Breaking Barre: Laura Clark’s Dream of Blending Music, Movement, and Entrepreneurship
Laura Clark is launching her revolutionary barre gym into its new era as a franchise in 2025, bringing a fresh and dynamic approach to boutique fitness. Orlando Weekly’s Best Barre Studio, Breaking Barre, is is a movement designed to redefine the workout experience by combining variety, music, community, and opportunity. It is also the result of years of planning and hard work by an incredibly dedicated entrepreneur.
Laura’s Vision and Journey
For years, Laura dreamed of creating a barre gym that felt more engaging, energetic, and welcoming. As a former project manager seeking a more creative and fulfilling career, she spent a decade researching and refining what the perfect barre experience could be.
"I took every barre class I could find," Laura recalls. "It was like conducting research. I studied what I loved, what worked, and what was missing."
With the support of her husband, Nic, she left her job and started Breaking Barre in January 2020. Two months later, gyms were required to close. In response, Laura and her trainers overcame many technical challenges and became one of the first boutique gyms to offer online workouts, which kept all of her trainers employed during the shutdown.
Revolutionizing the Barre Gym
Breaking Barre offers a fresh take on the traditional barre workout. It moves beyond repetition and rigidity by focusing on variety, energy, and a sense of belonging. Breaking Barre's classes incorporate a mix of barre, yoga, strength, bounce, and balance exercises. Every routine is choreographed to popular music, using the energy of sound to enhance motivation and enjoyment. More than just a gym, Breaking Barre fosters real relationships by creating an environment where women connect through themed classes, social events, and group challenges that encourage consistency and fun.
"Music can motivate and distract from the burn," Laura says. "It makes workouts more enjoyable and keeps members coming back. We did a Greatest Showman class with music from the movie and made it fun with the top hats and everything that ties it in. We’ve done Friends trivia nights, Marvel-themed workouts, and even post-class movie hangouts. It’s about more than just exercise. It’s about forming real friendships and feeling like you belong."
At Breaking Barre, motivation extends beyond the workout itself. Members participate in challenges and reward-based programs to keep engagement high. Whether it’s earning recognition for consistent attendance, achieving personal fitness milestones, or joining community-driven challenges, there is always something to strive for. Rewards range from small incentives like personalized shoutouts to invitations to exclusive social gatherings or selecting the next major workout theme. Themed workout nights often conclude with movie screenings, game nights, or casual meetups, reinforcing the community-driven experience that sets Breaking Barre apart.
A Community for Women, Including Mothers
Laura designed Breaking Barre to help women reclaim time for fitness and build strong relationships. The program offers childcare in their Bambino Bungalow, making it easier for women, especially mothers, to prioritize working out and engaging with one another.
"Especially when you have young kids, it can be so hard to just get out and do something for yourself," Laura explains. "I really wanted to make these workouts available to moms who felt like they were chained to their house. You come in, we’ll watch your kids, and you can get your workout and maintain your sanity."
Recognized Success and Community Impact
Breaking Barre’s dedication to excellence and community support has not gone unnoticed. The studio has received multiple awards, including Best Barre Studio in Orlando and Best Health Club in Oviedo, and was a recipient of the prestigious Red Backpack grant from Spanx founder Sara Blakely, which provided financial support to women-owned small businesses. Additionally, Laura submitted an essay on her small businesses community impact and won a $10,000 grant from T-Mobile, funding a year’s worth of radio advertising and further growing the brand.
Breaking Barre’s Future: A Franchise for Women Entrepreneurs
With its proven success and strong community appeal, Breaking Barre is ready to expand nationwide. Laura is passionate about bringing this opportunity to women who want to own their own businesses and build something impactful.
"I'm excited to encourage entrepreneurs, and I want to lead more women in doing what I have done," she says. "Owning a business gives you control, freedom, and a way to change lives, including your own."
Breaking Barre is more than a fitness studio. It is a platform for empowerment, connection, and transformation. As Laura Clark brings her vision to new locations, she is paving the way for women to step into business ownership and build the future they dream of, one
barre at a time.
About the Author
Kyle Heck is a franchise consultant in Winter Garden, FL. He brings a background of process engineering to franchising helping small businesses optimize business models to generate great franchises. Contact Kyle at Kyle@TheFranchiseConsultingCompany.com.








