I was initially apprehensive about trying Pure Barre Addison after noticing several recent one-star reviews. However, when I arrived, I was warmly welcomed by Nicole, who assured me that Elysia, the instructor, was experienced and had been teaching for years. Encouraged by her words, I decided to give the class a chance. Unfortunately, my experience was far from what I had hoped for.
Having previously attended a Pure Barre class at the Richardson location, I had high expectations. That class was engaging, well-structured, and led by an instructor who provided clear demonstrations, corrections, and encouragement. The only reason I hadn’t returned was due to distance, so I was excited to find the Addison location closer to home.
This class, however, was a stark contrast. With only two participants—myself, a beginner, and a woman who had been doing Pure Barre for over 10 years—it should have been an ideal opportunity for a more personalized, supportive session. Instead, I felt largely ignored. Elysia mumbled instructions, often failing to demonstrate exercises, leaving me to watch and mimic the other participant as best I could. Even when she did correct my form, it felt like an inconvenience to her rather than a genuine effort to help. Most of the time, she stood by the stereo, turned away from the class, calling out moves without ensuring I understood what to do.
The role of an instructor is to guide, support, and create an inclusive atmosphere that encourages participants to return. While I understand that instructors can’t give constant one-on-one attention, it was evident that Elysia had no interest in making me feel welcome or setting me up for success. When I voiced my concerns at the end of class, she was dismissive, responding with a smirk and a passive-aggressive, “I’m sorry you feel that way.” It was clear she had no regard for my experience.
What solidified my feelings was when the other participant approached me afterward and confirmed she had noticed the same dismissive and unprofessional behavior. She even thanked me for speaking up, noting that something felt completely off. Nicole, in contrast, was kind and encouraged me to try a different class with another instructor, which I appreciated.
The most unsettling part of this experience is that I left questioning whether this treatment was due to race. While I can’t say for certain, Elysia’s passive-aggressive behavior and complete lack of effort to support me made it feel that way. In an industry built on inclusivity, community, and wellness, such behavior is unacceptable. It also explains why this location appears to have low attendance and multiple negative reviews describing similar experiences.
A single bad instructor can severely damage a studio’s reputation, and unfortunately, Elysia’s attitude reflects poorly on Pure Barre as a whole. I truly wanted to love this location, but after such a distasteful experience, I cannot recommend it to others.