Ashley Palumbo – Founder & Head Instructor
Ashley Palumbo founded Open Barre with Ashley, LLC in 2020 after recognizing a growing demand for accessible online Barre classes during the COVID-19 pandemic. Certified by the International Ballet Barre Fitness Association,1 she began teaching virtually and, for the next four years, led outdoor classes in warmer months while renting gym space during the colder seasons. In November 2024, she celebrated a major milestone by opening the first dedicated Open Barre studio.
A lifelong fitness enthusiast, Ashley has run the NYC Marathon, completed eight half marathons, and competed in CrossFit for over five years. She fell in love with Barre in 2015 and continued practicing throughout her second pregnancy—right up to the day before giving birth!
Ashley choreographs every class herself, creating fun, challenging workouts that focus on strength, balance, and flexibility. She’s proud to have built a welcoming community of strong, supportive women through Open Barre.
Originally from Connecticut, Ashley spent 15 years in New York City as an Emmy Award-winning television producer, working with names like Martha Stewart and Anderson Cooper. She now lives in Cheshire with her husband and two young children, bringing her creativity, passion, and positive energy to every class.
- Certifications: IBBFA Barre; IBBFA Level 2 Barre; IBBFA Pre & Postnatal Barre; IBBFA Ballerobica (HIITBarre, KickBarre, CardioBarre); Human Reformer Pilates, NFHS Concussion in Sports; YCADA Y101 AYC; CPR AED ↩︎