Advertise on podcast: After Class: The Adult Ballet Podcast

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 coordination — supporting how we initiate movement, find lightness or groundedness, and shape musical phrasing. Together, we discuss how breath supports plié, why so many of us hold our breath without realizing it, and how chronic breath-holding can lead to fatigue, tension, and dancing that looks technically correct but still feels flat. We also dig into one of the most searched questions among adult dancers: when to inhale versus exhale — offering guiding principles and exercises to try in your own practice. This episode is the beginning of an ongoing series on the nine elements of artistry in ballet, which we’ll be returning to throughout the year. Check out these YouTube videos that showcase musicians' use of breath:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GRLeTziFsHs https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9GnJBLwOjFo Connect with Chelsea: Website: www.geekyballerina.com  Instagram: @geekyballerina Purchase her book: Artistry Inside Ballet Technique (vol 1) Support the show 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

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 ballet dancers. We’ll explore why consistency matters more than intensity, why your body doesn’t forget everything when you take a break, and how to move forward without pressure or shame. This is a gentle reset you can take with you — a reminder that you didn’t miss your moment, and you’re allowed to begin again. ✨ 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% off your order! Support the show 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

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 conversation about pas de deux for adult dancers. ✨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 JULEBUNHEAD15 for 15% off your order at juledancewear.com  In this episode, we break down why pas de deux is more accessible than you might think, how partnering can be taught safely and thoughtfully, and what adult dancers truly need (and don’t need) before trying it for the first time. In this episode, we cover: What makes pas de deux so specialWhy adult dancers often feel intimidated by partneringHow workshops create physical and emotional safetyCommon technical challenges (balance, coordination, weight sharing)How much ballet technique is recommended before trying pas de deuxWays adult dancers can prepare to feel more confidentEncouragement for dancers navigating fear or imposter syndromeIf you’ve ever been curious about pas de deux but told yourself, “I’m not ready,” this episode is for you. Let's get into it! Connect with Pas De Deux Workshops: Website: pasdedeuxworkshops.com Instagram: @pasdedeuxworkshops Join the After Class Corps de Ballet below 👇🏼 Support the show 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

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% off your order! In this episode, we continue the conversation with Christina Krigolson, former professional dancer and founder of Face the Barre, a ballet coaching platform for dancers who want to build strong, sustainable technique. We move fully into the center and talk about how to apply jump technique to petite and grande allegro, how to modify choreography when you feel overwhelmed, and the game-changing hack for effortless-looking jumps (regardless of your level).  This episode is for the adult dancers who want their jumps to feel lighter, more controlled, and more powerful. If that's you, let's get started.... 👉🏼 Connect with Christina: Instagram @face_thebarre Website: face-thebarre.com 📚 Join the January session of The Bunhead Book Club here.  Support the show 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

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 dégagé prepare your body for jumping, common habits that make jumps feel heavy or unstable, and how to start training jump mechanics in a way that feels doable, not overwhelming. If jumps have ever felt intimidating, or out of reach, this episode is for you ✨ Come back next week for part two, where we take everything into the center!  👉🏼 Connect with Christina: Instagram @face_thebarre Website: face-thebarre.com 📚 Join the January session of The Bunhead Book Club here.  Support the show 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

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 — from properly extending your fingers, to activating your eye line, to holding your head with intention — details teachers don’t always have time to explain fully in class. Whether you’re dancing at home or in the studio, these simple refinements can dramatically improve your lines, presence, and confidence. If you’re listening again or tuning in for the first time, I hope this episode helps you dance with more clarity and ease. Let’s get into it! 🩰 Join the Corps de Ballet for just $3/month using the link below: Support the show 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

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 actually fits real life, these strategies are designed to help adult ballet dancers stay motivated, connected, and strong — no matter the season! Whether you’re listening for the first time or coming back to this episode again, I hope it encourages you to keep showing up for yourself and dancing in ways that feel sustainable and joyful. Grab a cup of coffee, and let’s get into it! 🤗 🩰 Join the Corps de Ballet for just $3/month using the link below: Support the show 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 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 [email protected] to join us) 😄 These books deepened my understanding of ballet as both an art form and a lived experience, offering insight into technique, history, and the personal stories behind the stage. If you love ballet beyond the studio — the culture, the legacy, and the humanity — this episode is for you. I’ll share why each book stood out, and how reading about ballet can enrich your dancing and your relationship with the art. 📚 Books mentioned in this episode (Amazon affiliate links): Cantique — Joanna Marsh La Follia — Joanna Marsh Swans of Harlem — Karen Valby Behind the Red Velvet Curtain — Joy Womack & Elizabeth Shockman Inside Ballet Technique: Separating Anatomical Fact from Fiction — Valerie Grieg Holding On to the Air — Suzanne Farrell & Toni Bentley Raising the Barre — Lauren Kessler ✨ Shop Rose & Clay Jewelry's Pirouette Collection, and use code AFTERCLASS for 10% off your entire order of tarnish-free, waterproof and hypoallergenic designs. 🩰 Join the Corps de Ballet for just $3/month using the link below: Support the show 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

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 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 ✨ This reset is simple, actionable, and designed to help you step into the new year feeling refreshed, intentional, and ready to achieve all your ballet dreams. Let's get into it! Mentioned in this episode:  Tutulist.com — Sell your pre-loved dancewear 🩱 Trashie — Recycle your damaged clothing ♻️ Cozy Dancer journal 📝 Jule DancewearUse code AFTERCLASS15 for 15% off sitewide!Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the show 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 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 so many adult dancers carry it, and how reframing your timeline can transform the way you show up in the studio (or on the stage). Whether you're returning to ballet after a long break, or just beginning to fulfill a life-long dream, I know Merry's insights and hard-won perspective are just what you need to hear. If you’ve ever questioned your timing or regretted your path, this conversation is for you. Let’s get into it! 📱 Follow Merry on Instagram @circusmerry ✨ Special thank you to Align Fitness by Allie for sponsoring this episode of the podcast! Check out the Dancer Strong platform here: www.dancerstrongprograms.com And use code AFTERCLASS for $5 off a membership or course! Align Fitness by AllieCheck out the Dancer Strong platform, and use code AFTERCLASS for $5 off any course or membership!Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the show 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

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 life ain't cheap. Don't forget you can now WATCH the episode on YouTube!   I hope you enjoy these curated gems and, most importantly, that you have a very Merry Christmas. 🎄🥰✨ All products mentioned: PointReve: https://www.etsy.com/shop/pointereve/?etsrc=sdt Cozy Dancer Journal: https://www.cozydancer.com/product-page/cozy-dancer-reflection-journal Frenchies Hair Pins: https://amzn.to/4oR0zLH (Amazon affiliate link) Apollo Compression socks: https://rstr.co/apollaperformance/thebusybunhead/6dv  RubiaWear Cora Wrap: https://rubiawear.com/products/ella-cora-wrap?_pos=1&_sid=8cf1b9dfa&_ss=r (Code BUSYBUN10 for 10% off!) Rose & Clay Necklace: https://www.roseandclayjewelry.com/AFTERCLASS (Code AFTERCLASS for 10% off!) Jule Dancewear Tights: https://www.juledancewear.com/products/meshie-tights (Code AFTERCLASS15 for 15% off!) Ance Recovery Sneakers: https://ancerecovery.com//discount/BunheadBF40 (Code BUNHEADBF40 for 40% off!) Theragun Mini: https://amzn.to/4ratR9X (Amazon affiliate link) Dancer Strong Membership: https://www.dancerstrongprograms.com/ (Code AFTERCLASS for $5 off) Merit "Jete" Lip Oil: https://bit.ly/3LYZWkU Join the Corps de Ballet 👇🏼 Support the show 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

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 conversation, Katy shares her honest journey from professional burnout to rediscovering ballet as an adult, how she balances studio classes with at-home training, and why she's throwing out the word "should" when it comes to both dance and life.  Together, we dig into the tools that make ballet training feel less overwhelming, how to filter out the noise of social media, and Katie’s super practical system for planning her weekly training schedule. If you’ve ever struggled to stay consistent, felt burned out trying to do it all, or wanted a clearer structure for your own ballet journey, this conversation will feel like a deep breath. Grab your coffee or water bottle—this one is packed with realistic strategy and permission to build a ballet life that feels good to you! Connect with Katy on Instagram @kab_ballet Jule DancewearUse code AFTERCLASS15 for 15% off sitewide!Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the show 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

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 purely for joy, and how in a season of disappointed hopes, she found creative fulfillment in building a boutique jewelry business. We talk about how the adult ballet community is redefining what it means to be a dancer, the benefits of not being a professional, and the beauty of building a multi-passionate life.  If you need to be reminded of the importance of your creative dreams and the value of embracing your unique path, this episode is for you.  ✨ Use code AFTERCLASS for 10% off at roseandclayjewelry.com 💞 Connect with Kelsey on Instagram @roseandclayjewelry Join the After Class Corps de Ballet 👇🏼 Support the show 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 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 Align Fitness by AllieCheck out the Dancer Strong platform, and use code AFTERCLASS for $5 off any course or membership!Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the show 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 themHow adult dancers can build artistry with intention and joyWhy developing artistry can reignite your passion for ballet at any stageIf 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).  Support the show 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