of us– and I have a weird name– she remembered me and provided encouragement and support throughout the class, which made me feel extra inspired. Barre is a really tough workout and Pure Barre’s method works every muscle efficiently and rigorously. I will definitely be back to improve my skills!

Such a fun workout. The instructor Annie was great and the girl at the front desk (Calla?) was so nice and welcoming.
I took my first class and it was HARD. It flew by though which is always a testament to a good class. Newbies should definitely arrive 10 minutes early and bring water. You can wear socks or buy their special ones at the front desk. I bought a pair because they were so cute.
The only thing that takes away a star is the cost. The classes are expensive but in the end no more so than soulcycle, solidcore, or any of the other boutique gyms.
I’d definitely recommend Pure Barre to anyone who was looking for a class to tone and strengthen. Go with girlfriends on Wednesday and get wine after class!

Pure Barre was a great strength workout, even for someone who routinely does work outs with much heavier weights. The smaller movements really focused on individual muscle groups, and I am feeling it in my arms and glutes especially the next day. My favorite part of the studio though was the instructor’s dedication to knowing everyone’s name, and helping adjust students throughout the workout and give constant encouragement. Some of the movements were difficult, and I don’t feel like I totally «got» them after one class, but I am eager to try future classes until I do.

Pure Barre has changed my body and my life! The method is intelligent, efficient and effective. In 55 minutes, you will work your thighs, seat, and abs, methodically and rigorously. I had practiced yoga for two decades but never had I developed such strong core muscles as I have now. I’ve been going faithfully for about 15 months now, and have seen amazing results, both with myself and fellow students.
What I love about Pure Barre Dupont Circle: Instructors genuinely care about the students. They ask your name and take care to memorize it. They then call out students’ names during class, and give us encouragement, support and a boost. Instructors are extremely talented, well trained, motivated and motivational. They come to each class well prepared, know their cues, play awesome music, and seem to love what they do. They don’t treat class like a task to be gotten through. The instructors work as a team. They attend each other’s classes, pick up weights, bring out mats, and show their great forms. Their support each other and their respect and affection for each other are palpable. The team is professional. The studio is clean and ready. The staff greet everybody that walks in with a smile, and create positive energy and enthusiasm in the studio. There is such a good, positive vibe all the time — no competitiveness, just warmth and support for all. It’s not just a place to work out, it’s a community.

I have to give Pure Barre 1 star purely for lack of customer service. I purchased the one month introductory unlimited package and was really excited to use it. My first class was difficult but I stuck through it and the instructor was helpful. When the class was over I go to collect my (new) jacket, and as I put the jacket on it feels quite snug. Hmm, didn’t think it was possible to GAIN weight from an exercise class! I take off the jacket to inspect, and realize it is not in fact my jacket. It is the same jacket, but a size smaller and at least 2 years older. My jacket was a week old and not an insignificant amount of money. I speak to the woman at the front desk who says she will leave a note and speak to the manager.
So, I leave my first class quite angry, and upset since I was hoping to feel euphoric after my class, not bummed out. I go home, write an email to the manager as a back-​up, and she responds telling me she will do everything she can to find the jacket. I come back for my second class, again ask the receptionist who doesn’t even know what I am talking about, and still no jacket.
Later that week I come down with a horrible respiratory illness and I am subsequently out of commission for the next 3 weeks. Aka I don’t make it to another barre class. I also never hear from them again. Not about my jacket. Not about the fact that I had signed up for 12 other classes that I ended up cancelling. Nothing. Clearly they didn’t care about me in the slightest.
Recap: I paid $ 125 for the classes that I ended up using twice. I paid $ 150 for a jacket that was stolen after having been worn 3 times. I paid another $ 150 to replace said jacket. NOT HAPPY PURE BARRE.
*Update: Changed rating to 3 stars as a manager contacted me (2 and a half months later!!) and offered me another month of Pure Barre to make up for the fact that I wasn’t able to take advantage of my full month. I appreciate the sentiment, but likely still won’t go back. Also, still never heard about my jacket which is just rediculous. Again, the class itself is great, but it just isn’t worth the headache. Living in DC is stressful enough!

I have friends that have RAVED about Pure Barre/​Barre3/​The Barre Method, so I decided to give Pure Barre a shot.
Pros: I instantly felt welcome by the staff. Calla (front desk) immediately walked me through the procedures and introduced me to the instructor (Krista).
The instructor was wonderful. Krista took her time to explain the terminology. She was adamant about proper form, which made the class more about learning than about competition.
The workout was about control. I describe it as a Pilates/​Yoga/​Ballet infusion. It’s not about how fast or hard you do the movements, but how well you do them. I did get the «competition» vibe as I have had from other types of workouts/​classes. It also takes the view of dance: if you are not in control of your core, your not in control of anything.
The workout space and the studio is bright and clean.
The Cons:
It is expensive. My dance studio charges $ 17/​class and my yoga studio charges $ 20/​class (both 90 minute classes). This class is $ 25/​class for 55 minutes
Lack of diversity. It seem like every one in my class was a sorority girl from GWU, with that type of attitude/​stereotype.
No showers in the studio.
Overall verdict, this exercise will definitely work as a fill in for dance, but I rather be in the studio learning choreography. Try it and make conclusions from there.

I love Pure Barre and I had a really great time at PB DC. First my thoughts on PB and their techniques. When you come in for your first class, you will surely get your ass kicked and you will question, «Is this actually doing anything to my body? Really?! you want me to use 2 lb weights when I can lift at least 30 lbs at the gym?» Trust me, the PB technique works and you will feel and see differences and changes in your body after 10 classes. Not only do you improve your flexibility but you will also get stronger and toned. You will work your core/​abs, whole leg, arms, butt… basically everything! You will be tested, you will shake and I promise you it will be worth it. It’s recommended that you only do PB once a day and shortly after you stick with it you will want to do more and more. It becomes addicting but in a good way.
Unlike other PB studios, DC PB has carpet and it works as long as they vacuum. The music always changes. Some classes will be packed to the brim and others will have 3 or 4 people max. Cancellations require a 4 hour advance notice or you will be billed $ 10 (way better than the $ 20 they charged!!). If you like PB, I would definitely recommend opting for the new member package which is 1 month unlimited for $ 125. Make sure you really use it, I came in 4 times a week! Not only can I run better and faster, I am way less stiff, my legs look awesome, and am more energized in my daily activities.
In regards to the instructors, if you are new I would highly recommend Annie because she pays close detail to your positions and is eager to help you fix your mistakes. If you want an intense work out, Shaye is best. I’ve taken classes with almost all the instructors but Annie and Shaye are truly the best and you can really feel the workout even seconds after you leave the studio. Calla, who works the front desk, is super sweet and helpful (the others are just blah)! They also provide free water that you can grab from the fridge, sell clothing, and also sell gorgeous Lily and Laura bracelets ($ 12 each or $ 30 for 3) that are fair trade and support women in Nepal.
If you are new to PB, welcome. Don’t be intimidated and stick with it. Come to class 15 minutes early so that you meet the instructor and learn the basics. You need to wear pants and personally, I like to wear long sleeve tops as well because not only do you sweat more but because your muscles are insulated, you will work them more. A lot of women/​men are intimidated because you will walk into a studio surrounded by mirrors and women dressed from head to toe in lulu lemon. It really doesn’t matter what brand you’re wearing so come with an open mind and ready to lift, tone, burn. PLEASE wear socks! There are times when newbies come in and they are not wearing socks and not only is it unsanitary and disgusting, but you also won’t be able to get the support you need. The classes are expensive but totally worth it. Happy LTB-​ing!

I had a great experience at Pure Barre DC! A Pure Barre DVD my 3L year in an attempt to quickly tone up for my wedding was my first introduction to the barre, so it was really neat to take a class at the actual studio that started it all. The studio is located in Dupont Circle a few blocks away from the Metro. I took a class after work with Danielle. The young lady at the front desk wasn’t very attentive, especially being it was my first time at the studio. She was a little too busy chatting with some regulars about sorority functions coming up, instead of checking people in or telling me what equipment I needed. I get the community feel, but you still need to do your job. Once I changed, she went on and on about how I needed to wear pants, but if she would’ve actually paid attention and looked up, she would’ve seen I was in fact wearing pants…
Moving on, Danielle is fan-​tastic. She asked me had I ever taken a barre class before. Yes, a few. Okay 20+. She asked if I knew what «tuck» means in the sense of barre class. Good question to ask someone. Yep, I’m aware. She made a point to introduce herself to everyone, went over what to expect, and then we began. I loved this class. There were people of all sizes, ages, and abilities. Everything seemed to flow much more naturally than classes I’ve taken at other studios. The plank series wasn’t as crazy intense as I’m used to at my local studio, but I enjoyed the abs sequence at PB much better. It was way less tweaky on my low back, which I can appreciate. The moves were challenging, yet fun (considering how fun one can consider the intense shaking!) Danielle was great at pacing, giving corrections, and had an awesome playlist to get us through it. The stretch sequence was relaxing as well. Danielle gets 5 stars!
The studio is beautiful. This was my first time taking a barre class in a carpeted studio, and while I thought I would be grossed out, I wasn’t. It provided much more cushion for my joints– geez I sound old, but I promise I’m still in my mid-​twenties! I loved the lighting, the neutral color scheme, and how clean everything was. Also, the PB squishy mats are the most comfortable mats I’ve used in a barre class so far. There are two changing rooms, and a bathroom. No showers. The schedule boasts classes all dang day long, so no excuses ladies and gentleman!
When I was getting ready to leave the owner took the time to ask how I liked it, and if I had any questions. Because that front desk girl was obviously too preoccupied talking to her friends to be bothered. Sadly, that’s why I can’t give the full 5 stars. When I’m paying $ 210 for 10 classes (yes, it’s pricey to get fit in DC!), I expect a bit more front desk service. Now the owner has some common sense, because she realizes she does have a business to run. So, I appreciate her taking the time to check in with me! When I finish my package at my other studio I do plan to purchase a package.
p.s– cutest pure barre retail ever!

Compared to NYC, DC is a bit of a fitness wasteland. Yoga-​wise there’s a great community and Bar Method is pretty solid but at times hard to book the most popular teachers, so when PB opened up I eagerly grabbed a 5-​class pack.
After all, I’d tried the PB in Charlotte, NC and it delivered a solid workout…
The workout itself is fine, though they have you do some questionable things (certain ab exercises I just can’t feel a thing).
My problem is with the instructors. 5 different classes with 5 different instructors and I am completely underwhelmed. The best of the lot was sub-​par compared to a brand-​new BM instructor and the worst of the lot made me want to grab the tiny red ball and bash my brains in. Very little instruction is given, the teachers don’t seem to know anything about anatomy, have very little enthusiasm for teaching and don’t bother to ask if anyone has any injuries.
They breeze in, start up the music and mumble a couple words and count (sometimes they even stuff up the counting bit). I feel like PB grabbed a random student from another bar class, gave them an abbreviated script and started charging people…
1 star because the workout moves quickly and you can break a sweat if you put your mind to it, another star given cause the front desk girl is always friendly and cheerful.
*Fitness gods, please bring Physique or SLT to DC…

Had a great time at my first class here. The music was great, the studio was clean, well-​lit… really great overall.
My one qualm is that the instructor didn’t seem to have any time to explain the «tuck» method or any other routine. I felt behind for a majority of the class, but I’m optimistic enough to think it’s something that will be learned after a few classes.