Wellness
Dustin Isom: Breaking Boundaries in Barre
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Dancer by trade, Dustin Isom’s pure talent and positive personality radiates off the walls of Barre3 in Henderson, NV. As a barre instructor and advocate for the LGBTQ community, Dustin leads all of his classes with inclusivity and acceptance—blending confidence and conviction during every workout.
We asked Dustin to tell us about how his life experiences have shaped how he teaches (and relates to) each student who steps into the studio.
What brought you to barre and how has being part of the LGBTQ community shaped you over the years?
I grew up as an extremely active child. I played sports all through middle school, but as I transitioned to high school, I developed a love for dance. One of my teachers was an instructor at a local studio and invited some of her students to take a class. That was about five years ago. A few years after that, a friend brought me to Barre3 Henderson, and I instantly fell in love.
With barre, I am not afraid to test my masculinity. I continue to step into a barre class—even being the only male in the room—simply because of how the LGBTQ community has shaped me. I will throw myself into a class of mostly women, and confidently walk out proudly sporting my Barre3 gear.
How has Barre3 championed you and the diverse experiences you bring to your classes?
Barre3 Henderson has become my studio of choice because of their core values. With a focus on balance, Barre3 teaches people how to find harmony in their minds and bodies, which is extremely beneficial to a dancer and athlete like me.
Being the first and only male instructor at my studio, my goal is to get more men into a barre class. I want them to enter feeling just as comfortable and confident as all my female clients, and leave feeling accomplished. I challenge more men to break barriers, try something new, and dive deeper into what connects their mind and body.
Your class schedule changes daily, but what does your day look like when you’re not teaching?
When I am not teaching, I stay as active as possible. I train at a local gym or even take other Barre3 classes from fellow instructors. When I’m not relaxing by the pool, I keep my afternoons light before heading to the Las Vegas Strip for an evening of performances.
Barre can seem intimidating for someone just starting out. If you had one piece of advice for facing the fear of taking a new class, what would it be?
When I have new clients in my class, I like to end with a quote from Denis Waitley, “It’s not what you are that holds you back, it’s what you think you are not.” This quote really resonates because the only thing standing in your way is you. What holds us back and makes us feel discouraged or intimidated is all up to us. Allowing ourselves to feel vulnerable and open is the only way we can allow for change in our mind, body, and soul.
Pride Month is all about celebrating diversity. What tips would you give on being an ally to the LGBTQ community all year long?
My number one tip is to be open and accepting. Find acceptance in yourself, acceptance in others and acceptance in change. Nothing in life is ever accomplished through denial and self-hatred.
