Waking Up With Anxiety: How to Cope and Take Back Control

Have you ever woken up with that familiar tightness in your chest, your thoughts already racing before your feet even hit the floor?

You're not alone. Morning anxiety is incredibly common—especially for high achievers, perfectionists, and anyone carrying a heavy mental load. In this episode, we’re talking honestly about what it feels like to start the day already in fight-or-flight mode—and, more importantly, what you can do about it.

Together, we’ll explore simple, powerful ways to cope with morning anxiety, from understanding the root causes to implementing mindset shifts and daily habits that help you feel grounded, calm, and in control. You’ll learn why being aware of your emotions isn’t weakness—it’s strength. Because when you start to understand why you're feeling anxious, you take the first step in becoming the most resilient, empowered version of yourself.

Let’s reframe anxiety not as a personal flaw, but as a message—one that, when listened to with compassion and curiosity, can lead you toward real, lasting change.

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About Ballet With Isabella
Ballet With Isabella is your secret weapon for unlocking your full potential as a dancer—physically and mentally.

Whether you're training for pointe, returning to ballet, or striving to reach a professional level, BWI offers structured online plans, inspiring courses, and a supportive global community.

From personalized training in our Principal membership, to on-demand classes and mindset coaching through A Dancer’s Mindset, every offering is designed to help you grow with confidence and consistency.

Explore our memberships, courses, and free resources at balletwithisabella.com.

Hello Everyone,

In this episode of A Dancer’s Mindset, we dive into the legendary Stanford commencement speech by Steve Jobs — a message that continues to resonate with creators, dreamers, and high-achievers across the world.

But what can dancers learn from a tech visionary?

From trusting the dots will connect, to finding what you truly love, and embracing both success and failure — we break down the key lessons and show how they apply directly to the ballet world. Whether you're in the middle of your training, recovering from a setback, or questioning your path, this episode will reignite your passion and remind you why you started.

🌟 "The only way to do great work is to love what you do." – Steve Jobs

Let this episode be a reset, a motivation boost, and a reminder to stay curious, resilient, and bold — both in and out of the studio.

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✨ Want to take your ballet training to the next level? Here’s how we can help! ✨

💻 Join Ballet With Isabella – Our online platform offers structured training plans, recorded classes, and expert guidance to help you improve, no matter your level. Whether you're working on pointe strength, turnout, flexibility, or technique, we’ve got the resources to support your progress. Join us today at balletwithisabella.com!

📲 Train Smarter With Our Courses – Want to master pirouettes, allegro, or fouettés? Our in-depth courses break down technique, strength, and drills to help you finally achieve your goals. Browse all courses here!

🎭 Become a Soloist Member – If you’re looking for in depth courses, online classes, live classes, and plans our soloist Membership is the ultimate way to refine your skill and reach your potential. Sign up now at balletwithisabella.com/membership!

🎧 Listen & Learn More – Keep growing your mindset and motivation by subscribing to A Dancer’s Mindset on your favorite podcast platform.

📲 Follow on Socials – Stay inspired with daily tips, behind-the-scenes training, and motivation:
📍Instagram: @balletwithisabella
📍TikTok: @balletwithisabella
📍YouTube: Subscribe for free training videos & insights!

🔥 Start training smarter and reaching your goals today! 🔥

Hello Everyone,

Today is an inspiring episode.

🧠 Inspired by W. Timothy Gallwey’s 'The Inner Game of Tennis'

🎧 In this episode, we're diving into the powerful teachings of The Inner Game of Tennis – a book that, although written for athletes on the court, holds absolute gold for dancers in the studio.

You’ll discover:

✔️ Why the biggest battle isn’t against your technique – it’s against your own mind

✔️ How to quiet the inner critic and tap into flow

✔️ The difference between Self 1 (the thinker) and Self 2 (the doer) – and how learning to trust your body can transform your dancing

✔️ Why overthinking kills performance – and how awareness, not judgment, leads to improvement

✔️ How to stop “trying harder” and start “allowing more” in your artistry

Whether you're preparing for an audition, stuck in a perfectionist loop, or just want to dance with more ease and confidence, this episode will shift how you think about training forever.

You don’t need to play tennis to benefit from this book – you just need a desire to perform freely, fully, and fearlessly.

Please Follow & Share the podcast so we can help more and more of you.

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✨ Want to take your ballet training to the next level? Here’s how we can help! ✨

💻 Join Ballet With Isabella – Our online platform offers structured training plans, recorded classes, and expert guidance to help you improve, no matter your level. Whether you're working on pointe strength, turnout, flexibility, or technique, we’ve got the resources to support your progress. Join us today at balletwithisabella.com!

📲 Train Smarter With Our Courses – Want to master pirouettes, allegro, or fouettés? Our in-depth courses break down technique, strength, and drills to help you finally achieve your goals. Browse all courses here!

🎭 Become a Principal Member – If you’re looking for personalized coaching, live classes, and exclusive workshops, our Principal Membership is the ultimate way to refine your artistry and technique with direct feedback from me. Sign up now at balletwithisabella.com/membership!

🎧 Listen & Learn More – Keep growing your mindset and motivation by subscribing to A Dancer’s Mindset on your favorite podcast platform.

📲 Follow on Socials – Stay inspired with daily tips, behind-the-scenes training, and motivation:
📍Instagram: @balletwithisabella
📍TikTok: @balletwithisabella
📍YouTube: Subscribe for free training videos & insights!

🔥 Start training smarter and reaching your goals today! 🔥

Hello Everyone!

In this powerful episode of A Dancer’s Mindset, Isabella and Suvi dive deep into a frustration so many dancers face:

"Why am I not improving, even though I’m working so hard?"

Together, we explore the real reasons your technique might be plateauing—and it’s not always about effort. We cover:

✨ The hidden habits that could be holding you back
✨ How to stop relying solely on your teachers for progress
✨ Why taking your training into your own hands is a game-changer
✨ The mindset shift that helps you move from stuck to skyrocketing

We’ll also share practical tips and personal stories about how we made real progress by becoming intentional, curious, and self-led in our training.

If you’ve been feeling frustrated, confused, or discouraged about your technique, this episode is your reminder that you have more power than you think. You can change the trajectory of your dancing starting today.

🎧 Tune in now and take control of your growth.

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✨ Welcome to Ballet With Isabella! ✨

Ballet With Isabella (BWI) is your go-to online training platform for dancers of all levels! Whether you’re a beginner, pre-professional, or pro, we help you refine your technique, build strength, and boost confidence—all with structured training that delivers real results.

💖 What You’ll Find Here:
✅ Expert-led ballet classes & courses
✅ Pointe training programs (The Strong Pointe Plan)
✅ Flexibility & strength workouts for dancers
✅ Audition tips & mindset coaching
✅ Live Zoom classes & workshops
✅ Private coaching & personalized plans

💡 Join Our Membership!
🔹 Corps – Recorded classes
🔹 Soloist – Classes + all on-demand courses
🔹 Principal – Everything + live training & a custom plan every 8 weeks

🎙️ Listen to Our Podcast! A Dancer’s Mindset (Co-hosted by Suvi Honkanen) – interviews, training tips, and mental strategies to help you succeed in ballet.

👩‍🏫 About Isabella
Isabella is a professional ballet coach & founder of BWI, helping dancers worldwide reach their full potential through expert training & mindset coaching.

🔗 Start Training Today! → [Insert website link]

✨ Subscribe & turn on notifications for new ballet content every week! 💃🩰

Hello Everyone!

In this episode of A Dancer’s Mindset, we’re diving into one of the most crucial aspects of your training—how to practice effectively and digest feedback in a way that truly transforms your dancing.

So many dancers go through the motions in class, but real progress comes from training with intention. I’ll break down:

✅ The difference between mindless repetition and smart practice
✅ How to truly absorb corrections instead of just hearing them and feeling bad about them
✅ Why feedback, no matter how tough, is your greatest tool for success
✅ How to be the kind of student teachers love to work with
✅ Shifting your perspective on feedback, reframing critiques as opportunities, not criticism

Practicing without purpose leads to slow progress. But when you learn how to train efficiently, apply feedback correctly, and develop a growth mindset, you’ll start seeing real, measurable improvements.

Get ready to level up your practice habits, become a better student, and make every class count! 🎧✨

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✨ Want to take your ballet training to the next level? Here’s how we can help! ✨

💻 Join Ballet With Isabella – Our online platform offers structured training plans, recorded classes, and expert guidance to help you improve, no matter your level.

Join our worldwide intensives & Retreats

https://balletwithisabella.com/workshops

Whether you're working on pointe strength, turnout, flexibility, piroeuttes or technique, we’ve got the resources to support your progress. Join us today at balletwithisabella.com!

📲 Train Smarter With Our Courses – Want to master pirouettes, allegro, or fouettés? Our in-depth courses break down technique, strength, and drills to help you finally achieve your goals. Browse all courses here!

🎭 Become a Principal Member – If you’re looking for personalized coaching, live classes, and exclusive workshops, our Principal Membership is the ultimate way to refine your artistry and technique with direct feedback from me. 

Sign up now at balletwithisabella.com/membership!

🎧 Listen & Learn More – Keep growing your mindset and motivation by subscribing to A Dancer’s Mindset on your favorite podcast platform.

📲 Follow on Socials – Stay inspired with daily tips, behind-the-scenes training, and motivation:
📍Instagram: @balletwithisabella
📍TikTok: @balletwithisabella
📍YouTube: Subscribe for free training videos & insights!

🔥 Start training smarter and reaching your goals today! 🔥

Hello Everyone!

Have you ever felt invisible in ballet class, like no matter how hard you work, you’re not getting the corrections or attention you hoped for?

In this episode, we dive into why this happens, how to shift your mindset, and what you can do to stand out for the right reasons.

We’ll also discuss the dangers of instant gratification and why true progress in ballet (and life) comes from patience, consistency, and focusing on the work, not just the outcome. If you've ever struggled with feeling unnoticed or frustrated with slow progress, this episode is for you.

🎧 Tune in now and take control of your training!

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🌟 Explore Ballet With Isabella 🌟

🔗 Join BWI & Elevate Your Training – Access exclusive courses, structured training plans, and live classes designed for dancers of all levels! ⁠balletwithisabella.com⁠

📲 Follow Us on Socials:📸 Instagram: ⁠@balletwithisabella⁠🎥 YouTube: ⁠Ballet With Isabella⁠📌 TikTok: ⁠@balletwithisabella⁠

🔥 What We Offer:✨ Structured training plans for all levels Beg to Pro.🩰 Pointe preparation & strengthening courses🎥 Live & recorded ballet classes💪 Strength, flexibility & technique-focused workouts🎭 Audition & performance mindset coaching

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Join the BWI community and take your ballet to the next level! 🚀

Hello Everyone,

What does it take to reach the top, and stay there?

In this episode, we break down the mindset of champions, drawing inspiration from Roger Federer’s incredible commencement speech at Dartmouth.

Federer shares powerful insights on handling pressure, staying adaptable, and embracing the journey, no matter the obstacles. His words go beyond tennis, they apply to anyone striving for success in their field.

Tune in for motivation, practical takeaways, and a fresh perspective on what it truly means to achieve greatness.

🎧 Listen now and be inspired!

📌 Watch Federer’s full speech here: https://youtu.be/pqWUuYTcG-o?si=1BQCbAEMvJAaCZQx

Join our mailing list for our exciting annoucement!

https://balletwithisabella.typeform.com/to/wgi1M424

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🌟 Explore Ballet With Isabella 🌟

🔗 Join BWI & Elevate Your Training – Access exclusive courses, structured training plans, and live classes designed for dancers of all levels! balletwithisabella.com

📲 Follow Us on Socials:
📸 Instagram: @balletwithisabella
🎥 YouTube: Ballet With Isabella
📌 TikTok: @balletwithisabella

🔥 What We Offer:
✨ Structured training plans for all levels Beg to Pro.
🩰 Pointe preparation & strengthening courses
🎥 Live & recorded ballet classes
💪 Strength, flexibility & technique-focused workouts
🎭 Audition & performance mindset coaching

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Join the BWI community and take your ballet to the next level! 🚀

Hello Everyone

In this episode of A Dancer’s Mindset, we’re diving into one of the biggest mental blocks dancers face imposter syndrome and negative self-talk.

That little voice in your head telling you you’re not good enough? It’s time to unpack this and talk about it.

We’ll explore:
✅ Why imposter syndrome happens and why even the most talented dancers struggle with it.
✅ How negative self-talk affects your performance and what you can do to shift your mindset.
✅ Practical techniques to boost confidence, reframe self-doubt, and own your place in the studio.
✅ The importance of self-compassion and celebrating progress instead of chasing perfection.

If you’ve ever felt like you don’t belong or that everyone else is better than you, this episode will give you the mindset tools to step into your power and dance with confidence. 💪✨

🎧 Let’s break free from the doubt that’s holding you back!

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Book Tickets for The BWI Adult Intensive Here on Sunday 16th Feb 2pm GMT

https://buytickets.at/balletwithisabella

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7 Day Barre Challenge

Boris Kniaseff/Stevovich Floor Barre Course with India Rose https://balletwithisabella.com/course/floor-barre-for-turnout/Variations Course with Isabella https://balletwithisabella.com/course/learn-variations-with-me/Intensives coming up https://balletwithisabella.com/workshops/14 day free trial to the BWI platform https://balletwithisabella.com/select-a-plan/* My website - Online classes and courses Memberships to enhance you training Live classes and more!Your secret weapon to excellence https://balletwithisabella.comMOST RECENT CLASSES AND COURSES * Book a private lesson with me https://balletwithisabella.com/1-to-1-lessons/* Listen to my podcast to enhance your mindset as a dancer! become more confident, with higher self esteem and self belief. Join thousands of listeners!https://open.spotify.com/show/72hZ7nnhKSG97VofHYPBOW?si=8ebb73d9aedf425e* Follow me on Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/balletwithisabella* Follow me on TIKTOKwww.tiktok.com/@balletwithisabellaJoin the BWI Community! Your secret weapon to excellencehttps://balletwithisabella.com/select-a-plan/

Hello Everyone,

Today we are discussing being 1 percent better than you were yesterday. This pairs with setting non negotiables daily which are in line with your big goals are going to make a big difference to how you perform each day and ultimately the results you get. This kind of approach will set you apart from the pack! :-)

Enjoy! Like and subscribe!

Hello Everyone,

It is 2025 woop! Time to set those goals and set steps in place in order for us to be consistent and smash them.

It's time to reflect on what went well last year, mistakes that we made, lessons that were learned and strategies we can put in place as well as mindset shifts to ensure we get the most out of our year.

Let's discuss!

Enjoy! Like and subscribe!