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

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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

Join the After Class Corps de Ballet 👇🏼

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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). 

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 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👇🏼

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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 👇🏼

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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