Find Your Comfort Zone
The ballet bar, often called a barre, has been used in ballet training since the 19th century for fundamental strength and flexibility exercises. AboutBallet.com says, "This waist high bar allows the ballet dancers to steady themselves whilst they are practicing." A ballet bar must be placed at a comfortable height for you, with your arm resting gently for balance, but not to holding you up.
Class and School Bars Are At Set Heights
At ballet classes or schools, the bar is often placed at an adjusted height the class shares or is bolted to the wall at a set height: "3.5 feet (1 m) from the floor," according to Encyclopedia Britannica. The average height of the class and ballet bar may not be best for you.
Bottom Line
A ballet bar should be at a comfortable level between your waist and hip. This may not be possible at a location with a fixed bar, though it's more likely if your body fits the bar standard height of 3.5 feet from the floor.