🩰 The Adult Pointe Journey: Expert Answers with Julie

Dreaming of dancing en pointe? This week, Julie demystifies the journey from first pre-pointe class to that magical moment of rising onto your toes.

Drawing from years of teaching experience, Julie addresses your burning questions about adult pointe work. Discover why pre-pointe training includes both seated and standing exercises, understand the role of demi-pointe shoes, and find out about the unique challenges and the magic of starting pointe as an adult.

Whether you're dreaming about your first pair of pointe shoes or already dancing en pointe, this episode offers clear, practical guidance specifically tailored for adult dancers. Julie's unique understanding of adult students' needs shines through as she shares expert insights to help you progress safely and confidently.

Join us for this Q & A that will leave you both informed and inspired! 🩰✨

Have questions about pointe work? Drop them in the comments below!

Join us for the powerful conclusion to our three-part ballet series! We welcome back Leigh Purtill, Kelsay Maloney-Steiner, Jessica Maddox, and Ashley Caranto Morford for an inspiring discussion about inclusivity and increasing the visibility and value of amateur dancers.

Through personal stories, they reveal how they create safe spaces for women to reconnect with their bodies and claim their right to take up space.

Join us in this passionate conversation, reminding us that this beautiful art form belongs to everyone who loves it. ✨💫

Ashley - @ashley_tenduing

Jessica - @facetdancecollective

Kelsey - @facetdancecollective

Leigh - @leighpurtillballetcompany

Welcome back to Broche Banter! In this compelling continuation of our conversation, we welcome back Erica Centola, Leigh Purtill, and Kelsay Maloney-Steiner, joined by fresh voices Jessica Maddox, Leigh Grant, Ashley Caranto Morford, and Elizabeth Blosfield for an honest discussion about ballet.Each passionate artistic director shares their unique views on preserving ballet's magic while challenging traditions and creating new stories.Get ready for an inspiring dialogue that questions the boundaries between classical and contemporary ballet and explores how to nurture their students' authenticity while creating engaging performances for today's audiences.Join the conversation and share your thoughts in the comments! 💭✨Ashley - @ashley_tenduingEizabeth - Adult Ballet Studio PodcastErica - @tournesoldance & @rochesteradultballetcompanyJessica - @facetdancecollectiveKelsey - @facetdancecollectiveLeigh - @cadenza.balletLeigh - @leighpurtillballetcompany

In this episode, Julie welcomes four visionary artistic directors who founded their own dance companies to explore the evolution of adult ballet.

Erica Centola, Leigh Purtill, Amanda Singrassia, Kelsay Maloney-Steiner, and Julie herself are true pioneers in the field of adult ballet. They reveal the realities of running a dance company - from creating performances and building audiences to fulfilling adult dancers' dreams of performing on stage.

Our amazing guests encourage dancers to step into the spotlight and show the audience that ballet isn’t rigid or boring but a living, evolving art form that inspires and enchants entire communities.

This very special episode reminds us all that ballet makes a difference - whether it’s the audience watching or the dancers on stage, ballet can transform lives.

Ballet isn’t just beautiful. It is powerful. 💫💪

Amanda - Dreamworks Performing Arts Center

Erica - Instagram: @tournesoldance & @rochesteradultballetcompany

Kelsey - Instagram: @facetdancecollective

Leigh - Instagram: @leighpurtillballetcompany

This week, we peek behind the curtain of tutu making with Lucy Simpson, who learned this intricate craft during Covid.

We dive into the mysterious, enchanting world of hoops, layers, nets, and bodices, discovering why tutu makers use unexpected tools like fishing nets and forks in their creations.

Lucy also lets us in on the secret life of a tutu in a professional ballet company—how each one is altered multiple times to fit different dancers’ bodies, has graced the stage, been soaked in sweat, and undergone cleanings over and over again.

💫 👗 Tune in for this sparkly episode and discover the hidden artistry behind ballet's most iconic costume!

Find Lucy on Instagram: @lucytutumaker

Photo Credit: Grace Owen

www.gracepictures.co.uk

Instagram @‌gracepicturesuk

AMA with Julie - your ballet questions answered! 🩰In this episode, ballet teacher Julie pulls back the curtain on her personal journey while offering advice and guidance for adult dancers at every level.You’ll be inspired by her revelations about navigating self-doubt (yes, even experienced teachers have it!) and her passionate vision for her future as an educator. Also, she shares her thoughts on what defines a “serious” ballet student, the pathway from studio practice to stage performance and much more.Listen in, reflect on your own ballet journey and take what resonates with you.If your question wasn't covered, drop it in the comments—we'd love to feature it in a future episode! 💭✍️In this episode, we cover the following questions:What is your favorite class to teach?How do you multitask teaching and doing the combination yourself?What is the most challenging part of being a teacher compared to just being a dancer?What are your thoughts on exams or formal assessments for the adult ballet community?What are your future goals for yourself as a teacher?How many days a week should an adult who is serious about ballet be putting in?How can we move from taking classes to performing a piece? Is more center work the way? Do we select variations and keep practicing?Do you ever struggle with self-doubt or a lack of self-confidence and if so, how do you manage those feelings and thoughts?

🦢Taking Flight: From Late Starter to Swan Lake 🦢

Join us for this very special episode as Julie shares her incredible experience performing in Swan Lake with the corps de ballet of the Grand Ukrainian Ballet in Germany.

As many of you know, Julie discovered ballet at 17, eventually making it her career. Imagine Julie’s surprise when her current teacher Katia invited her to perform Swan Lake in Germany a few weeks ago! Though initially filled with doubt, Julie took the leap.

Listen as she candidly shares her journey of overcoming personal and logistical challenges - from flight anxiety and self-doubt, language barriers, and a surprise just minutes before going on stage: the fog machine, never used in rehearsals, obscured crucial position markers.

Along the way, she offers heartfelt insights and practical advice for anyone seeking the courage to pursue their dreams.

Julie's infectious enthusiasm shines through as she allows us to relive this magical experience with her. While she's known for her love of all things sparkly, it's Julie herself who brings the brightest sparkle to this inspirational story. 💫

This week, we hand the microphone to Samantha, a passionate ballerina who brings her most curious questions directly to Julie in a unique Q&A session.

Discover Julie's personal approach to that delicate balance between flexibility and strength, and learn her secrets for transforming discomfort into an opportunity for inner calm.

Whether you're a beginner or advanced dancer, you'll find practical takeaways as Julie shares actionable techniques to improve your ballet skills while nurturing a growth-oriented mindset.

Tune in for this special episode that covers profound as well as playful topics, from navigating self-doubt, to light-hearted revelations about Julie's favorite ballet steps and go-to poses that shine in photoshoots.

Do you have further questions about Julie or ballet in general? Please comment below!

Welcome back to our empowering journey through performance anxiety.

In this second episode, Julie and recurring guest Suzanne are diving into a delightful chat about those heart-pounding moments on stage and the days after.

We’ll address worst-case scenarios like literally or figuratively falling on stage. Through touching personal stories, we’ll discover why mishaps often create more powerful connections with your audience than perfection ever could.

Finally, we'll share some fun and effective ways to face your brain's natural negativity bias in the post-performance period.

Join us for this heartfelt conclusion to our stage fright series, which will hopefully encourage you to claim your place in the spotlight with confidence.

Learn about IABF: www.internationaladultballetfestival.com

Get in touch with Suzanne on Instagram @petrichor_ballerina or https://yuna.at

We are thrilled to welcome back Suzanne, adult ballet dancer and entrepreneur, for a two-part exploration of how to conquer performance anxiety.

Whether it's a ballet performance or a big presentation, we'll share practical ways to prepare in the weeks leading up to your big moment in the spotlight.

Discover how knowing yourself better can be your secret weapon against nerves. We’ve got you covered with simple strategies, from ways to reclaim your calm to considerations of what to wear.

Stage fright connects us all, and together, we can transform jitters into joy. ☀️

Be sure to tune in next week for part 2, where we'll tackle one of a performer’s worst nightmares—falling on stage—and we’ll also explore the crucial reflection period that follows any performance.

Find Suzanne on Instagram @petrichor_ballerina

And more resources on her website https://yuna.at