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!

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

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

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 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👇🏼

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.😄

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