Broche Banter | Adult ballet training, philosophy, & inspiration
Broche Banter is a podcast about adult ballet training, philosophy, and inspiration. It features conversations with dancers and adult ballet teachers who share their experiences and insights. The show explores how adults can pursue ballet, stay motivated, and find meaning in movement. It is hosted by Broche Ballet and is aimed at adult ballet students and enthusiasts.
Episodes
GUEST: Adult Pointe Shoe Fittings with Amy Kenney
All things pointe shoes this week! We are delighted to welcome pointe shoe fitter Amy Kenney to the show.Ever wondered what goes into finding your perfect pointe shoe? In this episode, we dive deep into padding, foot shapes, spacers, shank strength, synthetic materials, and the fascinating ways our feet change throughout the day and over time.Amy reveals the art behind her fittings: it's not just
GUEST: Vivian of Russian Ballet School - Breaking Barriers: Adult Ballet Reinvented in Toronto | Broche Banter Podcast Season 3 Episode 54
We are thrilled to talk with Vivian, who launched an adult ballet program at ‘The Russian Ballet School’ in Toronto, founded by her parents, Natalia and Edward, in the 90s.What started as a single weekly class five years ago has grown into a successful program where adults of all backgrounds and ages can enjoy Vaganova levels 1-3, pointe classes, stretch, conditioning, and a performance opportunit
I saw myself on video and wanted to quit! Season 3 Episode 53
That sinking feeling when you see yourself in the mirror or on video? You're not alone.Also, what you're seeing isn't objective. It’s filtered through your inner critic, distorting the image and potentially even hindering your progress.Same as with any tool, we have to learn how to use the visual feedback.Tune in to learn how to master the mirror and the video, and watch them become yo
🦶Think on Your Feet: How to Move Faster in Ballet 🚀
Your fastest dancing days aren't behind you. You can absolutely improve your speed at any age!This episode will help you find out which areas you need to work on to see results. Is it your body, your mind, your technique, or maybe the way you practice that’s weighing you down?Get ready to unlock those flying feet, either at the barre in a furiously fast frappé or across the floor in a playful
Is It Bad to Have Too Many Hobbies? Embracing your Many Passions | Broche Banter Sn 3 Ep 51
In this episode, Julie reveals how her diverse hobbies have helped her grow as a dancer and ballet teacher. While some dancers worry that pursuing other hobbies might dilute their focus, Julie believes they benefit our ballet journey. Every activity broadens our horizon, enhancing our technique, artistry, and mental resilience.Through singing lessons, Julie conquered fear and stage fright; jiu-jit
Guest Episode: Dancing Through Life with Tara - A Journey of Resilience and Joy | Season 3 Episode 50
Join us for a heartwarming episode as we sit down with Tara, a vibrant soul whose passion for greyhounds and ballet connected her with our host, Julie.Back in school, Tara loved performing in musicals and bands, but never imagined ballet would capture her heart until she tried it at university.She overcame serious injuries and the demands of three pregnancies, rebuilding her strength multiple time
From Overwhelm to Progress: The Building Blocks of Ballet Progress | Season 3 Episode 49
Feeling overwhelmed by the complexity of a full ballet class? You’re not alone! Each session is packed with thousands of micro-skills impossible to master all at once.In this week’s episode, Julie unveils how her modular approach transforms overwhelming classes into clear, empowering steps that accelerate your progress.Drawing from her diverse background in music, programming, math, and ballet, Ju
Boost your Ballet Brain: How to Memorize Combinations | Broche Banter Season 3 Episode 48
In an era where we constantly look up information and no longer have to memorize information, memory skills can feel rusty.In this episode, we share tips and tricks to boost your memory and learn ballet combinations faster.Remembering combinations is a key part of ballet, and Julie learned this the hard way. She recounts an initially embarrassing experience with a teacher that became a pivotal tur
Blind Spots in Ballet .....What Adults Don’t Realize About Learning Ballet (Until They’re In It) | Season 3 Episode 47
👀 Uncovering Blind Spots: Hidden Challenges in Adult Ballet Learning 🩰Ever wonder what hidden patterns shape our ballet journey?This week, we uncover how daily movement habits and our body’s unique history of injuries, sports, or stress, shape our practice in ways we didn’t expect as beginners.We’ll also take a good look at the challenges of working with a mirror, our attitude towards perfection a
Guest Elizabeth Blosfield from Adult Ballet Studio Podcast | Dancing Forward & The Evolution of Ballet
In this uplifting episode, we dive into the inspiring journey of Elizabeth, passionate dancer and journalist whose love for ballet was sparked at age three. Through her podcast, The Adult Ballet Studio Podcast, Elizabeth beautifully blends her passions for dance and storytelling.She opens up about her struggle to find a sense of belonging in ballet as an adult, and we explore ways teachers and stu
Dance your story: How to choreograph your own piece
Join us for an inspiring conversation with Grace, a passionate dancer and performer, as we dive into the art of choreography. Discover the magic of telling stories and expressing emotions through the universal language of movement, without a single word.We’ll explore practical steps to start choreographing your own piece, from finding inspiration to navigating the exhilarating ups and downs of th
Guest Alexandra Kunis: From Black Swan to Motherhood to Adult Ballet | A Journey of Rediscovery
In this inspiring episode, we sit down with Alexandra, who began her ballet journey at a young age, fueled by exceptional teachers and unwavering support. At just 14, she joined the School of American Ballet in New York, but her path was not without challenges, as she faced various injuries. Undeterred, Alexandra went on to dance with the Los Angeles Ballet.There, she trained Mila Kunis for her ic
Fueling Your Dance: From Stress to Ease 😣😌
This week opens with Julie sharing exciting personal news 🤗🎉 before diving into her transformative journey from food anxiety to body awareness.Learn how Julie developed an intuitive relationship with eating, discovering ways to distinguish between true hunger, fatigue, and emotional needs. She shares practical insights about intermittent fasting (time-restricted eating, not calorie restriction), e
Your Ballet as Project: How to Stay Organized ✅
Ever feel like fitting ballet into your busy life is harder than the practice itself? What if we told you there's a way to approach your ballet journey like a well-managed project?In this inspiring episode, Julie shares her proven strategies for making time for what we love most — ballet. Drawing from her experience organizing the International Adult Ballet Festival (IABF), she reveals practic
The Multiple Meanings of "Beginner": Unpacking a Complicated Word
Ever notice how we use the word "beginner" to mean different things? In this episode, we break down 5 distinct ways it shows up in the ballet world:1) Starting ballet for the first time as an adult2) Taking beginner-level classes3) Having a beginner's mindset (staying curious)4) Feeling like a beginner (even when you're not)5) Beginning again after a breakWe explore why this dece
From Track to Ballet: Sylvia’s Dance Journey
We are thrilled to welcome Sylvia, who studies at Tournesol Dance Studio with our recent guest Erica. After leaving track at 17, Sylvia discovered her passion for ballet and has since explored various styles, including modern, jazz, and tap dance.In this heartfelt conversation, Sylvia openly shares how she navigates social anxiety and autism, revealing how performing on stage has become an unexpec
From Frustration to Flow: Rethinking Your Ballet Progress
In this episode, Julie shares her insights on progress in ballet, revealing how growth happens across four essential dimensions: physical, mental, emotional, and artistic.Whether you're worried about losing progress during a break or feeling stuck on a plateau, Julie offers practical, encouraging strategies to keep moving forward. Her compassionate insights remind us that progress isn't ju
Your Pointe Questions Answered with Julie
🩰 The Adult Pointe Journey: Expert Answers with JulieDreaming of dancing en pointe? This week, Julie demystifies the journey from first pre-pointe class to that magical moment of rising onto your toes.Drawing from years of teaching experience, Julie addresses your burning questions about adult pointe work. Discover why pre-pointe training includes both seated and standing exercises, understand the
Making it as an Adult Ballet Company Part 3 of 3: The Value of Amateur Dancers in Ballet
Join us for the powerful conclusion to our three-part ballet series! We welcome back Leigh Purtill, Kelsay Maloney-Steiner, Jessica Maddox, and Ashley Caranto Morford for an inspiring discussion about inclusivity and increasing the visibility and value of amateur dancers.Through personal stories, they reveal how they create safe spaces for women to reconnect with their bodies and claim their right
Making it as an Adult Ballet Company Part 2 of 3: Recreating the Classics or Creating New Works?
Welcome back to Broche Banter! In this compelling continuation of our conversation, we welcome back Erica Centola, Leigh Purtill, and Kelsay Maloney-Steiner, joined by fresh voices Jessica Maddox, Leigh Grant, Ashley Caranto Morford, and Elizabeth Blosfield for an honest discussion about ballet.Each passionate artistic director shares their unique views on preserving ballet's magic while chall
Making it as an Adult Ballet Company Part 1 of 3: Building an Audience Beyond Friends & Family
In this episode, Julie welcomes four visionary artistic directors who founded their own dance companies to explore the evolution of adult ballet.Erica Centola, Leigh Purtill, Amanda Singrassia, Kelsay Maloney-Steiner, and Julie herself are true pioneers in the field of adult ballet. They reveal the realities of running a dance company - from creating performances and building audiences to fulfilli
The Secret Life of Tutus: From Forks to Fabric with Lucy 🧵✂️ | Broche Banter Podcast Season 3 Ep 34
This week, we peek behind the curtain of tutu making with Lucy Simpson, who learned this intricate craft during Covid.We dive into the mysterious, enchanting world of hoops, layers, nets, and bodices, discovering why tutu makers use unexpected tools like fishing nets and forks in their creations.Lucy also lets us in on the secret life of a tutu in a professional ballet company—how each one is alte
Just Julie Q&A: Assessments for Adults in Ballet, Self-doubt, Performing & more with Julie
AMA with Julie - your ballet questions answered! 🩰In this episode, ballet teacher Julie pulls back the curtain on her personal journey while offering advice and guidance for adult dancers at every level.You’ll be inspired by her revelations about navigating self-doubt (yes, even experienced teachers have it!) and her passionate vision for her future as an educator. Also, she shares her thoughts on
My First Professional Swan Lake at age 34
🦢Taking Flight: From Late Starter to Swan Lake 🦢Join us for this very special episode as Julie shares her incredible experience performing in Swan Lake with the corps de ballet of the Grand Ukrainian Ballet in Germany.As many of you know, Julie discovered ballet at 17, eventually making it her career. Imagine Julie’s surprise when her current teacher Katia invited her to perform Swan Lake in Germa
Ballet Wisdom: Julie Answers Burning Questions
This week, we hand the microphone to Samantha, a passionate ballerina who brings her most curious questions directly to Julie in a unique Q&A session.Discover Julie's personal approach to that delicate balance between flexibility and strength, and learn her secrets for transforming discomfort into an opportunity for inner calm. Whether you're a beginner or advanced dancer, you'll f
Spotlight Survival Guide: The performance and the Aftermath (Part 2)
Welcome back to our empowering journey through performance anxiety. In this second episode, Julie and recurring guest Suzanne are diving into a delightful chat about those heart-pounding moments on stage and the days after.We’ll address worst-case scenarios like literally or figuratively falling on stage. Through touching personal stories, we’ll discover why mishaps often create more powerful conn
Taming Stage Fright: Mastering Pre-Show Jitters (Part 1)
We are thrilled to welcome back Suzanne, adult ballet dancer and entrepreneur, for a two-part exploration of how to conquer performance anxiety.Whether it's a ballet performance or a big presentation, we'll share practical ways to prepare in the weeks leading up to your big moment in the spotlight.Discover how knowing yourself better can be your secret weapon against nerves. We’ve got you
Creativity, Business & Being Real: My Journey as an Entrepreneur
What does it really take to build a creative business from the ground up?In this episode, I’m sharing something special — a behind-the-scenes conversation about my personal journey as a creative entrepreneur. You’ll hear stories about how I got started, how I developed my business skills along the way, and how technology has both helped and challenged my growth.We also dive into the deeper stuff:
How to prepare for a summer intensive | Season 3 Episode 28
An intensive is an incredible opportunity to make life-long friends, leave your daily routine behind and immerse yourself in what you love most: ballet.To get the most out of your experience, it's important to prepare both your body a few weeks in advance. Here’s how:✅ Stand more - you’ll be on your feet a lot.✅ Bulletproof your ankles & calves.✅ Hydrate & plan your electrolytes.✅ Practice
My Pointe Journey: Banana Feet Misconceptions, 3d Printed Pointes Bedazzled Wedding Pointe Shoes
We are so excited to share this very special episode with you! This week, you asked, and Julie answered!Order your copy of Broche Magazine POINTE Edition: https://brocheballetonline.com/shopShe responds to your pointe shoe questions (see below) but also takes us through her pointe journey, showing us all her beautiful shoes, including the ones she wore for her wedding. Spoilers: It’s going to be s
The truth behind the hustle | Grace interviews Julie about building Broche
This week on Broche Banter, we’re switching things up! Our very own Julie takes the guest seat as the wonderful Grace Owen, dancer, dance photographer, and popular returning guest on the show, leads the conversation.Julie opens up about her unconventional ballet journey, starting at 17, moving to New York and discovering not just ballet classes, but also herself. She shares the realities of runnin
From Programmer to Ballet Teacher - How I got Here
This week, it's just us and Julie, the heart and soul of Broche Ballet!Julie’s journey is nothing short of inspiring. With no dance background but a varied musical education, she discovered ballet at 17 and it was love at first sight.While studying computer science in New York, she filled her free time with as many dance classes as possible, even training privately. She pushed her limits, audi
Ballet Advice for Adults Pursing Ballet | Your Ballet Questions, My Answers!
In this episode of Broche Banter, it's just me—just me and YOUR questions! I’m diving into some of the most common challenges adult ballet dancers face, including:✨ How to self-improve when taking recorded classes alone✨ If you only have time for barre or center, which should you prioritize?✨ Where to start when working on double pirouettes✨ Why balancing is so hard—what is proprioception, and
Nutcracker for Adults: Kelsey speaks about the Facet Dance Collective Premiere Show!
In this inspiring episode, we’re excited to welcome back Kelsey Maloney-Steiner, co-founder of Facet Dance Collective.Their latest production, "Garden of Dreams“, an adaptation of the classic Nutcracker ballet, has just premiered, and Kelsey opens up about the doubts, frustrations and setbacks that come with creating a large-scale performance.We dive into the reality of stage fright and the c
Stage Dreams Come True: How Erica Builds Opportunities for Adult Dancers
This week, we welcome back Erica for an inspiring conversation about her adult dance studios in Rochester, New York, where dancers of all levels—ballet and jazz alike—get the chance to shine. From competition teams to breathtaking performances with her Rochester Adult Ballet Company, she shares how she’s creating opportunities for adults to step on stage and live their dance dreams.We also dive in
Dance Longer, Stronger, and Safer: Injury Prevention, Cross-Training, and Strength for Dancers
This week, we’re excited to welcome Allie, a dancer-turned-coach with an inspiring story of resilience and discovery. Like many dancers, Allie once believed that aches and pains were just part of the job—until a serious hip injury sidelined her completely. After traditional methods failed, she took a leap of faith and turned to strength training. The result? Her pain vanished!Now, as a coach for d
Navigating Ballet Training as an Adult | Finding a Home at the Barre interview with Dennis
This week, we sit down with Dennis to hear his inspiring journey into the ballet world. Starting from humble beginnings with YouTube videos, Dennis opens up about the challenges he faced—feeling like an outsider, encountering unreliable teachers, and coming close to quitting ballet altogether. Everything changed when he discovered Julie’s class, where he's been dancing consistently for the pas
Why do Adults Love Ballet So Much? Ballet Teachers Discuss?
This week on Broche Banter, we’re thrilled to chat with Bianca Starr, who’s been dedicated to teaching adults since 2010—defying the naysayers who said she could never make a living from this!
Join us for fun, touching, and insightful moments as we explore topics like creating safe spaces for body and soul, and the importance of structure when giving feedback. We also dive deeply into the true es
Professional Pianist Speaks: Follow your Passion
Music takes center stage in this week’s episode as we welcome the talented Bruno Raco to the show! A professional musician from Italy with over 20 years of experience, Bruno has been steeped in the world of music since childhood. While other kids played with toys, Bruno’s favorite “toy” was a piano—and it sparked a lifelong passion.
In this episode, we dive into his journey: from navigating the ch
Ballet is in her DNA! Tenacity, Obstacles and Nutcracker Dreams with Catie
In this episode, we delve into the inspiring story of Catie Wells,
whose ballet journey is a testament to the power of tenacity and
passion.
Catie opens up about her childhood struggles with intimidating
ballet classes and how The Nutcracker suddenly ignited her love for
dance.
Unfortunately, health challenges forced her to pause and
explore horseback riding instead.
Yet, her love for ballet
Taking Up Space & being Unapologetically Yourself: Ballet, Body Image, and Embracing Your Worth
TW: Eating Disorders
In this heartfelt episode, we’re joined by Grace—dancer, dance photographer, and advocate for self-compassion. Starting her ballet journey as a young adult, Grace now finds joy in jazz, lyrical contemporary, and ballet, using dance as a source of structure, focus, and self-care.
Grace opens up about her experiences with body image and eating disorders, sharing how ballet has
Unlock Your Confidence Through Dance with Tashina Beckmann-King
In this inspiring episode, we dive into the dynamic world of West Coast Swing with internationally renowned champion, coach, and performer Tashina Beckmann-King.
With over three decades of experience and a passion for empowering dancers, Tashina reveals what makes this ever-evolving dance style so special: its encouragement of self-expression, creativity, and connection.
Tashina shares transfor
Find your True Personality and Rediscover Yourself with Anke
In this inspiring episode of Broche Banter, we dive into Anke’s incredible journey.
Once a shy, quiet girl, she now shines on stage, inspiring others to believe that it’s never too late to start something new.
During lockdown, Anke secretly signed up for an online ballet
course. Not even her husband knew, as she thought ballet was just
for little girls. But ballet soon became a powerful form of
Ballet in Midlife: Finding Balance and Beauty with Kimberly Wilson
In this inspiring episode, we are thrilled to welcome Kimberly Wilson, a two-time gold medalist at the International Adult Ballet Festival (IABF), psychotherapist, author, and host of the Tranquility du Jour podcast.
Kimberly shares her journey of returning to ballet as an adult in 2018, reigniting a childhood passion and navigating the challenges many beginners face. From finding the courage to
Ballet Finds You When the Time Is Right | with Jennifer Kuroiwa
In this inspiring episode, we sit down with Jennifer Kuroiwa as she opens up about her journey through mental health challenges, insecurities, and finding joy in activities like yoga, ice skating, and, of course, ballet.
Jennifer’s ballet story is anything but typical. At five, she tried ballet and decided it wasn’t for her. Decades later, ballet came back into her life—this time on her 40th birt
Freedom en Pointe & Trusting Your Inner Voice with Kelsey Maloney-Steiner | Broche Banter Season 3 Episode 11
In this inspiring episode, we’re thrilled to welcome back Kelsey Maloney-Steiner from The Facet Dance Collective! Kelsey opens up about overcoming fear on her personal pointe journey and how embracing authenticity through dance has helped her grow as both a dancer and choreographer. We explore the challenges and joys of crafting choreography for solo and group pieces, shedding light on the powerfu
Building a Ballet Community for Adult Dancers with Leigh Grant | Broche Banter Season 3 Episode 10
In this inspiring episode of Broche Banter, we're thrilled to welcome Leigh Grant, a passionate adult ballet teacher and choreographer who has built a space where adult dancers feel seen and appreciated.
Leigh’s journey began at the young age of five, but like many, she took a long break and returned later in life, only to face the realization that a professional company wasn’t in her future. In
Embracing Frustration with Artist Holly | Season 3 Episode 9
This week, we’re joined by Holly, a self-taught artist and dedicated adult ballet dancer, who’s currently training to go en pointe.
Together, we delve into the ever-relatable “taste gap”—the often frustrating space between where we are and where we aspire to be.
Ballet brings its own unique challenges, and for adult dancers, it’s a rare pursuit that’s not always met with understanding or encourag
Finding Herself Again: How Ballet Helped Gabrielle Step Into Her Strength and Onto the Stage
We are delighted to chat with our guest Gabrielle Erickson, our Swan Queen from the International Adult Ballet Festival (IABF) 2024. In this inspiring episode, Gabrielle shares her journey back to dance and finding her place in the world at a pivotal time in her life.
Tune in to hear about the motivators that drive her, from the allure of costumes and competitions to the powerful sense of communi
Overcome Mental and Physical Barriers in Ballet with Rosy Pigott | Broche Banter - Season 3 Ep 7
In this week’s episode, Rosy Pigott shares valuable insights for adult dancers on building confidence and transforming mental barriers and ingrained movement patterns.
Instead of being held back by labels like "I'm a bad turner" or "I can't balance," Rosy encourages us to push past these limits. She provides actionable advice on improving balance and core strength, without the need to spend hours
Facet Dance Collective (Part 2): Opportunities for Adult Performers
Kelsey and Jessica, founders of the new Facet Dance Collective in Arkansas, join me on Broche Banter to talk about their exciting new project, why they created it, and their inspiring vision for the future.
In this episode, we discuss what brought them together and how they embody the phrase 'be the change you want to see in the world,' creating incredible opportunities for adults to take the sta
Facet Dance Collective (Part 1): Performing as an Adult with Kelsey and Jessica
Kelsey and Jessica, founders of the new Facet Dance Collective in Arkansas, join me on Broche Banter to explore what performing means to us as adults.
Beyond the choreography, we dive into the deeper significance of being on stage in adulthood.
Keep listening with Part 2, out now!
Stay in touch with Facet:
- Facet Dance Collective
- Instagram
Learn about the International Adult Ballet Festival:
-
Ballet Throughout Life - Ups, Downs, and Maintaining Motivation Through it All | Interview with Jessica Maddox
In this inspiring episode of Broche Banter, we chat with Jessica Maddox, the cover model of Broche Magazine Issue #2, about her lifelong journey in ballet. Jessica opens up about the highs and lows of maintaining a ballet practice and shares her best tips for keeping ballet a central part of life, no matter the obstacles. Her insights will motivate dancers of all levels to stay connected to their
Dancewear for Adults, Self-Consciousness in Studio, and Starting Pointe as an Adult with Chelsea from Dianne Dancewear
In this episode, I sit down with Chelsea from Dianne Dancewear to chat about all things dancewear for adults! We discuss the challenges of finding the right attire for the adult ballet body, tips for overcoming self-consciousness in the studio, and what it's like starting pointe work as an adult dancer.
Chelsea shares her personal journey in ballet, as well as insights from her experience des
Safe Practices for Adult Ballet Dancers with Veronica K, Personal Trainer & former PT Assistant + Pro Dancer
In this episode, we dive into safe practices for adult ballet dancers with special guest Veronica K, a certified personal trainer, former PT assistant, and professional dancer. Join us as we explore tips for injury prevention, building strength, and maintaining flexibility, tailored specifically for adult dancers. Whether you’re just starting out or have years of experience, Veronica shares valuab
Sn 3, Ep 1 - Susanne - Learning Ballet as an Adult & Self-compassion
In today's episode, we chat with Susanne, a former yoga teacher and self-taught adult ballet dancer who brings wisdom, warmth, and kindness to our conversation. We dive into the philosophy of learning new things as an adult, explore the role of self-compassion in the pursuit of perfection, and reflect on the similarities of mastering challenging skills later in life. Whether you're a dance
Facet #10 | Ballet for Life: The Long Game of Progress and Passion
In this episode, we dive into what it really takes to sustain a lifelong ballet practice. From finding the motivation to keeping up the discipline, dealing with injuries, and managing the inevitable breaks and plateaus, we discuss the ups and downs of progress. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned dancer, we explore how to balance priorities, grant yourself permission to evolve, and maintai
Facet #9 | Ballet Jumps for Adults - Broche Banter Podcast
Learning jumps as an adult has a whole host of challenges, including building strength, coordination, power, and balance required to keep up in petite and grande allegro.Join me in Facet #9 of 10 on Season 2 of the Broche Banter Podcast to talk about all the things that go into mastering this facet of ballet.Happy dancing! :)Show Notes Links: Balance Study: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/article
Facet #8 | Learning Pirouettes after Childhood
Learning turns as an adult is a very different process than learning as a kid. Whether you're dreaming of your first turn or working up to multiples, this episode will outline the principles of pirouettes to help you navigate the learning process.
Find my teaching Broche Ballet on YouTube and online on Zoom at brocheballet.com
Live the ballet dream and perform with with me in Miami iabf.dance
Facet #7 | Pointe for Adults
We dive into questions ranging from curious about pointe to serious about pointe for adults. Everything from how long it takes to go en pointe, what it takes to be successful en pointe, does it hurt, and more. Join me to get ready for pointe in my Journey to Pointe for Adults program.
*NOTE: Please don't purchase pointe shoes without approval from an instructor and supervised instruction.
Br
Adult Ballet Facet #6 | Artistry and Self-Expression
What it is artistry? The je ne sais quoi of making something you can’t look away from. The magnetic presence of a performer; the expression, wearing your heart on your sleeve and sharing an incredible moment with the audience. In this episode, I break down why I believe adults learning ballet should begin learning this early on in their ballet journey along with my philosophy on how to work on it
Facet #5 | Mind and Focus
Do you have trouble focusing in class? Remembering combinations? Forgetting your technique? This episode discusses this important part of ballet training, especially for adults with many things competing for our attention.
Facet #4 | Becoming an Athlete - Getting Strong Fit and Flexible
Cross-training & conditioning are such buzz words and I’m going to break them down a little bit for you how I see them and think about them. As always in my world, what you do depends on you and your goals. You do not have to do anything. Everything is your choice, your prerogative, and based on what you want out of this life and out of ballet! We all start somewhere different. Injuries, pregn
Facet #3 | Depth of Technique - The Invisible Key to Ballet
If you’ve been dancing for a while and wonder why your pirouettes aren’t working yet, or why your petite allegro isn’t getting quicker, or why your legs won’t stay turned out in the center or lift any higher, or why your port de bras still doesn’t look quite how you want, then this is the facet for you.
This facet of ballet is where we work to master movements within the ballet paradigm, which in
Facet #2 | Breadth - Vocabulary, Grammar & Memorization
This facet is the breadth of vocabulary in ballet and how we move our bodies from foot to foot across the floor and throughout space. Within this facet, we have 4 components: (1) Vocabulary - what the ballet steps are; (2) The grammar of how the steps fit together; (3) Picking combinations up quickly in class; (4) Memorizing an excerpt of choreography.
In this episode, we dive into each of these
Facet #1 | The Facet to Rule them All | Your Mind. Perfectionism, Motivation, Inner Critic, and Positive Thinking
When we are training our bodies, we must also train our minds. In the journey to advancing in ballet, our mind needs to adapt and grow as much as our bodies, if not more.
Here’s the thing, without a positive and powerful mindset, we won’t be able to stick around long enough in our ballet journey to see real progress. Without an open mind, we won’t be able to experiment and try the new things that
How Adults Learn Ballet | Overview of the Facets of Ballet
Today on the show, we're going to lay out all of the different facets of your ballet training:
- Breadth, this is the dancing
- The depth, this is the technique
- The performing and storytelling
- Personal and body strength
Join Julie on this episode as we dig into the different facets of training an adult to learn ballet.
Challenges with How Adults Are Taught Ballet
Today, let’s dive into how adults are currently taught ballet. We’ll talk about adult open programs, which are how many of us learn ballet, we’ll talk about what to even teach adults, and how to structure a program for busy adult lives.
Why ballet is amazing and everyone should do it
A little preview of what to look forward to in the season, plus a strong message about the power of classical ballet to transform lives and why we should open it to more people.
Sneak Peek of Season 2 - Is it too late for me to learn ballet?
Today, I’ll be giving you a sneak peek of season 2 of Broche Banter. Season 2 will be a little different format, and I’ll be directly addressing fears, anxieties, questions, and concerns that we heard from dancers in season 1.
We’ll be focusing in on the question:
How good can you really get when you started ballet late? Can you learn pointe? Pirouettes? Get more flexible? Get your extensions?
Broche Banter #44 -- Julia | On similarities between skiing and ballet
Today on the show, I chat with Julia, a ski instructor who recently began ballet as an adult.
We talk a little bit about how she finally decided to pursue ballet, first getting started following along on YouTube and then joining my online studio soon after that.
We also dive into the incredible similarities between skiing and ballet and how both need an incredible amount of control over rotating
Broche Banter #43 -- India | On Floor Barre and Pro Ballet in France
Today on the show, I chat with India, who’s a professional ballerina and Floor Barre instructor living in France.
We talk about what Floor Barre is, why we think adults should be taken seriously in their ballet education, and a little about the hierarchical system of professional ballet in France.
It’s a fascinating conversation full of so many tidbits about ballet history, ballet itself, and i
Broche Banter #42 -- Robin
Today on the show, I chat with Robin.
She danced a little when she was young, and then returned to it as an adult, even getting en pointe for the first time as a grownup.
We talk about the joy of the little wins in ballet, her experience on the board at her wonderful adult-only local ballet studio, and the interesting differences between home ballet and studio ballet.
Robin has a wonderfully c
Broche Banter #41 -- Hannah @ Wonder of Ballet
Today on the show, I chat with Hannah, the creator of the Wonder of Ballet blog for recreational dancers.
We talk about so many topics, about how to feel like you belong in the ballet world, getting en pointe as an adult, and how we hope the world of adult and recreational ballet will continue to change and grow.
Enjoy
Broche Banter #40 -- Marieke | Meditation, Ego, and Adult Ballet Opportunities
Today on the show, I chat with Marieke, who lives in the Netherlands and dances ballet.
We talk about her winding journey as a ballet dancer, but also about mindfulness, ego, and how she has learned to quiet the judgemental mind and love to dance.
I hope you love this episode as much as I do.
Enjoy!
Broche Banter #39 -- Veronica K | On Safe Adult Ballet Training
Today on the show, I chat with Veronica K, who runs an online ballet cross-training and injury prevention platform.
We talk about a wide range of topics, including physical therapy, cyberbullying, and popular fake or unrealistic before/after photos.
It’s an awesome conversation where we get a chance to compare notes on how we help ballet work for adult dancers and regular everyday human bodies.
Broche Banter #38 -- Kara | Is it too late to learn something new?
Today on the show, I chat with Kara, a Celtic singer, and musician who also shares her love of traditional Celtic arts with her many adult students. She also started ballet a few years ago and is about to get en pointe for the first time.
We connect on so many levels as teachers of adult students about the notion of it being “too late” or of a person being “too old” and about expressing ourselves
Broche Banter #37 -- Michelle
Today, I chat with Mic, a long-time piano teacher and professional musician who recently started ballet.
2020 was a really hard year for musicians, but Mic is so happy that it gave her the opportunity to pursue her love of ballet.
We connect on so many topics including why art matters, the learning process of a technical artform like ballet and piano, and why we love ballet. Her kind and warm he
Broche Banter #36 -- Alyssa
Today, I chat with Alyssa about her experiences finding her way back to ballet as an adult.
She shares her love of dance and her winding journey to find a ballet studio to call home. She hopes that by sharing some of her struggles with different levels, teachers, and studio situations will help you feel less alone with challenges you might face, and help you keep pushing to find the right enviro
Broche Banter #35 -- Madame Olga
Today on the show, I chat with Madame Olga, a celebrity teacher in New York City and online on Instagram and her streaming service Madame Olga Television.
She is known for her true Russian style of teaching, but even more so for bringing humor to the ballet studio to help dancers find their perfect 5th position through love, light, and positivity.
If you haven’t experienced a class with Madame O
Recommended
English Vocabulary Help
Talk About Talk - Executive & Leadership Communication Skills
Learn English B1 with Daily News | English Listening Practice
Stand In The Circle
This Past Weekend w/ Theo Von
Learn 50 English Phrases While You Sleep | Everyday English Phrases & Vocabulary
پلی لیست | PlayList
English with Olivia | Slow Conversations & Vocabulary
Conspiracy Files with Paige Carter
Learn English A2 with Daily News | Simple English Listening Practice
Bible Tea
Bad Friends
