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ONE STUDIO, TWO PROFESSIONALS AND LOTS OF EXERCISE: FEEL THE BARRE STUDIO IN THE BÖTZOW DISTRICT

ONE STUDIO, TWO PROFESSIONALS AND LOTS OF EXERCISE: FEEL THE BARRE STUDIO IN THE BÖTZOW DISTRICT

“Are you ready to feel the barre?” — These are the words that greet you as you enter the doors of the new loft-like Barre Studio. Wondering what barre is? The term describes the horizontal bar that ballet dancers train with. This barre is used in many classes at the Feel the Barre studio. The classes are designed as full-body and muscle endurance training and are intended to strengthen the body in a way that few workouts can. Benefits include muscle strengthening, core stability, increased flexibility and endurance, improved posture, and much more. And though the association with ballet may sound demanding, barre is quite beginner-friendly and can be adapted to different ability levels. If you’re still not sure whether barre is for you, then I can only advise you to give it a try at this studio. It was founded by Michael Byrne, originally from London, and his partner Fabian, from Berlin.

Michael is a trained dancer and has worked in show business for many years, including ten years as dance captain for Starlight Express and as a choreographer for Helene Fischer. He then decided to study again and is now an ICF-accredited business coach. Fabian is also a trained dancer and worked as a coach at Flying Steps for ten years. Together, the two have built a community of almost 12,000 members worldwide during the pandemic with online HIIT and barre classes. With the end of the pandemic, the desire to offer a real place to find community became even greater, and this became possible in November 2023 with Feel the Barre Studio. I tried out the Signature Class, which combines all courses into one, and it was an excellent experience. Michael and Fabian take what they do very seriously, without taking themselves too seriously! In other words, you can expect to be challenged and encouraged, but at the same time made to feel welcome and hopefully, like me, have a lot of fun! If you’d like to take part in a barre class, you can take advantage of the 2-for-1 welcome offer. On to the barre!

Text & Photos: Luna Schaffron

Feel the Barre, Bötzowstr.26, 10407 Berlin–Prenzlauer Berg; map

@feelthebarre

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LUUV: SOUFFLÉ PANCAKES, VIETNAMESE COFFEE AND JAPANDI-STYLE IN THE MIDDLE OF HELMHOLTZKIEZ

LUUV: SOUFFLÉ PANCAKES, VIETNAMESE COFFEE AND JAPANDI-STYLE IN THE MIDDLE OF HELMHOLTZKIEZ

Luuv, a newcomer to the café scene in 2024, has quickly garnered Berlin’s attention thanks to the passionate efforts of its founders: Mia, her husband Hoai and his brother Minh. Their dedication to creating a unique Japandi-style café experience is clear from the moment you step inside. With its bright, minimalist decor and inviting atmosphere, Luuv strikes the perfect balance between Japanese and Scandinavian influences. What sets Luuv apart isn’t just its aesthetic appeal, but its commitment to being a family-run business. The name “Luuv” itself is a clever play on words, combining the trio’s surname “Luu” with “Love”, signifying their deep affection for what they do. Hoai’s palpable passion for the café is infectious, and it’s clear that every aspect of Luuv has been thoughtfully curated.

While originally designed to be a drinks-focused café, Luuv has become synonymous with its soufflé pancakes (which are deliciously fluffy, thanks to Mia’s baking expertise). These pancakes, available in five different varieties, have become a sensation, drawing crowds from far and wide. But the delights don’t end there. Luuv offers an array of innovative coffee creations, including Vietnamese classics like Coconut Coffee and Salted Cream Coffee, as well as unique concoctions like Earl Grey Coffee and Matcha Coffee. One standout is the Earl Grey Boba Pancake, which combines fluffy pancakes with Earl Grey whipped cream and tapioca pearls, creating a delightful symphony of flavors and textures. In addition to its delectable offerings, Luuv takes pride in collaborating with local companies, sourcing its coffee beans from Roststätte Berlin and its croissants from Cookies & Co. Their commitment to supporting the local community adds another layer of charm to the Luuv experience. For those seeking a café visit that engages all five senses, Luuv is the perfect destination. From its mouthwatering treats to its cozy ambiance, Luuv promises an unforgettable experience for coffee lovers and foodies alike. As the saying goes, once you visit Luuv, you’ll be smitten with “luuv.”

Text & Photos: Luna Schaffron

Luuv, Dunckerstr.72, 10437 Berlin–Prenzlauer Berg; map
Tues–Fri 8–18h, Sat & Sun 9–18h

@luuv.cafe

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NETTA’S VINTAGE SHOP WITH Y2K TREASURES AND 90S FINDS: JOO VINTAGE

NETTA’S VINTAGE SHOP WITH Y2K TREASURES AND 90S FINDS: JOO VINTAGE

Netta Mattila’s journey from a young enthusiast of fashion and vintage to the founder of Joo Vintage is a testament to her enduring passion and entrepreneurial spirit. Having resided in Berlin for nearly 13 years, Netta’s affinity for fashion and vintage blossomed at an early age, with her penchant for vintage clothing evident as early as twelve years old. While her childhood dreams leaned towards becoming a fashion designer, her professional path eventually led her into the realms of graphic design and photography. Before the inception of Joo Vintage, Netta established the brand “Oh Mini I am,” which she initially showcased at markets and through an online store. After a decade of shared ventures, Netta felt compelled to embark on her solo journey. The moniker “Joo Vintage” pays homage to Netta’s Finnish roots, with “Joo” translating to “yes” in Finnish, symbolizing her embrace of a new chapter in her life. The name embodies simplicity, style and memorability, aligning seamlessly with the ethos of the store.

At the heart of Joo Vintage lies a mission to provide an eco-conscious alternative for fashion aficionados seeking trendy vintage apparel, footwear and accessories. Netta’s affinity for Y2K trends informs the store’s primary focus, although it also boasts a curated collection of timeless classics, 90s pieces, and selected designer items. From affordable options by brands like Guess and Buffalo to individual high-end pieces from Moschino or Versace, Joo Vintage caters to a diverse range of tastes and budgets. The choice of blue as the store’s signature color holds sentimental significance, rooted in Netta’s affection for the trendy blue hues of the 2000s. Drawing inspiration from her past experiences, such as painting her bookshelves in this captivating shade, Joo Vintage encapsulates these early influences, creating a space that resonates with nostalgia and contemporary flair. For fashion enthusiasts eager to unearth preloved treasures, Joo Vintage is a haven of curated style and sustainable elegance. So, grab your favorite shopping companion and embark on a journey to discover your next beloved vintage gem at Joo Vintage.

Text & Photos: Luna Schaffron

Joo Vintage, Hobrechtstr.28, 12047 Berlin–Neukölln; map
Mon–Sat 13–19h

@joovintageberlin

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PRECISE, UNUSUAL AND WELCOMING — PFEIFER

PRECISE, UNUSUAL AND WELCOMING — PFEIFER

The salon is impressive, even from the sidewalk. The pink salon chairs provide just the right balance between the simple wooden drawers and the ceiling-high mirrors. Pfeifer has been located on Zionskirchstraße, near Teutoburger Platz, since April 2022. It’s obvious as you look through the window how much passion Fee, Irina and Steffen inject into their craft. They take the time to work with you to bring out the best in your hair. Thanks to their experience, they can create effortlessly natural results that are individually tailored to you. Whether it’s a cut, color or foil highlights, their clients always leave with a smile on their faces. And, no matter your gender, everyone pays the same for their haircut or color. Since I’ve been a customer at Pfeifer, my hair has become a means of personal expression — from a short bob to tapered bangs, from a pixie cut to a buzz cut — I wouldn’t have dared to be so bold before going to Pfeifer. And since then, I no longer trust anyone else with my hair.

Text: Robyn Steffen / Photos: JF & Robyn Steffen

Pfeifer, Zionskirchstr.68, 10119 Berlin–Prenzlauer Berg; map
Tues–Sat

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LET’S GO BERLINALE — THE 74TH EDITION OF THE INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL STARTS TODAY

LET’S GO BERLINALE — THE 74TH EDITION OF THE INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL STARTS TODAY

The year is 2024. It’s February. The Berlin sky is gray. If you’ve been hibernating and missed the recent discussions, here’s a reminder: it’s Berlinale time again. The film festival is in its 74th edition, showcasing over 230 films for ten days starting today (15.02.2024). Tim Mielant’s historical drama “Small Things Like This“, featuring Cillian Murphy as a coal merchant in a small town in Wexford, Ireland, during the 1980s, will open the red carpet event. The film is part of the competition, vying for the Silver and Golden Bears against 19 other productions such as the documentary “Dahomey” and the debut film “Mé el Aïn” by Tunisian-French director Meryam Joobeur. Besides the buzz at Potsdamer Platz, Berlinale Goes Kiez (17.–23.02.) is back, bringing a touch of glamour to Berlin’s arthouse cinemas and beyond. “Last Swim” will be screened at City Kino Wedding, marking Sasha Nathwani’s feature film debut and kicking off the Generation 14pluscategory. The story revolves around Ziba, a British-Iranian teenager embarking on a journey of discovery with her friends on a scorching summer day in London. On 21.02. at Babylon Kreuzberg, Yorgos Zois invites you to a deserted seaside resort with “Arcadia“, where neurologist Katerina and former doctor Yannis are tasked with identifying a corpse. This captivating drama is part of Encounters, a section dedicated to showcasing new perspectives on cinema.

Fans of Nora Fingscheidt since “Systemsprenger” should add “The Outrun” to their must-watch list: Saoirse Ronan portrays Rona, who returns home after a long absence. As she confronts her memories of childhood and her tumultuous time in London, a poignant adaptation of Amy Liptrot’s autobiographical bestseller unfolds. Alongside the Berlinale’s main program, there’s a rich array of additional events. One notable example is Gewächshaus, a network by and for BIPOC filmmakers, hosting masterclasses, workshops, parties, and more at Fotografiska under the theme “Shifting Power at Berlinale”. Here’s hoping you snag tickets and soak in the festival atmosphere! What better way to escape Berlin’s dreariness than by immersing yourself in a film marathon, sinking into a cinema seat with popcorn in hand, and being transported to another world.

Text: Sophie Doering / Stills: The Outrun, Matt McQuillan & Les Films du Bal – Fanta Sy

The complete Berlinale program is available online. Further information can be found on the website.

@berlinale

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