Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month
Honoring AAPI Heritage Month Continued
Throughout the month of May, we’re celebrating Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month. And what better way than to highlight voices from our very own community? Barre3 Covington instructor Grace Yim opens up about being Korean American, barre3, and more.
BARRE3 MAGAZINE: How long have you been connected with barre3?
GRACE: I’m currently an Instructor at barre3 Covington! I have been with the studio since doors opened in September 2020 and couldn’t be more grateful for the community that our Studio Owner Erin Anderson has built here. I was a longtime client prior to barre3 Covington being built, so barre3 has always been a part of my life and definitely always will be.
BARRE3 MAGAZINE: What ethnicity do you identify with?
GRACE: Korean American! Being the first generation in my family to be born and raised in the U.S. will always be something special to me. Growing up, I definitely struggled trying to learn and celebrate two different cultures simultaneously. A lot of my social and societal environments made me believe I had to favor one or the other, even though I sincerely embraced both. With time and maturity, I’ve become more confident and committed to live a culturally blended life regardless of where I am or who I’m with. I’m so thankful for the close people in my life that have always respected my diversity and all that I am.
BARRE3 MAGAZINE: What makes you proud of your ethnicity?
GRACE: I will never forget standing inside SoFi Stadium in LA and hearing 65,000 people belt out Korean lyrics. You already know…this was a BTS concert. It truly blows my mind how much Korean entertainment has a presence in the U.S. and all over the world today. Whether it’s food, language, music, tv dramas, or even the latest skincare trends, I love seeing others admire and be receptive to all the Korean representation in various ways!
BARRE3 MAGAZINE: What is your favorite barre3 memory?
GRACE: It has to be when my sister texted me saying that a barre3 studio was opening near me. I was so bummed when I first moved to this area and found out there wasn’t a local studio nearby, so I was taking online classes for a while. About one year later, my sister saw a sign that barre3 Covington was opening and, of course, I freaked out! My studio owner and I often reflect back on this memory and how it was truly a sign for me to be here at barre3 Covington—pun most definitely intended.
BARRE3 MAGAZINE: Thank you for taking the time to answer these questions. Is there anything else you would like to share?
GRACE: I will always love barre3 for the physical challenge and mindfulness practice…but it’s truly so much more than that. This community has always fostered a healthy and safe space for me to grow as a person in ways I never thought it would, and I really hope it does for others, too!
Throughout the month of May, we’re celebrating Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month. And what better way than to highlight voices from our very own community? Barre3 Covington instructor Grace Yim opens up about being Korean American, barre3, and more.
BARRE3 MAGAZINE: How long have you been connected with barre3?
GRACE: I’m currently an Instructor at barre3 Covington! I have been with the studio since doors opened in September 2020 and couldn’t be more grateful for the community that our Studio Owner Erin Anderson has built here. I was a longtime client prior to barre3 Covington being built, so barre3 has always been a part of my life and definitely always will be.
BARRE3 MAGAZINE: What ethnicity do you identify with?
GRACE: Korean American! Being the first generation in my family to be born and raised in the U.S. will always be something special to me. Growing up, I definitely struggled trying to learn and celebrate two different cultures simultaneously. A lot of my social and societal environments made me believe I had to favor one or the other, even though I sincerely embraced both. With time and maturity, I’ve become more confident and committed to live a culturally blended life regardless of where I am or who I’m with. I’m so thankful for the close people in my life that have always respected my diversity and all that I am.
BARRE3 MAGAZINE: What makes you proud of your ethnicity?
GRACE: I will never forget standing inside SoFi Stadium in LA and hearing 65,000 people belt out Korean lyrics. You already know…this was a BTS concert. It truly blows my mind how much Korean entertainment has a presence in the U.S. and all over the world today. Whether it’s food, language, music, tv dramas, or even the latest skincare trends, I love seeing others admire and be receptive to all the Korean representation in various ways!
BARRE3 MAGAZINE: What is your favorite barre3 memory?
GRACE: It has to be when my sister texted me saying that a barre3 studio was opening near me. I was so bummed when I first moved to this area and found out there wasn’t a local studio nearby, so I was taking online classes for a while. About one year later, my sister saw a sign that barre3 Covington was opening and, of course, I freaked out! My studio owner and I often reflect back on this memory and how it was truly a sign for me to be here at barre3 Covington—pun most definitely intended.
BARRE3 MAGAZINE: Thank you for taking the time to answer these questions. Is there anything else you would like to share?
GRACE: I will always love barre3 for the physical challenge and mindfulness practice…but it’s truly so much more than that. This community has always fostered a healthy and safe space for me to grow as a person in ways I never thought it would, and I really hope it does for others, too!
