Anna Perry: Instructor Insider
To know her is to love her. See this Instructor Insider from NEIGHBORHOOD barre’s very own Anna Perry, where we go over how she got her start with movement and what keeps her motivated. Anna currently sits as nb’s Manager of Training and Development, but that’s not the only hat she’s worn for the brand. Since 2017, she’s been an Instructor, Content Developer, and Senior Master Trainer. Quite a story of growth! If you’ve ever taken one of Anna’s classes, you know that she is full of energy, passion, and care for each and every one of the clients in her class. Let’s dive right into a few questions to get to know the one and only Anna better.
Tell us a little about yourself!
I’m a professional dancer and choreographer, as well as a Professor of dance and musical theater. Movement has truly been my life’s work. I’ve trained, performed, choreographed, and taught across so many spaces — and every role has reinforced the same truth: movement is powerful.
What first drew you to movement?
I’ve been dancing my whole life. It was never just a workout to me — it was a way of life. Movement is in my blood. Finding forms of fitness that don’t feel like “work” has always been important to me. When you love how something feels in your body and your spirit, it stops being exercise and starts being identity.
When did you realize it was more than just a hobby?
Honestly, I always knew movement would be my life. Between dance, barre, yoga, and group fitness, I’ve always been drawn to spaces where people come together to move. Helping people see that we can all move — that movement belongs to everyone — is what solidified it as my career.
How has movement supported you outside the studio?
Movement isn’t separate from my life — it is my life. It grounds me, energizes me, and keeps me connected to myself.
How would you describe your teaching style in three words?
Energetic. Joyful. Dynamic.
How long did it take you to find your authentic voice on the mic?
Not long at all. Being on stage is my favorite place to be — and teaching allows me to be fully myself, not a character. That authenticity is freeing. 🎤
What makes teaching barre different from other formats?
The attention to detail. Barre is incredibly mindful. You’re digging into every tiny movement, never zoning out, always refining. That level of presence is something I love.
What makes NEIGHBORHOOD barre® feel different?
It’s accessible. It’s friendly. It’s authentic. There’s something special about the community — instructors and clients alike show up as themselves. And the workout is always fire.
How do you create connections in a group setting?
Unifying the group is so important to me. I invite clients to engage, to meet each other, to share about their lives. I’m not just invested in teaching a great class — I’m invested in being there for my clients in all stages of life and building real support within our community.
What should first-time clients know?
Don’t be too hard on yourself. Barre can feel challenging at first — there’s a lot going on! Give yourself grace.
What has teaching taught you about yourself?
That moving with purpose is vital.
How has leading others changed how you move through life?
It’s built deep self-awareness. Just like we offer clients options and modifications, I’ve learned to listen to my own body. Every day I show up differently — and that’s okay. I practice a two-way dialogue with my body now.
Have you ever doubted yourself?
Teaching while pregnant was very tough. But it was also a constant reminder of the importance of moving in every stage of life — and of truly listening to your body. That experience deepened my empathy and strengthened my belief in adaptable movement.
Advice for someone who feels “not good at barre”?
Barre isn’t something to master. It’s a modality that meets you where you are.
What do you hope clients feel when they walk out?
Energized. Joyful. Awake. Happy. Accomplished.
Go-to hype song?
“Pop Muzik” — current vibe on repeat!
If your class had a tagline…:
- Where strength sparkles.
One phrase you say in almost every class?
“Shaking like bacon on a Sunday morning brunch!” 🥓
Thank you for your wise words, Anna!
For those interested in trying barre for the first time, we encourage you to find a studio near you! For anyone interested in tuning in and toning up online, take a look at our on-demand workouts.
