Missy Dunn Finds Balance at Barre3

Missy Dunn is on a mission to help others find the balance she’s discovered at Barre3 in Madison, Wisconsin.

“We teach you to be balanced in your body and empowered from within. No two bodies are the same. We celebrate that and encourage clients to listen to their body and trust what feels good.”

Dunn says the career she’s created as a franchise owner doesn’t feel like work.

“It’s easy for me to sell Barre3, because I believe it. I love exercising. It’s all about connections. We lost those connections during COVID. We need those personal connections that in studio classes provide in order to find that balance.”

Missy and I connected during the pandemic, when I discovered one of her outdoor classes. Now, I choose to travel further to her studio, because of the sense of community she’s created at Barre3. The relationship between the staff and clients seems more like family, maybe because of all they’ve been through together. They even have a monthly book club and host special events, like the workshop I held this February. Dunn beams with pride, describing the harmonious vibe at her studio.

“One of my favorite things is watching the friendships bloom in our little community. That’s why I do what I do. We do Barre3 to get better at life..more balanced, stronger and taller. Yes, taller! My doctor said I actually gained 1/2 inch since starting Barre3 in 2016.” (Another reason, I’m a fan!)

Never in her wildest dreams did Dunn think she would own a barre studio. In fact, she was once intimated by trying a different barre class, and didn’t have the best experience. She suffered an injury and was unable to play tennis, or run anymore-both of which, she loved. Frustrated and skeptical, Dunn decided to give Barre3 a try in 2016, and she’s been hooked ever since.

“From day one I knew Barre3 was different. The first question the instructor asked me was if I had any injuries and if so, offered modifications. The Barre3 workouts are authentic and adaptable to anybody. It was exactly what I needed.”

Dunn went from client to instructor training rather quickly, did her homework on co-founder Sadie Lincoln, and was impressed.

“I thought, this woman is a badass and I want to be part of this company they’ve created. A product that helps people find balance and fitness.”

Just as Dunn was researching franchise opportunities, the established Barre3 studio in Madison became available. The timing seemed perfect, as her kids were getting older and she was ready to make a career move. In June 2017, Dunn took the leap and bought the Madison franchise. She barely made any money that first year. In 2018 profits increased slightly. 2019 was the studio’s best year. Then, COVID turned things upside down. Dunn and her Barre3 team struggled to keep their balance and business afloat during a tumultuous time.

“My team rallied around me. We did live stream classes and outdoor classes. That’s when we really connected and I learned that sometimes you can’t do it all. You need to give up control of some things and delegate.”

That same year, Dunn’s 14 year old daughter Mae was diagnosed with a rare cancer. Being forced to close the studio temporarily became a blessing in disguise. It allowed her to devote more time to Mae’s care. Sadly, Mae lost her valiant battle with cancer in April, 2021. Dunn established a fund to honor Mae’s memory and donates 10% of all Barre3 Madison’s gross sales to pediatric cancer.

Dunn says the Barre3 community support during and after Mae’s illness was what kept her going, even when she didn’t have the strength to carry on. Slowly, she’s regained that power from within, and found her balance back at the barre and in life.

Now celebrating the studio’s 9th anniversary, Dunn is focused on sharing what she’s learned, by helping others find balance at Barre3 and in life. As class begins, our soft spoken warrior gently reminds us, it starts with breath work and mindfulness.

“We are all a work in progress. Let’s do this, so we can strengthen our bodies and face everything life throws at us. Meet me at the barre and we’ll face it together.”