Elisabeth Halfpapp
Elisabeth began her barre fitness journey as an associate in Dance Education at the School of the Hartford Ballet . From that moment she knew this would become her life’s work. Trained in classical ballet, Elisabeth saw the future in barre training early on. She became a pioneer leading the Lotte Berk Method (LBM) in New York City, the Hamptons, and Los Angeles, attracting an eager audience looking to adopt a new fitness regimen. Following more than two decades growing the LBM business, Elisabeth became one of the founding partners at Exhale, where she developed the proprietary barre class as well as the cardio and yoga programs. With the barre industry’s growing admiration for the Exhale brand as the industry leader, Elisabeth co-created the Exhale Barre Teacher Training certification and Yoga Teacher Training programs and has trained hundreds of teachers. She also created a series of 12 barre videos and co-authored the Barre Fitness Book which has quickly become the industry’s revered bible. After helping to grow Exhale to more than 26 locations, the company was acquired by Hyatt, where Elisabeth was promoted to Senior Director of Mind Body Fitness at their Miraval properties.
Elisabeth has danced with the Mercer Ballet, Princeton Ballet, Hartford Ballet, and continues to perform as the “Dutch Mom” in Dances Patrelle The Yorkville Nutcracker. She is also an ABT certified ballet teacher in pre-primary through level 3.
With her sights set on leading her own classes and training curriculum, Elisabeth started CoreBarreFIt in 2019. She is a sought after authority and expert in the field, frequently appearing as an industry spokesperson on national media as well as an expert presenter at trade events. Elisabeth is excited to continue offering her unparalleled expertise to loyal fans through her own venture.
Fred DeVito
Fred grew up as an active participant in all sports and could always be found on the athletic field. Armed with a BS in Physical Education and Health, Fred embarked on a career teaching phys ed in public school and offering personal training & group fitness instruction at local health clubs. Shortly thereafter, he joined his wife and partner, Elisabeth, and the Lotte Berk Method (LBM) team, as the world’s first male barre teacher. Fred continued on this journey for nearly two decades with LBM which eventually led him, along with Elisabeth, to a new opportunity with Exhale, as one of the founding partners.
Fred co-created the Exhale Barre Teacher Training certification and has been instrumental in training hundreds of teachers. He has created a curriculum to certify a growing legion of barre fitness professionals around the world. He is a regularly featured fitness expert on the national scene where he has written for numerous journals, magazines and publications on topics ranging from Stress Management and Benefits of Movement, to Tips for Living a Longer & Healthier Life. Fred also co-created a series of 12 barre videos and co-authored the Barre Fitness Book, the industry’s go to manual, which provides 100 at-home barre exercises from the fundamentals to more complex moves with a focus on building strength and improving technique. Fred offers sessions in Thai stretch, a dynamic bodywork therapy based upon yoga and Ayurveda practices, receiving his certification from the world renowned Lotus Palm in Montreal. With his tremendous interest in music, Fred has created a side profession as an accomplished jazz double bass player and parlays this talent to inspire the incredible playlists used in all CoreBarreFit classes.
Kat Steers
Kat has been teaching fitness for 15 years. Prior to teaching, she had a long career as a professional dancer. Kat traveled the world during her dancing career and is most proud of her 18-year career with the Radio City Rockettes in New York City. Her teaching credits include Physique 57, The Body, and Exhale, all in NYC. She was a part of a special team at Exhale where she helped develop the current innovations for their Barre classes.
Kat brings extensive knowledge of body alignment and teaching technique from her years of dance and fitness training. She holds B.F.A. in Modern Dance from the North Carolina School of the Arts. She completed her Barre Certification with Exhale and holds an active personal training certification from NASM. Kat teaches a creative and energizing class while emphasizing proper alignment and technique. She enjoys bringing fresh and new variations to each and every class.
Dody Nahas
Dody's love of dance led her to the Hartford Ballet where as an associate in Dance Education she became branch manager for the school, teaching ballet and creative movement. She later embarked on a role as choreographer and dance teacher for the River Valley School of Ballet as well as an artist in residence and company member for the Island Moving Company in Newport, RI. Adding to her illustrious career, she became an artist in residence at the Regional Multicultural Magnet School in New London, CT where she taught dance movement.
After relocating to Ohio, Dody became a company member and teacher with the Living Fountain Dance Company as well as a choreographer and dance teacher at Canton Country Day School where she also teaches barre.
She completed her Exhale Barre Certification under the direction of Elisabeth and Fred in 2017 and also received barre certification from Flex Yoga. Additionally, Dody completed a teacher training certification with the dance company Pilobolus. Dody has been an avid member of the CoreBarreFit community and invited her husband to join in, becoming a faithful member of the CBF family as well.