South Surrey’s Barre Fitness marks 10 years
Published 12:00 pm Tuesday, April 28, 2026
From med school to film to fitness – Susan Scarlett’s journey to owning her own gym has been an interesting one.
“All these life things shape us to who we become,” the 53-year-old South Surrey resident said in a recent interview, reflecting on events that led up to her opening Barre Fitness in Grandview Corners 10 years ago.
Barre “really brought me back … that connection to myself. It brought me back to a happy place.”
Born and raised in North Vancouver, Scarlett was introduced to the hybrid fitness workout that blends barre with pilates, stretching and strength in 2012. Going through a divorce at the time, the mother of two started taking the classes to “find myself again,” and quickly became hooked on the ballet-inspired exercises.
“You can kind of channel your inner ballerina, but it’s a butt-kicking workout,” she said, adding it’s not just for the body, but also builds mental strength.
Looking back on the road that led her to open Barre Fitness, Scarlett described dance as an integral part of her life from preschool into high school; a passion she left behind to pursue a career as a doctor, ultimately graduating from UBC with a bachelor’s degree in medical science.
“Then, my mom got sick.”
The illness’s “very tough road” left Scarlett feeling the medical community had snubbed her and her mom, “so I changed my whole path.”
Following two years studying naturopathic medicine in Seattle, she took a year off, during which time she began dabbling in acting.
“I was, ‘screw the sciences, screw medicine, I’m going to do this,’” she recalled. “Clearly, I had these things that I had to try in my life.”
Landing roles on such series as Stargate, Mysterious Ways and Supernatural, as well as commercials, Scarlett said she continued in the film and TV industry – concurrently starting a business making jewelry and all the while raising her kids – until she discovered barre, moved away from North Vancouver, met her now-husband and moved to South Surrey.
Finding the community barre-less, her husband – a contractor – suggested they open a studio, offering to put his skills to work to help make it happen. After securing a franchise and the Grandview location, Barre Fitness began offering classes in May 2016.
The June 6 ‘Open Barre’ anniversary celebration, set for 8 a.m. till 12:30 p.m., includes an opportunity to check out the studio, meet Scarlett and the team, try a class (sign up online at barrefitness.com), win prizes and enjoy refreshments.
There will also be an opportunity to support the business’s fundraising efforts, including through a QR code scanning station benefiting Sources Women’s Place.
Scarlett said the morning’s classes are suitable for every age and fitness level, noting her clients currently span an age spectrum ranging from 20 years old to 90.
“Barre is very low-impact, safe for joints, and everyone can modify and make it their own,” she said.
Space is limited for the June 6 classes. To sign up or join a waitlist, visit barrefitness.com/open-barre-event