After Class: The Adult Ballet Podcast – Details, episodes & analysis

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 mindsets she personally uses to be successful, the common misconceptions that hold adult dancers back, and how to get the most out of every class and private lesson — no matter your level.

Whether you’re working toward your first clean pirouette or preparing for an adult ballet performance, this conversation will help you approach your ballet training with confidence, purpose, and a renewed love for the learning process.

So grab your notebook (you'll hear why 😉) and join us for this inspiring deep-dive into what it truly means to be a great student... 

📣 This episode is kindly sponsored by Align Fitness by Allie! 

Visit dancerstrongprograms.com to learn more about this game-changing resource, and use code AFTERCLASS for $5 off any course of membership!

 🩰 Connect with Julie! 

Instagram: @brocheballet

Website: brocheballetonline.com

Follow Hannah on Instagram @thebusybunhead

Explore blog posts, merchandise & resources for adult ballet dancers like you at thebusybunhead.com

Podcast produced by Mission Bridge Media.
www.MissionBridgeMedia.com

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 elements that dancers of any age or level can develop.

Together, we talk about how understanding these nine elements can help us bring more meaning, connection, and expression to our dancing — whether we’re returning to ballet as adults or continuing to grow in our artistry after years of training.

Chelsea’s framework demystifies what artistry looks like, and instead gives us a clear, empowering way to practice it — from breathe and line, to dynamics and body carriage... and more! 

✨ In this conversation, we explore:

• What artistry really means in ballet (and why it’s not an indefinable quality)
• 9 elements of artistry and how to cultivate them
• How adult dancers can build artistry with intention and joy
• Why developing artistry can reignite your passion for ballet at any stage

If you’ve ever wished you knew how to improve your artistry — this episode is your roadmap! 

Connect with Chelsea at geekyballerina.com

Purchase her book Artistry Inside Ballet Technique, volume 1  on Amazon (affiliate link). 

Follow Hannah on Instagram @thebusybunhead

Explore blog posts, merchandise & resources for adult ballet dancers like you at thebusybunhead.com

Podcast produced by Mission Bridge Media.
www.MissionBridgeMedia.com

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 that interrupt fear cycles and bring calm to your mind & body
• How visualization can rewire your brain for successful practice sessions and classes en pointe
• Using progressive exposure to tackle the steps you fear most

By the end of this episode, you’ll have practical, science-backed techniques you can start using today to replace fear with focus and confidence in your pointe journey!

Huge thank you to the sponsor of this episode, RubiaWear! Whether you're heading to the studio or warming up at home, RubiaWear’s line of dancewear will make you feel confident, comfortable, and ready to move. You can browse their beautiful collections on Instagram @rubiawear and at RubiaWear.com, and use code BUSYBUN10 for 10% off your order!

Follow Hannah on Instagram @thebusybunhead

Explore blog posts, merchandise & resources for adult ballet dancers like you at thebusybunhead.com

Podcast produced by Mission Bridge Media.
www.MissionBridgeMedia.com

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 maintain momentum — no matter the season. Grab a cup of coffee and let's get into it!

➡️ Book a 60 min private lesson with Yelena for $40 AUD here.

🩰 Join the Corps de Ballet for just $3/month using the link below:

Follow Hannah on Instagram @thebusybunhead

Explore blog posts, merchandise & resources for adult ballet dancers like you at thebusybunhead.com

Podcast produced by Mission Bridge Media.
www.MissionBridgeMedia.com

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 knitwear, AND our secret weapon for keeping your dance bag spring time fresh.💐

Huge thank you to the sponsor of this episode, RubiaWear! Whether you're heading to the studio or warming up at home, RubiaWear’s line of dancewear will make you feel confident, comfortable, and ready to move. You can browse their beautiful collections on Instagram @rubiawear and at RubiaWear.com, and use code BUSYBUN10 for 10% off your order!

Download your FREE PDF guide to laundering your dancewear. 

Hannah's Favorite Laundry Products (Amazon affiliate links):

Mesh delicates bag

Clean detergent

Scent satchel

Follow Hannah on Instagram @thebusybunhead

Explore blog posts, merchandise & resources for adult ballet dancers like you at thebusybunhead.com

Podcast produced by Mission Bridge Media.
www.MissionBridgeMedia.com

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 for your first adult ballet intensive, curious about the behind-the-scenes experience at KM & Friends, or a fellow attendee who just wants to relive the magic of the week with us, this conversation is full of insight, encouragement, and honest reflections. So grab your coffee and let's get into it...  ◡̈ 

Connect with Candis on Instagram @candiapplejuice

Follow Hannah on Instagram @thebusybunhead

Explore blog posts, merchandise & resources for adult ballet dancers like you at thebusybunhead.com

Podcast produced by Mission Bridge Media.
www.MissionBridgeMedia.com

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 in this episode will instantly elevate your lines and your confidence. Press play and level up your ballet game today!

Follow Hannah on Instagram @thebusybunhead

Explore blog posts, merchandise & resources for adult ballet dancers like you at thebusybunhead.com

Podcast produced by Mission Bridge Media.
www.MissionBridgeMedia.com

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 make feel polished, professional, and confident in class.  🩰 Grab your coffee and let's get into it!

Mentioned in the episode (Amazon affiliate links):
Frenchies hairpins
Dance bag lavender pouches

Follow Hannah on Instagram @thebusybunhead

Explore blog posts, merchandise & resources for adult ballet dancers like you at thebusybunhead.com

Podcast produced by Mission Bridge Media.
www.MissionBridgeMedia.com

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... Grab your coffee (or tea) and let's get into it!

Follow Hannah on Instagram @thebusybunhead

Explore blog posts, merchandise & resources for adult ballet dancers like you at thebusybunhead.com

Podcast produced by Mission Bridge Media.
www.MissionBridgeMedia.com

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 after a break, this episode will help you navigate class with the confidence of a seasoned dancer. Let's get into it!

Follow Hannah on Instagram @thebusybunhead

Explore blog posts, merchandise & resources for adult ballet dancers like you at thebusybunhead.com

Podcast produced by Mission Bridge Media.
www.MissionBridgeMedia.com