Heidelberg graduate returns to Tiffin with new business

Relevè Barre Studio is planning a late fall opening in Tiffin’s historic downtown, the first new business in a planned shared commercial space at 131 S. Washington St., called the “131 Arcade.”

Relevè is a fitness studio offering a workout technique designed to improve and enhance balance, posture, long and lean muscle tone, flexibility and core strength. Workouts utilize a ballet barre, floor mat, hand weights and resistance bands.

Owner Donna Gross is a graduate of Heidelberg University and is moving back to the area to open the studio. She has been in business in Birmingham, Michigan, for seven years, teaching barre and other dance classes. While in Tiffin, Gross taught ballet at Dance Unlimited.

“I’m very excited to come back to the area and be part of everything that is happening in the community – I think Tiffin is going to love barre,” Gross said.

In addition to barre classes, Gross would like to add yoga, pilates, Zumba ballroom dancing lessons and personal fitness training. Gross will be hiring 6-8 instructors soon for classes. She also plans to begin offering barre pop-up classes soon at local Tiffin businesses until the studio is ready to open.

Tiffin Mayor Aaron Montz commented: “I’m happy to see that Donna has decided to return to Tiffin and bring her unique business to our community.”