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 adult dancers.

Erica shares how her own journey back to ballet as a busy adult & mom shaped the way she teaches, the unique challenges she sees adult dancers face in the studio, and why creating performance opportunities is so transformative. This conversation is an honest and encouraging look at what it means to build spaces where adult ballet dancers truly belong — in the studio, on stage, and in community with one another.

Connect with Erica on Instagram:

Tournesol Dance Studio

Rochester Adult Ballet Company

Or visit her website tournesoldance.com

Join the 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

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. But what if you could finish the year feeling strong, inspired, and joyful in your dancing?

In this episode, Hannah shares effective tips to help you thrive during the holiday season, not just get by. From simplifying your goals and habit stacking, to adjusting your expectations and resting (guilt-free!), this conversation is a reminder that your ballet training during the holidays can still be effective and enjoyable. Whether you’re deep in Nutcracker season or just trying to keep dancing through December, this episode will help you finish the year feeling balanced and refreshed for the New Year.😄

Click below to 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

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 they really mean, how to translate them into your own body, and how building strength and awareness outside the studio can make every correction more effective. Whether you’re new to ballet or a seasoned adult dancer, this conversation will change the way you receive and apply the feedback you're getting in class.... Let's get into it!

Referenced in the episode: Inside Ballet Technique (Amazon Affiliate link)

Don't forget to register for Allie's London Intensive for Adults! 

This event will cover the most requested topics for adult dancers: Alignment, Turnout, Flexibility and Extensions. Each session will include detailed explanations, cross-training exercises, ballet class cues, and hands-on guidance with Allie, followed by a ballet class to implement what you worked on. If you're looking for a chance to really get into the details that will take your dancing to the next level, this is the event for you!

Connect with Allie on Instagram @alignfitnessbyallie

Check out the Dancer Strong platform

Click below to 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

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 realities of going from dancers to dancewear creators, their favorite designs to wear to class, and their vision for Barre Trash in the years ahead.

For adult dancers especially, this episode is full of encouragement, laughs, and reminders that you do belong in ballet. Tune in to hear how Barre Trash is keeping ballet real, relatable, and a little less serious. 🙃

👉🏼 Check out their dancewear at BarreTrash.com or on social media @barretrash

✨ Shop Rose & Clay Jewelry's new 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

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 for you!

🩰 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

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 — it’s just evolving... So grab your coffee and let's chat. ♥

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

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’ll learn practical ways to reclaim joy in your dancing right now, whether you’re brand new to ballet or returning after years away. Plus, we’ll talk about why your joy doesn’t just benefit you — it’s also a gift to your classmates, your teachers, and the ballet world as a whole.

Because here’s the truth: you don’t have to earn the right to love ballet. You already belong, and your joy matters. So grab your 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 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 separators to reduce swelling and release tension. These science-backed, dancer-approved recovery strategies will help you feel energized, supported, and ready for your next class without adding more to your busy schedule. Let's get into it! 

Our favorite products (Amazon Affiliate links):

Dr. Berg's Zero Sugar Electrolyte Powder

Toe Separators

Epsom Salts

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

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!

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

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:

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