Marcie Evans leading a barre class at Serenity studio in Iowa City

Barre Classes in Iowa City

Ballet-inspired barre that blends Pilates, strength, and grace, scaled to every body. Low-impact, expert-led classes in our woman-owned Iowa City studio.

Start with an Orientation Book a Class
BARRE AT SERENITY

Barre that meets your body where it is

Our barre is built for real bodies, not just dancers. Small, controlled movements at the barre tone and strengthen from head to toe while staying gentle on your joints. You do not need ballet experience, flexibility, or a certain fitness level to begin, just a willingness to start where you are.

Full-body tone

Long, lean strength from head to toe.

Better posture

A stronger core and a taller, aligned stance.

Balance and control

Steadier, more confident everyday movement.

Low-impact

Real results without pounding your joints.

See Class Times Meet Marcie
Group barre class at the barre at Serenity studio, Iowa City
WHAT WE OFFER

One class, your whole body

Barre at Serenity brings together three disciplines in one low-impact class, the precision of ballet, the core focus of Pilates, and light strength work. Using the barre for support, you move through small, deliberate motions that fatigue and tone the muscles everyday workouts tend to miss.

Every class is kept small and scaled to you, so beginners and seasoned movers work side by side at their own level. No dance background required, and modifications are always on offer.

See Barre Class Times

New to barre? Start with a $35 orientation.

Your first visit is a relaxed, one-on-one new-student orientation for $35, so we can learn your goals and any limitations before your first class. We will walk you through the moves, the modifications, and how to get the most from every session. Beginners always welcome.

Book Your $35 Orientation

See a Class in Action

Curious what a barre class actually looks like? Take a look inside a real class at our Iowa City studio, the pace, the energy, and the kind of guidance you will get from your very first class.

WHY SERENITY

Barre with a therapist’s eye

Therapeutic, scaled to you

Scaled to every body

Movements are modified to your level and any limitations, so barre works for real bodies, not just dancers.

Small groups

Genuinely small groups

You get personal, hands-on attention at the barre, never lost in a crowded, fast-paced room.

Certified Yoga Therapist

25 years of mind-body expertise

Marcie blends Pilates, strength, and movement science into every class she leads.

MEET YOUR INSTRUCTOR

Marcie’s Story

Marcie has been teaching mind-body fitness and wellness since 1999, after coming through a 25-year battle with autoimmune disease. Her specialty is helping clients build new strength, flexibility, and neural pathways that lead to pain-free movement, and making sure that movement carries into daily life, sports, work, and the activities they love.

Her students range from age 13 to 100 and include stroke and cancer survivors, autoimmune patients, and amateur and professional athletes. As the only Certified Yoga Therapist (C-IAYT) in Iowa City, Marcie brings a depth of training few studios can match.

Marcie Evans, MA, ACSM EP-C, C-IAYT, E-RYT, BCES · Certified Yoga Therapist

Read Marcie's Full Story

What Our Iowa City Students Say

5.0
Based on 43 reviews
K E.
2 weeks ago
Having Scoliosis makes finding the right corrective exercise program challenging. Marcie Evans is fantastic at modifying exercises so I can strengthen the weaker parts of my body while becoming less dependent on the stronger parts. Right now, I’m using the Pilates reformer to increase my mobility, improve my posture, and build my body awareness. Every session is carefully adapted with a strong focus on proper alignment and proper movement. What I appreciate most is the attention to detail. I’m happy to work with Marcie, who guides me through my workouts.
Jafar Q.
2 weeks ago
I’ve been taking classes with Marcie for over a year, and she is a phenomenal instructor! The space is welcoming and great for people of all ages and skill levels. I’ve gained so much core strength and flexibility thanks to Marcie’s classes. Highly recommend!
Lori B.
3 weeks ago
Marcie is an experienced, skilled instructor who tailors our pilates classes to advance our strength and functioning while giving careful attention to our individual needs. Twice per week sessions have made all the difference in my goal to stay independent.
Leann G.
4 weeks ago
I highly recommend Serenity's Reformer Pilates classes. Marcie considers individual needs and enables everyone to feel successful. I'm happy to have found this studio!
Ruthanne H.
4 weeks ago
Marcie is an excellent teacher! She is able to adjust exercises for different physical needs or suggest alternate ones for different injuries. The energy in the studio is positive and friendly!
Stacy C.
4 weeks ago
Marcie is an excellent instructor. She meets you where you are at and provides ways for you to improve. She creates a supportive and encouraging environment
Nicole V.
4 weeks ago
This is such a lovely space, in a great location (eastside Iowa City). Marcie offers a terrific range of options that meet a variety of client goals, no matter where you're starting from, and her guest instructors are knowledgeable and welcoming. A+!
Sylvia L.
4 weeks ago
I came to Serenity when I first retired from a job where I had spent a lot of time sitting. I wanted to be able to garden, fly fish and play dog games after retirement. Not only has Serenity helped me to obtain those goals, but I love the classes. I look forward to the classes every week and my knees and hips are better than they were 8 yrs. ago.
Kristin B.
3 months ago
As a yoga teacher and movement coach with more than 20 years of teaching experience, I have a pretty high standard when it comes to classes, instructors, and studio culture. I was excited to find a true aerial class while visiting the area, and it absolutely met, and exceeded, my expectations. The instructor created an environment that felt both challenging and incredibly safe. I was encouraged to try new things, push my edges, and have fun, while always feeling supported and well-guided. The balance of skill-building, clear instruction, and playfulness was excellent. What stood out even more was the sense of community. From the moment I walked in, I felt welcomed. The owner greeted me by name, checked in throughout the evening, and made me feel like I belonged, even as a first-time visitor. The other students were warm and welcoming, and by the end of class we were laughing and joking together as a group. The small class size (a maximum of five hammocks) allows for plenty of individualized attention, which made the experience feel both personal and supportive. I left feeling accomplished, energized, and already wishing I lived closer so I could come back regularly. If you're looking for an aerial class that is professionally taught, welcoming, challenging, and genuinely fun, I highly recommend it.
Mendi S.
8 months ago
If you are looking for intentional, functional, movement to build strength and mobility Serenity is the place. Marcie's knowledge and attention to detail has helped me reduce my pain and keeps me strong and moving.
BARRE FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

New to barre, or new to Serenity? Here is what most people want to know before their first class.

Yes, and most of our students start with no dance background at all. Barre is built for beginners, every movement has a modification, and the barre itself is there for support and balance. No one is watching or judging where you are starting from.

Barre is a low-impact class that blends ballet, Pilates, and light strength work. You use the barre for support while moving through small, controlled motions, often with light weights or bands, to tone and strengthen the whole body and improve posture.

Yes. Barre is designed to be joint-friendly, with controlled movements and no jumping or pounding. It is a popular way to build strength and tone for people who want results without high-impact exercise.

Start with a $35 new-student orientation, a relaxed one-on-one session where we learn your goals and any limitations and introduce you to the basics. You can book your orientation online anytime.

Wear comfortable, fitted clothing you can move in, and grippy socks, since barre is done in socks rather than shoes. We have a pair available if you need them. Appointments are required, so booking ahead makes sure there is a spot ready for you.

LET’S GET STARTED

Ready to feel longer, stronger, and more balanced?

Whether barre is brand new to you or a long-time favorite, there is a spot at the barre with your name on it. Start with a $35 new-student orientation at our Iowa City studio, serving Coralville, North Liberty, Solon, and West Branch.

Start with an Orientation Try Online & On-Demand

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