Alix moved to Gainesville five years ago with her husband, daughter and two dogs. She spent the first four and half years managing a women’s clothing boutique before becoming the Studio Manager at Barre Forte.

In May 2015, Brinn Strange opened Barre Forte as the first barre studio in town, and Alix was hooked after taking just one class that Fall. A year later, she decided to take the Teacher Training to get certified. She's been teaching Barre classes since October, and dove in full-time as Studio Manager in February, as well.

Barre Forte’s focus is empowering women in every aspect of their lives. So while, yes, it is a fitness studio, it is also so much more. It is a supportive community of women, encouraging one another to meet their best - in and out of the studio - which is something we don’t see enough of. In addition to our 40+ classes/week, which includes Barre classes as well as other formats, they also hold community wellness events and social outings to get to know one another outside of class. Barre Forte loves being involved and supporting the Gainesville community!

Earlier this year, they partnered with Dance Marathon at UF by hosting a Sorority Challenge to support the Children’s Miracle Network, which was aimed at a younger age group than they typically target.

"I love hearing how GAWN has worked with other local organizations to improve the Gainesville area, and seeing women get together to socialize and support one another. This is very similar to the culture embraced by Barre Forte!"