This week, we sit down with Dennis to hear his inspiring journey into the ballet world. Starting from humble beginnings with YouTube videos, Dennis opens up about the challenges he faced—feeling like an outsider, encountering unreliable teachers, and coming close to quitting ballet altogether. Everything changed when he discovered Julie’s class, where he's been dancing consistently for the past eight years.

This week on Broche Banter, we’re thrilled to chat with Bianca Starr, who’s been dedicated to teaching adults since 2010—defying the naysayers who said she could never make a living from this!

Join us for fun, touching, and insightful moments as we explore topics like creating safe spaces for body and soul, and the importance of structure when giving feedback. We also dive deeply into the true essence of ballet.

Spoilers: It’s not about high legs or big jumps. It’s about presence.Also, Bianca reminds us that the essence of ballet is available to everyone. Everyone.

If you’d like to work with Bianca, don’t miss "Ballet by the Beach" retreat in California (May 2025), just ahead of the legendary IABF in Florida

➡️https://www.biancalily.com/beachballet.html

➡️https://www.internationaladultballetfestival.com/

Music takes center stage in this week’s episode as we welcome the talented Bruno Raco to the show! A professional musician from Italy with over 20 years of experience, Bruno has been steeped in the world of music since childhood. While other kids played with toys, Bruno’s favorite “toy” was a piano—and it sparked a lifelong passion.

In this episode, we dive into his journey: from navigating the challenges of becoming a professional musician to the art of playing live for ballet classes every day. We’ll chat about talent, perfect pitch, and why figuring out where your phone’s ringtone is coming from can sometimes feel like a brain teaser.

Get ready to fall in love with music all over again as we explore the harmony between artistry and discipline in Bruno’s extraordinary career.

🎵 Listen now: https://brunoraco-balletclassmusic.bandcamp.com/music

In this episode, we delve into the inspiring story of Catie Wells,

whose ballet journey is a testament to the power of tenacity and

passion.

Catie opens up about her childhood struggles with intimidating

ballet classes and how The Nutcracker suddenly ignited her love for

dance.

Unfortunately, health challenges forced her to pause and

explore horseback riding instead.

Yet, her love for ballet never faded

and in her 20s, she returned to the barre. Today, she not only

performs but also teaches, sharing her love for dance with others.

Listen as Catie compares the experience of learning ballet and

horseback riding as a child versus an adult.

Her passion and unwavering dedication will leave you inspired to pursue your own dreams—no matter the obstacles.

After all, ballet is magical, and Nutcracker dreams really can come true!

TW: Eating Disorders

In this heartfelt episode, we’re joined by Grace—dancer, dance photographer, and advocate for self-compassion. Starting her ballet journey as a young adult, Grace now finds joy in jazz, lyrical contemporary, and ballet, using dance as a source of structure, focus, and self-care.

Grace opens up about her experiences with body image and eating disorders, sharing how ballet has taught her to value her body and build confidence. Together, we explore the emotional and technical aspects of dance, emphasizing the importance of creating safe spaces for dancers at every level and age.

Whether you’re a dancer or simply seeking inspiration, Grace’s story is a powerful reminder to take up space unapologetically and embrace your worth.

Watch Grace perform:

https://app.brocheballetonline.com/m/PgMovdA5

https://app.brocheballetonline.com/m/p23o7qsU

Get in touch with Grace and her fabulous teachers:

https://www.gracepictures.co.uk/

https://www.instagram.com/gracepicturesuk

https://www.instagram.com/karenestabrook/

https://www.instagram.com/kathrynsiandance/

https://www.instagram.com/ebufferd/

In this inspiring episode, we dive into the dynamic world of West Coast Swing with internationally renowned champion, coach, and performer Tashina Beckmann-King.

With over three decades of experience and a passion for empowering dancers, Tashina reveals what makes this ever-evolving dance style so special: its encouragement of self-expression, creativity, and connection.

Tashina shares transformative stories of her students, illustrating how dance can change not just your technique but your mindset, confidence, and life.

We explore her Magnetic Movement Method, a powerful blend of technical mastery and subconscious mindset work, and uncover tips for overcoming imposter syndrome, reconnecting with joy, and staying motivated on and off the dance floor.

Join us as we celebrate the magic of movement and the belief that you are worthy of having what you want—in dance and in life!

Ready to start your journey?

West Coast Swing Starter Kit: https://www.tashina.dance/starter-kit

West Coast Swing Launch Pad: https://www.tashina.dance/launchpad

Instagram: @TransformWithTashina

Email: [email protected]

In this inspiring episode of Broche Banter, we dive into Anke’s incredible journey.

Once a shy, quiet girl, she now shines on stage, inspiring others to believe that it’s never too late to start something new.

During lockdown, Anke secretly signed up for an online ballet

course. Not even her husband knew, as she thought ballet was just

for little girls. But ballet soon became a powerful form of self-

expression and now she can’t be a day without at least 20 minutes

of dancing.

Anke’s story is also a story about partnership. While she took dance

lessons, her husband learned to play the piano. Eventually, he

composed a heartfelt piece for her solo at the IABF.

Together, they expressed life’s ups and downs through music and movement.

Join us as we explore the courage it takes to embrace self-expression

and follow your passions.

Watch Anke's piece: https://app.brocheballetonline.com/m/jlzP4WfQ

In this inspiring episode, we are thrilled to welcome Kimberly Wilson, a two-time gold medalist at the International Adult Ballet Festival (IABF), psychotherapist, author, and host of the Tranquility du Jour podcast.

Kimberly shares her journey of returning to ballet as an adult in 2018, reigniting a childhood passion and navigating the challenges many beginners face. From finding the courage to step into a beginner class to overcoming the complexities of hyper-flexibility and left-right mix-ups, her story is one of resilience, grace, and dedication.

We dive into her tips for creating a nurturing ballet environment, the power of live online classes and private lessons, and how progress in ballet mirrors the ebb and flow of life: two steps forward, one step back.

Kimberly’s passion for tranquility shines through as we discuss her approach to balancing ballet with her multifaceted life, her love for Paris, and the importance of finding beauty in every moment.

Whether you're new to ballet, returning after a break, or simply seeking inspiration, this conversation will encourage you to take center stage in your own life.

IG @tranquilitydujour

Substack Midlife Musings

YouTube @tranquilitydujour

In this inspiring episode, we sit down with Jennifer Kuroiwa as she opens up about her journey through mental health challenges, insecurities, and finding joy in activities like yoga, ice skating, and, of course, ballet.

Jennifer’s ballet story is anything but typical. At five, she tried ballet and decided it wasn’t for her. Decades later, ballet came back into her life—this time on her 40th birthday when she took her first live class with Broche Ballet. The timing was perfect, and Jennifer fell head over heels in love with ballet.

But what gave her the courage to start as an adult, after years of feeling "too old"? Tune in to discover the two funny coincidences that helped her take the leap and how ballet has transformed her life since.

In this inspiring episode, we’re thrilled to welcome back Kelsey Maloney-Steiner from The Facet Dance Collective! Kelsey opens up about overcoming fear on her personal pointe journey and how embracing authenticity through dance has helped her grow as both a dancer and choreographer. We explore the challenges and joys of crafting choreography for solo and group pieces, shedding light on the powerful connection between creativity and self-expression.Stay tuned until the end as we discuss the courage it takes to trust our inner voice—the one that pushes us toward everything meaningful in our lives. Discover how listening to this voice can unlock new possibilities and lead us to what we’re meant to offer to the world.Catch the episode and let us know: What is your inner voice telling you? We’d love to hear your thoughts and experiences ❤️Links:The Facet Dance Collective: ➡️https://www.facetdancecollective.com/Kelsey’s Instagram: ➡️https://www.instagram.com/dancer_kcms/Kelsey’s IABF solo: ➡️https://app.brocheballetonline.com/m/aFFxfQ1bJulie's IABF solo: ➡️https://app.brocheballetonline.com/m/HRMt4DpK