Through her professional dance career that spanned over two decades, former prima ballerina Maria Teresa del Real became an expert at devising new and creative ways to maintain the fitness levels needed to keep her dancing at top form.
Like many cross-trainers, del Real sought effective fitness props that would help her achieve a strong, defined, well-aligned, elongated physique without bulking up the muscles on her legs or arms.
After 20 successful years as a prima ballerina in Europe, del Real recently moved to South Florida and opened Barrebox, a boutique fitness studio featuring her signature ballet-inspired, cross-training workout programs for non-dancers:
BalletFit, which incorporates basic ballet steps with the use of elastic bands (on the barre and from above), resistance rings, light weights and medicine balls, and
BalletBox, a combination of boxing with basic ballet movement. The one-hour classes are designed for all levels and do not require prior dance experience.
“I am excited to share my expertise with fitness enthusiasts who are seeking the guidance of an experienced dance professional like myself to diversify their workout routines and improve their bodies,” del Real said. “The Barrebox method is a compilation of carefully devised exercises customized for the non-dancer.”
These movements, techniques and exercises were developed out of her experiences with fellow ballet professionals, coaches and physical therapists.
Born in Miami and raised in San Juan, Puerto Rico, del Real was considered a ballet wunderkind when Ballets de San Juan promoted her to principal dancer at 17. Three years later, she won the bronze medal at the Varna International Ballet Competition. Soon after, del Real joined Pittsburgh Ballet Theater as principal dancer and continued on to a stellar career in Europe performing with the Royal Ballet of Flanders, English National Ballet, Scottish Ballet and Birmingham Royal Ballet, among others.
She also had the privilege to dance with a prestigious cadre of male ballet stars including Rudolf Nureyev, Fernando Bujones, Carlos Acosta and José Manuel Carreño.
HRH Queen Elizabeth II acknowledged del Real as one of the most distinguished Americans living in London and Princess Diana invited del Real to perform for her and a select audience at Kensington Palace.
Barrebox is located at 2420 SW 27 Ave. For schedule, class descriptions, rates or additional information, visit
www.barrebox.com or call 305-900-3040.
