Above the Barre
Scale walls, climb cargo nets and rope, pull your way across a monkey bar using your arms — tumble, run, backflip. This is ninja training, and there are classes that even your preschooler can take at Above the Barre in Berea.
“The great thing about the ninja program is that it’s not as structured as gymnastics,” says Nicole Hill, marketing manager for Above the Barre, where owner is Susan Barr.
Ninja is “trending,” Hill says. NBC’s American Ninja Warrior is driving interest, and Above the Barre has a couple of senseis leading the charge. One is Alex Gilli, who is part of the Cavaliers dunk team, C-Town Throwdowns. Joe Zitriki has a martial arts background.
Ninja programs are available for ages 4-5, 6-9 and 10-plus. Ninja Extreme classes teach tumbling tricks like running up a wall and backflips.
“Obstacle courses train strength and agility, and it’s a lot of movement,” Hill says.
Each season, Above the Barre puts on Ninja Games. “Our ninjas compete on our different obstacle courses to see who has the fastest time and skills, and they are judged by our senseis,” Hill says.
1087 Berea Industrial Parkway, Berea, 440-625-0000; 1450 W. Bagley Road, Berea, 440-625-0000; abovethebarre.com
