​Michele McEntire 
ÉLITE BARRÉ Fitness Studio Founder, Owner & Instructor
IBBFA BARRE Level 1 Certified, Precision Nutrition Level 1 Certified, ISSA Certified Group Fitness Instructor

The Elite Barre method was developed by Michele McEntire, a dancer with 25+ years of formal instruction in the disciplines of ballet, jazz, modern, tap, ballroom, and, contemporary styles of dance. A Redding native, Michele returned to Redding after living in the Napa Valley, where she gained business experience in the wine and hospitality industries as well as the corporate worlds of banking and real estate, in the Bay Area and Northern California.  With the heart of an entrepreneur and wanting to follow her true calling, Michele aspired to bring the ballet-inspired Barre workout she developed in the gym world as a fitness instructor into her own studio. The Elite Barre method was debuted by Michele in September of 2015 at its first location on Henderson Street, introducing a fresh approach to group fitness Redding had never seen the likes of. The demand was there, and so was the business! The studio relocated in November 2016 to the second location 2676 Bechelli Ln and grew exponentially for the next 6 years. In August 2022, the studio relocated and doubled its size to its current location at 3286 Bechelli Ln. Michele has continued incorporating her dance and fine art backgrounds into her exquisite, effective regimen her clients have come to love and appreciate. Since its inception, Elite Barre Fitness Studio has flourished into a supportive community where clients feel like they have a second home. In addition to teaching Barre classes, leading support staff, and running the back office, Michele celebrates life among her friends and family, including her beautiful teenage daughter. Independently owning and operating her business, she feels that commitment is the key to success in anything we do in life. Michele values her local community and is grateful for connections with her clients who in turn, inspire her with their dedication and results. 

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INSTRUCTORS

Holly grew up in the Bay Area. A graduate of Boise State, she achieved her Masters in Industrial Organizational Psychology at Seattle Pacific University. Holly resides in Redding with her husband and two dogs. She is a nutrition enthusiast and loves to travel. Being a member at Elite Barre, Holly has rekindled her childhood love of dance and is adored by all. She excited to share her passion with our barre community.

Nicole has been a member of Elite Barre Fitness Studio since its inception in 2015. She loves the unique workout and the encouraging spirits of the instructors and its studio members. Nicole enjoyed dance as a child and was on her high school drill team. She brings a total of 12 years of dance experience to our team, including ballet, tap and jazz dance. Nicole has always loved working out and participating in group fitness, but since trying Barre, she hasn’t wanted to do anything else! Nicole is from Houston, Texas and has resided in Redding for 17 years. She and her husband have three amazing children, two young adults and one high schooler. Nicole has done a variety of things over the years – she began her career as a CPA, then became a stay at home mom, sold Premier Designs Jewelry, and currently works for Jacobs Engineering as a Project Controls Specialist. Nicole loves attending her kid’s events, traveling and indulging in Mexican food wherever possible. Nicole is a breast cancer survivor and is excited to be our newest Barre instructor, continuing a positive health journey for herself and helping inspire others in their self care journeys as well.

Tonya Waterman

Patty Garcia

Jen's love of dance started at the ripe young age of 8. Through the years Jen was constantly choreographing, taking dance classes, drill team in middle school, cheerleading in high school, and trained in Hip Hop for several years in Los Angeles. After achieving her Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree in 3D metal design to evolve her business "Jen's Jewels," Jen returned home to Redding to start a family. She and her husband have a son, a beagle and a cat. Barre became her escape from working in her studio at home and a place to be around wonderful and inspiring women. Jen's love of Barre shines through her and after almost 2 years of being a member, Michele invited her to join the team. Jen couldn't be more excited to share the joy and health benefits that Barre has brought to her with the ladies of this community.

Mia was born and raised in Redding. Mia has been passionate about health and wellness since she was child, not only for herself, but also for her community and the planet. Always aware of the importance of a healthy diet and maintaining an active lifestyle from swimming, skiing, snowboarding, rollerblading and bike riding, she spends most of her free time doing some form of outdoor recreation. In 2005, Mia discovered yoga and realized the endless benefits and hoped to one day be a part of bringing yoga into the lives of others. Mia graduated from Humboldt State University with a degree in Environmental Science and loves her full time job with J.F. Shea Construction.

Dorothy Eliason Born and raised in Northern California, Dot has always loved physical activity. She started dancing at the age of 5, and although she only did it for a few years, she carried the knowledge, flexibility & respect that she learned from it throughout her childhood and teenage years. Her love for dance was rekindled at Shasta College, where she took every dance class available to her. After graduation, she moved on to the Fashion Institute for Design & Merchandising in San Francisco to receive her Degree in Fashion Design Professional Designation. Continuing her education meant moving to Utah to attend Utah Valley University. All the while still practicing ballet on pointe. Dot attended many different physical education classes. Being a yogie since 2006, she loves any type of workout class that is presented to her. It was in Utah where Dot first discovered the Aerial Arts. Starting with Pole Fitness, she quickly moved on to Aerial Silks and Lyra. Since getting certified as an aerial silks instructor in 2019, she has continued teaching silks from home. She spends most of her time with her 2-year-old and her husband. Any extra time is spent doing graphic design or working out. Being a lover of all things fitness, Dot has also been certified to teach Mossa Group Power. Her next certification will be in instructing barre through the International Ballet Barre Fitness Association. Dot is very excited to be joining the teaching staff at Elite Barre after being a student for over two years. She hopes to live up to the awesome teaching standards that all of the other instructors embody.

BUSINESS SUPPORT

Robin Fator ÉLITE BARRÉ Fitness Studio Marketing Manager. www.rfc.marketing

M.C. Hunter Photography