After Class: The Adult Ballet Podcast
After Class is a podcast for adult ballet dancers who are balancing real life, careers, and ballet dreams. Host Hannah, a fellow dancer, explores technique, artistry, mindset, and the honest conversations that often do not happen in the studio. It speaks to dancers who may have started late, feel frustrated with pirouettes, or have ever cried in the car after class. Whether you are new to the barre or a seasoned bunhead, the show offers encouragement and community.
Episodes
Ep. 131 - Eyeline in Ballet: Where to Look for More Artistry & Stage Presence, with Chelsea Weidmann
Where do your eyes go when you're dancing? If your honest answer is the mirror.. or the floor... or the dancer in front of you... you're in good company! As adult dancers, most of us are never told exactly where to look. But eyeline is one of the simplest ways to make your dancing look more expansive, expressive and natural, and it's something you can start working on in your very n
Adult Ballet Dancers, You Belong Here: Welcome to After Class
After Class is a podcast for adult ballet dancers: beginners, dancers returning after years away, and anyone balancing training alongside a busy life. Because ballet as an adult comes with its own questions, challenges and joys, and this show is here for all of it. I'm Hannah, and when I started dancing as an adult, I struggled to find content I could relate to. There was plenty made by profe
Ep. 130 - Inside the LABL Active Adult Ballet Retreat: Location, Levels & What to Expect for Summer 2027, with Maria Montanez
If you've ever thought about signing up for an adult ballet retreat or intensive, you know the internal debate that comes with it: Is it worth the money? Is it worth the time off work? Will I spend the week feeling in over my head? I asked myself every one of those questions. This week, I'm handing the mic over to someone with all the answers...I'm joined by Maria Montanez, whose ad
Ep. 129 - Dancing Beyond the Mirror: Using 3D Space to Unlock Your Artistry, with Chelsea Weidmann
If you're an adult dancer, chances are most of your training happens in a studio with a big mirror at the front of the room. It's easy to let that mirror become your main reference point for whether something looks right. But the mirror can only show you one flat angle of movement that's actually happening in three dimensions.In this episode, I'm joined again by Chelsea Weidman
Ep. 128 - Bulletproof Your Feet & Ankles for Ballet (Your Theraband Isn't Enough) with Allie Christensen
If theraband work has been the foundation of your ankle-strengthening routine, this episode is going to change the game for you...I'm joined again by fan-favorite guest, Allie Christensen, Founder of the Dancer Strong platform, and a strength and conditioning coach who works specifically with adult dancers. We discuss why relying on your theraband alone won't build the strength your feet
Ep. 127 - 7 Strategies for Remembering Choreography as an Adult Ballet Dancer
If you're an adult dancer, you probably know this feeling: the teacher gives the combination once, maybe twice if you're lucky, and then the music starts... and somewhere around count five, your brain goes completely blank. In this episode, I'm digging into something almost every single one of us has struggled with: remembering choreography. It's easy to write this off as a gif
Ep. 126 - Ballet Posture Explained: The Fundamentals, the Function & What Makes It Artistry, with Chelsea Weidmann
Ask someone to picture a ballet dancer, and posture is probably the first thing that comes to mind — that effortless, upright poise that reads as ballerina the second you see it. But if you've ever felt like you struggle to achieve it as an adult dancer, you're not alone!In this episode, I'm joined again by Chelsea Weidmann for the next installment in our ongoing series on the eleme
Ep. 125 - Perfectionism Is Sabotaging Your Ballet Training — Here’s What to Do About It, with Kirsten Kemp (Archive Favorite)
If you’ve ever walked out of ballet class replaying every mistake in your head — the turn you fell out of, the combination you messed up, the step that just won’t click — you’re not alone...As adult dancers, we often hold ourselves to incredibly high standards. And while that drive can be a powerful motivator, it can also quietly take the joy out of dancing, and even sabotage our progress.In this
Ep. 124 - Ballet Hacks Every Adult Dancer Should Know (Archive Favorite)
In this episode, I'm sharing some of my favorite ballet hacks. The tips, tricks, and discoveries that have made my life as an adult dancer easier and more comfortable.😄Some I figured out on my own, some were passed along by teachers or fellow dancers, and all of them are just too good not to share, like:The game-changing nipple cover option for those who want a little extra coverageUsing toe
Ep. 123 - Creating a Pointe Plan You LOVE as an Adult Dancer, with Julie of Broche Ballet (pt 3)
You've conquered the basics en pointe.... So now what? This is the final episode in my three-part series on the adult pointe journey with Julie of Broche Ballet, who has coached hundreds of adult dancers (myself included) through their pointe journeys.In this episode, we talk about how to build a sustainable, realistic training plan around a busy adult life, why short frequent practice sessio
Ep 122 - The Adult Pointe Plateau: Why You Feel Stuck (And How to Get Unstuck) with Julie of Broche Ballet (pt 2)
You've got your pointe shoes and you've survived the first few months, but now you're in that weird in-between phase: still clutching the barre but dreaming of center, wondering if what you're feeling is normal or if you should be further along by now. If that sounds familiar, this episode is for you. I'm back with Julie of Broche Ballet for part two of our three-part seri
Ep. 121 - Starting Pointe as an Adult? Here's What You Actually Need to Know, with Julie of Broche Ballet (pt 1)
For so many adult dancers, pointe is the dream, whether you're returning to it after years away or dreaming about it for the very first time. But how do you actually know if you're ready? And if your teacher says not yet, what does that actually mean?This is part one of a three part series on the entire adult pointe journey, and I'm joined by Julie of Broche Ballet, who has coached
Ep 120 - Ballet on a Budget: Practical Ways to Save Money as an Adult Dancer
Saving money on ballet doesn't have to mean cutting corners on your training, and that's exactly what this episode is about. Where I live, the cost of everything has gone up, and ballet is no exception. Classes are more expensive, dancewear is more expensive, and don't even get me started on pointe shoes.I'm sharing all my favorite ways to save money as an adult dancer, how to
Ep. 119 - Acting in Ballet: How to Overcome Self-Consciousness & Embody a Character, with Chelsea Weidmann
You can have clean technique, beautiful lines, and perfect musicality and still leave an audience completely cold. The missing ingredient? Acting. And for most of us, it's the element of artistry we've spent the least amount of time developing.In this episode, I'm back with Chelsea Weidmann, The Geeky Ballerina, for the next installment in our ongoing series on the essential element
Ep. 118 - Making Time for Ballet When Your Life Is Already Full, with Rebecca Holden
If you've ever felt like ballet is the first thing to get dropped when life gets busy, this episode is for you.I'm joined by Rebecca Holden, a fellow adult dancer who is also a wife, a mom to a son with autism, and a full-time manager and someone who has figured out how to make ballet a consistent, guilt-free part of her life. We get into the real, stuff: how she protects her training
Ep. 117 - How to Prepare for an Adult Ballet Intensive: Everything You Need to Know
If you have a ballet intensive coming up (or you're thinking about doing one) this episode is your complete guide to showing up prepared, taking care of your body, and getting the absolute most out of the experience.I'm walking you through everything: what to do in the week before (including how much to train, and my best tips for rest, fueling and hydrating), how to pack strategically,
Ep. 116 - Life-Changing Facts About YOUR Anatomy as an Adult Dancer, with Erica Centola
If you've ever received a correction in class and thought, "Why won't my body won't just do that.." this episode is for you.I'm back with Erica Centola, founder of Tournesol Dance and creator of The Ballet Body Blueprint, for a conversation that I genuinely wish I'd had at the very beginning of my ballet journey.We walk through the anatomy that actually determine
Ep. 115 - Understanding Musicality in Ballet and How to Develop it, with Chelsea Weidmann
Musicality is one of those qualities teachers ask for constantly, and yet almost never explain. "Be more musical. Feel the music. Let it move through you..." But what does that actually mean?In this episode, I'm back with Chelsea Weidmann, The Geeky Ballerina, as part of our ongoing series unpacking the elements of artistry she identified in her thesis on Artistry in Ballet. Today&a
Ep. 114 - Ballet Hacks Every Adult Dancer Should Know
In this episode, I'm sharing some of my favorite ballet hacks — the tips, tricks, and discoveries that have made my life as an adult dancer easier and more comfortable.Some I figured out on my own, some were passed along by teachers or fellow dancers, and all of them are things I actually do/use and swear by, like:- The nipple cover situation no one talks about (and the product that finally s
Ep. 113 - Hyperextended Legs in Ballet: What's Not Explained in Class... with Shane Wuerthner
If you have hyperextended knees, you've probably spent a lot of time in class feeling like your body is working against you. You get corrections like "straighten your legs" and no matter how hard you try, nothing seems to change. Closing in fifth without bending your knees feels impossible, your standing leg feels unstable, and nobody has ever actually explained why.In this episode,
Ep. 112 - Your Adult Ballet Photoshoot Guide with Professional Photographer Katie Ging 📷
For a lot of adult dancers, a professional photoshoot feels exciting and overwhelming in equal measure. You want beautiful images that capture how far you've come. But knowing how to actually prepare and show up confidently in front of the camera? That part can feel pretty daunting.I sat down with professional dance photographer Katie Ging, who has photographed dancers of every level and has
Ep. 111 - Unlock Your Best Ballet LINES (At Any Level!) with Chelsea Weidmann
You know it when you see it. That effortless, magnetic quality professional dancers have, the way their bodies seem to cut through space with clarity and length. But do you know what you're actually looking at?In this episode, we're back with Chelsea Weidmann, aka The Geeky Ballerina, as part of our ongoing series unpacking the elements of artistry as she identified and explored them in
Ep. 110 - Find the Best Ballet Slippers for YOUR Feet: What to Know & How to Choose
If you've ever walked into a dance store and been completely overwhelmed (Canvas or leather? Split sole or full sole? What size? What width? Ahhhh!!) fret no more! This episode is for you.☺️In this episode, I'm diving deep into everything you need to know about buying ballet slippers as an adult dancer. Whether you're brand new or you've been dancing for years and still haven&a
Ep. 109 - No Studio, No Blueprint, No Problem: Bringing Ballet to Pakistan, with Lauren Woodbury
What does it take to bring ballet to a place where it doesn't exist yet? Today's guest, Lauren, found herself living in Islamabad, Pakistan — a city of over a million people with no ballet studio — and decided to build one herself.In this episode, Lauren shares how a love story brought her from Fargo, North Dakota to the capital of Pakistan, and how her lifelong connection to ballet even
Ep. 108 - Ballet Makeup for Class AND Stage: Everything Adult Dancers Need to Know, with Suzanne Jolie
Makeup in ballet can feel a bit complicated as an adult dancer. Should you wear makeup to class at all? If you do, what actually works when you're sweating through a full barre? And when it comes to performing, what does it actually take to make your face read under bright stage lights and from a distance? In this episode, I'm joined by Suzanne Jolie, my ballet teacher and one half of th
Ep. 107 - Somatic Awareness: How to Connect with Your Body and Dance with More Artistry, with Chelsea Weidmann
In ballet, we spend a lot of time thinking about what our dancing looks like, our lines, our placement, what we see in the mirror. But artistry isn't just visual. It's also deeply connected to what we're actually feeling and sensing inside our bodies while we move.This episode is part of an ongoing series with Chelsea Weidmann, also known as The Geeky Ballerina, where we unpack the
Ep. 106 - Perfectionism Is Sabotaging Your Ballet Training — Here’s What to Do About It, with Kirsten Kemp
If you’ve ever walked out of ballet class replaying every mistake in your head — the turn you fell out of, the combination you messed up, the step that just won’t click — you’re not alone...As adult dancers, we often hold ourselves to incredibly high standards. And while that drive can be a powerful motivator, it can also quietly take the joy out of dancing, and even sabotage our progress.In this
Ep. 105 - Why Does Ballet Feel Harder Some Weeks? Supporting Your Cycle as a Female Dancer with Jess Spinner
Many adult dancers have experienced walking into class one day feeling strong and energized, and another day feeling completely depleted... even though NOTHING about their training has changed!For female dancers, those fluctuations can often be connected to something that’s rarely discussed in the ballet world: how our bodies shift throughout the menstrual cycle.In this episode, I’m joined by Jess
Ep. 104 - Why Are My Pirouettes STILL So Unstable? How to Get Strong & Stable Pirouettes with Allie Christensen
After months (or maybe even years) of practice, do your pirouettes still feel inconsistent, shaky, or unstable?In this episode, I’m joined by Allie Christensen, founder of Dancer Strong, to break down what actually makes a pirouette successful, and why adult dancers often struggle with turns even after years of training.Allie explains the most common reasons dancers wobble or fall out of pirouette
Ep. 103 - Adult Ballet Training That’s Serious and Supportive: The Ballet Project with Lisa Garvey
Have you ever wished there was an adult ballet program that felt both serious and supportive, where you could train with intention, but without sacrificing your health, confidence, or sense of belonging?In this episode, I’m joined by Lisa, adult dancer and founder of The Ballet Project — a growing adult ballet community in the UK created to give dancers a space where they can pursue real progress
Ep. 102 - Hip Pain in Ballet: Why It Happens and What It Means, with Dr. Sebastian Gonzales, D.C.
Have you ever left ballet class with hip or low back pain and wondered… Is this normal?In this episode, I’m joined by Dr. Sebastian Gonzales, D.C., a licensed chiropractor specializing in sports injuries and rehabilitation, to talk about one of the most common concerns adult dancers experience: hip pain and discomfort.This conversation is based directly on listener-submitted questions, and we cove
Ep. 101 - Jealousy in Adult Ballet: Why It Happens (and How to Handle It)
Jealousy isn’t something most of us want to admit, especially as adults.But if you’ve ever found yourself genuinely happy for another dancer while quietly feeling that ache of comparison… you’re not alone.In this solo episode, I’m talking honestly about jealousy in adult ballet — why it feels so complicated, why ballet seems to intensify it, and how to handle it without letting comparison drain yo
Ep. 100 - Turning Used Pointe Shoes into Works of Art with Emily Thorpe of PointeReve
There’s something about pointe shoes that makes them almost impossible to throw away once we’re finished dancing in them. Which is why I LOVE what my guest in this episode is doing...Meet Emily Thorpe, a fellow adult dancer and the founder of PointeReve, a small business that transforms used pointe shoes into beautiful works of art.We reflect on what pointe shoes represent for us as adult ballerin
Ep. 99 - Breath as an Essential Element of Artistry in Ballet with Chelsea Weidmann
Breathing is something we all do, but most of us were never really taught how to use it as an intentional part of our ballet technique and artistry.In this episode, I’m joined by recurring guest Chelsea Weidmann (The Geeky Ballerina) as we explore breath as one of the core elements of artistry in ballet. Instead of treating breath as an add-on or a reminder, we talk about breath as part of coordin
Ep. 98 - If January Didn’t Go as Planned: A Gentle Reset for Adult Ballet Dancers 🗓️
If January didn’t go as planned, this episode is for you.Maybe you started the year motivated and consistent… and then got sick, missed class, or lost momentum. Maybe your ballet routine didn’t restart the way you hoped it would.In this short, encouraging episode, we’re reframing the idea that you’re “behind” and talking about why losing momentum isn’t a personal failure, especially for adult ball
Ep. 97 - Pas de Deux for Adult Dancers: What to Know Before You Try It with Lester & Laurence Gonzalez
Adult dancer, does pas de deux feel out of reach or like a long-lost dream? Many of us have been telling ourselves that partnering is only for pre-professionals or company dancers, and that if we didn’t start early, we somehow “missed our chance.” Sound familiar?I’m joined in this episode by Lester and Laurence, founders of Pas De Deux Workshops & Coaching, for an honest, approachable conversa
Ep. 96 - Jumping with Confidence & Stability in the Center as an Adult Dancer with Christina Krigolson (Part 2)
This episode builds on last week's episode about building strong, stable jumps at the barre, so if you haven’t listened yet, start there for the full benefit of the conversation.✨ But first, thank you Frenchies Hairpins for sponsoring this episode! Get your velvet coated hairpins (my go-to product for French twists and ballet buns) at frenchieshairpins.com and use code AFTERCLASS10 for 10% of
Ep. 95 - Building Jumps That Feel Strong, Stable & Light as an Adult Dancer with Christina Krigolson (Part 1)
Great jumps don’t start in the air, they start at the barre!In part one of this two-part conversation, I’m joined by Christina Krigolson, founder of Face the Barre, to address some of the most common challenges adult dancers experience in petite & grande allegro, and break down how adult dancers can build stronger, more confident jumps starting at the barre. We talk about how plié, tendu, and
Ep. 94 - 3 Ways to Instantly Transform Your Dancing, For Adult Ballet Dancers of Any Level! (Archive Favorite)
Looking polished and confident in your dancing isn’t always about doing more — often, it’s about small the details. In this fan-favorite episode from the After Class archives, we’re revisiting three small but powerful elements that can instantly elevate how you look and feel as an adult ballet dancer: hands, eyes, and head placement.We break down the subtle choices that make a big difference — fro
Ep. 93 - Ballet Studio Closed? 4 Ways to Maintain Momentum When Classes are Cancelled (Archive Favorite)
With many studios closing or shifting schedules during the holidays, staying consistent with ballet can feel especially challenging. In this fan-favorite episode from the After Class archives, we’re revisiting 4 simple, realistic ways to keep your ballet practice alive — even when regular classes aren’t available.From taking online classes with friends to creating a personal growth plan that actua
Ep. 92 - Ballet Books Every Dancer Should Read: 2025 Favorites from the Bunhead Book Club 📚
In today’s episode of After Class, I’m sharing my favorite ballet books I read in 2025 — a mix of ballet fiction, biographies, memoirs, and educational reads, many of which we read together in The Bunhead Book Club (my Instagram-based book club, which will be open to new members in January 2026 — email me at thebusybunhead@gmail.com to join us) 😄These books deepened my understanding of ballet as b
Ep. 91 - Reset Your Ballet Life: How to Declutter, Organize & Step Into 2026 Refreshed ✨
If you love feeling organized, refreshed, and clear-headed heading into a new year, this episode is for you. We're decluttering your dance bag, cleaning out your dancewear drawer, reviewing your subscriptions, organizing your journal, locking in your 2026 goals, and setting up your schedule so you can enter 2026 feeling focused and ready to grow.But first, thank you Jule Dancewear for sponsor
Ep. 90 - “If Only I’d Started Sooner..." Reframing Regret as an Adult Ballet Dancer, with Merry King
Ever wish you’d started ballet sooner? You’re not alone. But today's guest is living proof that "late" might actually be right on time...In this episode of After Class, Hannah sits down with Merry King, a university professor who decided in her 30's to chase a lifelong dream of dancing professionally. Together, we unpack that familiar ache of “If only I’d started sooner,” why s
Ep. 89 - The Adult Ballet Dancer's Holiday Gift Guide! 🎁
Whether you're shopping for a fellow adult ballet dancer or treating yourself (you go, girl 😌) these gift ideas are a mix of functional, stylish, and self-care items that make dance life better. Each of these products I LOVE and stand behind in terms of quality and performance. And for many of these brands, I was able to obtain discount codes to pass along to you, because I know the bunhead l
Ep. 88 - Designing a Ballet Training Plan That Fits Your Life, with Katy Barton
Today, I sit down with fellow adult dancer, Katy, to talk about her ingenious method for designing and maintaining a ballet training schedule. But first, thank you Jule Dancewear for sponsoring this episode! If you're looking for a supportive new leo, flattering tights, or soft legwarmers, look no further. 👀 Use code AFTERCLASS15 for 15% off your order at juledancewear.com ✨In this conversati
Ep. 87 - Finding Creative Joy in Ballet, Business & Beyond, with Kelsey of Rose & Clay Jewelry
What happens when ballet stops being your whole identity, and starts becoming your joy again?In this heartfelt conversation, Hannah talks with Kelsey, adult ballet dancer and founder of Rose & Clay Jewelry, about rediscovering passion, balance, and creativity when life takes an unexpected turn. Kelsey shares how her relationship with ballet has evolved from pre-professional burnout to dancing
Ep. 86 - How to Be a GREAT Ballet Student, with Julie Leung of Broche Ballet 🩰
Ever wonder what makes a truly great ballet student? The kind of student who gets the most out of their classes, and experiences growth and improvement over time? In this episode, I sit down with Julie Leung of Broche Ballet to talk strategies and tips adult dancers can use to be a great student and experience more progress and fulfillment in the studio as a result. Julie shares the habits and min
Ep. 85 - Defining Artistry in Ballet: 9 Elements Adult Dancers Can Actually Work On, with Chelsea Weidmann
As adult dancers, we hear the word artistry all the time — but what does it really mean? And how can we actually work on it in class, instead of treating it like some elusive, mysterious quality only professionals have?In this episode, I’m joined by Chelsea Weidmann, founder of GeekyBallerina.com, who has done something truly special: she’s defined artistry in ballet through nine clear, tangible e
Ep. 84 - Creating Spaces Where Adult Ballet Dancers Belong: Building a Studio & Ballet Company for Adults, with Erica Centola
Thank you to Align Fitness by Allie for sponsoring this episode of the podcast! To register for her London Intensive click here or visit @alignfitnessbyallie on Instagram.In this episode of After Class, I'm chatting with Erica Centola, a ballet teacher and company director who returned to dance as an adult and went on to create both a studio and performance company designed specifically for a
Ep. 83 - Tips to End the Year Inspired (Not Exhausted) as an Adult Ballet Dancer
Thank you Jule Dancewear for sponsoring this episode! If you're looking for a supportive new leo, flattering tights, or soft legwarmers, look no further. 👀 Use code AFTERCLASS15 for 15% off your order at juledancewear.com ✨As the holidays approach and life gets busier, it’s easy for us as adult ballet dancers to slip into survival mode, just trying to make it through until things calm down. B
Ep. 82 - Making Sense of Ballet Corrections & Cues with Allie Christensen of Align Fitness
Ever been given a ballet correction that just didn’t make sense? You’re not alone! In this episode, Allie Christensen (founder of Align Fitness and the Dancer Strong platform) joins me to talk about how adult dancers can interpret, understand, and apply the feedback we hear in class. We dive into 3 of the most common corrections (like "don't force your turnout") and explore what the
Ep. 81 - Barre Trash: Humor, Authenticity, and Changing Ballet Culture with Founders Lucas & Louis
What happens when two professional ballet dancers decide to shake up traditional dancewear with a mix of honesty, humor, and bold design? Enter Barre Trash...In this episode I talk to the founders, Lucas & Louis, about the story behind the name Barre Trash, how the brand speaks to dancers who feel outside the mold, and how adults are changing ballet culture for the better. We also dig into the
Ep. 80 - I Cried in the Car After Ballet Today… Here’s What I Learned
In this episode of After Class, I talk about crying in my car last week after ballet class in a moment of frustration and defeat (yep, it happens!), and diving into the lessons I'm learning (work in progress) about patience, self-compassion, and the emotional side of returning to ballet as an adult. If you’ve ever ugly cried after class — or just want a little encouragement — this episode is
Ep. 79 - A New Season for Our Adult Ballet Podcast: Yelena's Farewell & The Future of After Class
Our adult ballet podcast has always been about community, encouragement, and joy in the journey — and today we’re opening up about a new chapter. One co-host is stepping into new life stages, and the other is carrying the podcast forward with fresh energy and excitement. We look back on favorite moments, thank you for being part of this community, and share what’s ahead. The story isn’t ending — i
Ep. 78 - Stop Waiting to Be "Good Enough" and Enjoy Ballet Now: Here's How!
Do you ever feel like you’re not good enough yet to really enjoy ballet class? You’re not alone — many adult dancers carry the belief that joy in ballet has to be earned through progress, achievement, or “getting good." In this episode, we’re digging into the psychology behind that mindset and exploring why joy isn’t just a reward at the end of the journey, but a powerful tool for growth.You’
Ep. 77 - Zero-Effort Recovery Methods: Easy Ways to Support Your Ballet Training 😅
In this episode of After Class, we’re breaking down easy recovery tips for adult ballet dancers that don’t require extra time or effort. Learn how electrolytes improve hydration and muscle recovery, why Epsom salt baths support relaxation and sleep, and how recovery footwear protects your feet after class. Plus, discover Netflix-friendly recovery tricks like elevating your legs and using toe separ
Ep. 76 - Overcome Pointe Anxiety (Or Any Steps that Scare You): Effective Techniques for Adult Ballet Dancers 🩰
Fear is one of the most common struggles adult ballet dancers face in their pointe work — but it doesn’t have to hold you back! In this episode of After Class, we dive into mental strategies that will help you work with your fear instead of against it. You’ll learn:What’s really happening in your brain during "pointe anxiety" (and how to use it to your advantage)Focus-shifting techniques
Ep. 75 - Ballet Studio Closed? 4 Ways to Maintain Momentum When Classes are Cancelled
Summer often means studio closures, but that doesn’t have to mean a break from your progress! In this episode, we give you 4 simple ways to keep your ballet practice alive (and thriving) while your local studio classes are cancelled. From YouTube classes with friends to crafting a personal growth plan, these ideas will keep you motivated and strong. Perfect for adult ballet dancers who want to mai
Ep. 74 - How to Wash & Care for Your Ballet Clothes: Laundering Tricky Fabrics & Making Your Dancewear Last!🫧
Tired of your expensive leotards fading & stretching out, your tights slowly turning gray, and your legwarmers pilling too soon? Don't spend another minute being frustrated and confused! In this episode, we’re giving you a step-by-step guide to properly wash and care for your ballet dancewear. 🫧 You'll learn how to correctly launder your ballet clothes, handy tips to save your knitwe
Ep. 73 - KM & Friends Adult Ballet Intensive Recap, with Candis MacKinnon
In this episode, I’m joined by Candis MacKinnon, an adult ballet dancer who recently attended her very first ballet retreat — the KM & Friends Adult Ballet Intensive. We chat about everything from pre-intensive nerves to surprising moments of growth, the power of community, and what made this event so special for adult dancers of all backgrounds.Whether you're thinking about signing up fo
Ep. 72 - 3 Ways to Instantly Transform Your Dancing, For Adult Ballet Dancers of Any Level! ✨
Want to look like an advanced dancer with minimal effort? In this episode, we’re diving into three game-changing details for adult dancers: hands, eyes, and head placement. We talk about the nuances of how to properly extend your fingers, activate your eye line, and hold your chin that teachers don’t always have time to explain in class. Whether you're dancing at home or in a studio, the tips
Ep. 71 - Ballet Hygiene 101: How to Stay Fresh, Clean & Confident in Class!
Let’s be real, ballet class can get sweaty, smelly, and a little messy — especially when you're juggling adult life and a dance bag full of gear! 😅 In this episode, we cover essential hygiene tips for every dancer — like wearing perfume in class (yes or no?), how to keep your bag fresh, and why your hairstyle matters... We’re tackling it all! Tune in for practical, no-shame tips that will mak
Ep. 70 - From Couch to Class: How Watching Ballet Can Transform Your Training (It's Backed by Science!) 😄
Think watching ballet is just for inspiration? Think again. In this episode, we explore why adult dancers can actually improve their technique, artistry, and understanding just by watching professionals in action — on stage or on screen! Backed by neuroscience, we’ll break down how observation fuels progress and why making time to watch ballet might be just as important as time spent in the studio
Ep. 69 - Ballet Faux Pas to Avoid: Common Mistakes Adult Dancers Make (We've All Been There!)
Ever worried you’re breaking an unspoken rule in ballet class? You’re not alone. In this episode of After Class, we’re diving into the most common ballet "faux pas". From standing in the front row to texting during barre, we're sharing the studio slip-up's, fashion mistakes, and technology no-no's to avoid for a successful class. Whether you’re new to ballet or returning a
Ep. 68 - Honest Thoughts on Getting Ready for an Adult Ballet Intensive
In this episode of After Class, Hannah shares how she prepared for an adult ballet intensive this summer, and what she did differently from previous years. From mindset shifts to training tweaks, she's breaking down what worked for her and what she recommends to other adult dancer considering an intensive. Whether it’s your first intensive or fifth, you’ll find helpful tips, honest reflection
Ep. 67 - Pregnancy & Postpartum as an Adult Ballet Dancer: Real Talk with Yelena (She's Back!)
In this special episode, we welcome back our co-host Yelena from maternity leave as she opens up about her experience with pregnancy and postpartum recovery as an adult ballet dancer & teacher. From the unique challenges of dancing while expecting to how ballet impacted her strength and body awareness for childbirth, Yelena shares an honest look at navigating this major life transition through
Ep. 66 - Debunking the Turnout Myth in Adult Ballet: History, Reality & How to Improve, with Chelsea Weidmann
Is "flat" turnout really necessary as an adult dancer? Is it even possible to improve my turnout? If you've asked yourself these questions, this episode is for you! We're joined by ballet teacher and Geeky Ballerina founder, Chelsea Weidmann, to discuss the history of turnout in ballet, why it’s not as essential as many adult dancers believe, and how to improve your turnout saf
Ep. 65 - Finding Purpose in Ballet While Living With a Rare Brain Tumor - Interview with Adult Ballet Dancer, Natalie Walsh da Silva
What happens when life throws you a curveball and you meet it with resilience and a little bit of ballet? In this episode, we're joined by Natalie, who discovered her passion for ballet after being diagnosed with a rare brain tumor that required her to give up surfing. We talk about the joy (and challenges) of starting ballet as an adult, the power of dance to bring purpose to our lives, and
Ep. 64 - Real Talk on Navigating Discouragement in Your Adult Ballet Journey, with Stacy Santos
Feeling discouraged in your ballet journey? You're not alone. In this episode, we get real about the emotional ups and downs that come with being an adult ballet dancer — especially when progress feels slow or you're just plain burnt out. With guest co-host, Stacy Santos, we dig into practical tips on how to manage seasons of discouragement and reconnect with the joy of dancing. So if yo
Ep. 63 - From Studio to Startup: How One Adult Dancer Created the Ballet Skirts She Couldn’t Find, with Chelsea of Dianne Dancewear
Have you ever found yourself standing in a dance store, surrounded by tiny skirts that will never work for your adult ballerina body? In this episode, Chelsea shares her inspiring journey from beginner ballet dancer to founder of Dianne Dancewear, a brand creating beautiful, size-inclusive ballet skirts made specifically for adults. We talk about finding confidence in the studio through dancewear,
Ep. 62 - Adult Ballet Intensives: Preparing Your Body to Thrive, Before, During & After, with Allie Christensen
With summer intensives approaching, you might be wondering: How can I make sure my body is prepared for the demands of long days in the studio? What can I do now to set myself up for success at a ballet intensive? Luckily, there's A LOT you can do before, during and even after your intensive to take care of your body and set yourself up for long-term success! In this episode, Allie Christense
Ep. 61 - Size-Inclusive Style Tips for Adult Dancers: Create a Ballet Wardrobe You Love at Any Size, with Maggie Watson
Most of us have been personally victimized by a dancewear size chart at some point... Whether it's limited size ranges or leotards with effectively no butt-coverage, we understand how hard it can be for adult dancers to cultivate a ballet wardrobe that makes you feel GREAT. That's why we're so excited to have Maggie Watson (a true ballet-style icon) co-hosting this episode! In it sh
Ep. 60 - Essential Ballet Terminology to Level Up Your Game!
Oh the world of ballet terminology... It's fancy, its frustrating, it's French... 😳 So what's a dancer to do? Start by listening to this episode! In it, we're breaking down the most commonly used terms in ballet class and explaining what they actually mean and how they're used. We know how overwhelming a class can be, but if you understand these words, you'll be danc
Ep. 59 - Ballet's "Linking" Steps: What They Are and How to Conquer Them!
Are you struggling to reach the next level in your ballet training? The secret to improving might be in your linking steps... Linking steps (also referred to as "transition steps" or "connecting steps") are often not broken down in adult ballet classes, which can leave us feeling like we're just fumbling through the choreography. If you want to feel like you're thrivi
Ep. 58 - The Weirdest Things in Our Ballet Bags: Don't Judge Us! 🫣
Join us for a short, chatty episode about the most random items in our dance bags... And don't forget to head over to Instagram this week to vote on our poll (to wash or not wash your ballet slippers) and answer the question, "What's the strangest thing in YOUR dance bag?" It's a short and light-hearted one, so grab your beverage of choice and let's get into it!Follow
Ep. 57 - Making Ballet Work for Your Schedule: Time Management Tips for Adult Dancers!
Do you ever feel like it's either all or nothing when it comes to making your ballet training worthwhile? I mean, if you can't make it to an hour+ technique class, what's the point - right? In this episode we talk about how to fit ballet into your busy schedule, even if you only have 5 minutes! Join us as we dive into practical tips and strategies for managing your time as an adult
Ep. 56 - The Key to Beautiful Dancing at Any Age or Level: Artistry in Adult Ballet
In this (possibly controversial) episode, we're diving into the topic of artistry. In modern ballet culture, it's often overshadowed by the more physical and technical elements, but is that a good thing? What makes a dancer truly captivating to watch? What makes a performance memorable? Artistry is a hallmark of every great dancer, and lucky for us adults, it's possible at any age a
Ep. 55 - Ready for Pointe? How to Know & What to Do Next! (Part 2)
Wondering if you're ready to start pointe training as an adult ballet dancer? In this two-part series, we're breaking down the many facets of pointe readiness (physical, technical, and mental) to help you determine if/when to take the leap into the wonderful world of pointe. ◡̈ In this second episode, we're focusing on the mental side of pointe readiness and providing practical tip
Ep. 54 - Ready for Pointe? Here's How to Know! (Part 1)
Wondering if you're ready to start pointe training as an adult ballet dancer? In this two-part series, we're breaking down the many facets of pointe readiness (physical, technical, and mental) to help you determine if/when to take the leap into the wonderful world of pointe. ◡̈ In this first episode, we're focusing on the physical and technical "checklists" you can use to
Ep. 53 - Social Media in Adult Ballet: Our Hot Takes and Tips
The social media side of ballet is kind of a mixed bag... Some things are great and others, well..... not so much. Like most things in life, it's really what you make it. In this episode, we talk about the pro's & con's of consuming ballet content, and how you can avoid digital overwhelm and get the most out of social media as an adult dancer. Everything you want to know - like
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