Broche Banter | Adult ballet training, philosophy, & inspiration

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

What does it really take to build a creative business from the ground up?

In this episode, I’m sharing something special — a behind-the-scenes conversation about my personal journey as a creative entrepreneur.

You’ll hear stories about how I got started, how I developed my business skills along the way, and how technology has both helped and challenged my growth.

We also dive into the deeper stuff:

- navigating societal expectations

- redefining success

- staying authentic in the face of external pressure

- what it means to be an entrepreneur in the creative arts today

Whether you're building something of your own or dreaming about where to start, I hope this episode encourages you to keep going, keep creating, and keep trusting your voice.

An intensive is an incredible opportunity to make life-long friends, leave your daily routine behind and immerse yourself in what you love most: ballet.

To get the most out of your experience, it's important to prepare both your body a few weeks in advance. Here’s how:

✅ Stand more - you’ll be on your feet a lot.

✅ Bulletproof your ankles & calves.

✅ Hydrate & plan your electrolytes.

✅ Practice proprioception & balance.

✅ Step out of your comfort zone & connect – If there’s a community forum, introduce yourself before the intensive starts! You can also research local restaurants and invite fellow dancers to join you for dinner.

Packing Essentials:

🎾 Massage ball or gun – Your muscles will thank you!
💧 Water bottle – Stay hydrated.
🍌 Snacks – Make sure to get enough protein.
🩰 Extra leotards – Yup, you will sweat!
♻️ Old leotards – Suggest a leo swap with fellow dancers for fun!

A little preparation goes a long way. Get ready for an amazing experience! 🌟

We are so excited to share this very special episode with you! This week, you asked, and Julie answered!

Order your copy of Broche Magazine POINTE Edition: https://brocheballetonline.com/shop

She responds to your pointe shoe questions (see below) but also takes us through her pointe journey, showing us all her beautiful shoes, including the ones she wore for her wedding. Spoilers: It’s going to be sparkly! ✨💎

Join us as Julie shares stories about her very first pointe fitting with 19, the challenges she faced and her experiences with different shoe models, including the act'Pointes.

Finding the right pointe shoe is such a personal journey. Every dancer needs a shoe that supports the unique anatomy of their feet. We hope this episode helps you better understand your own needs and encourages you to keep working toward your pointe goals!

Listen, or even better, watch and enjoy!

Here’s what Julie talks about in the Q & A section:

1. What are your most recommended stretches and exercises for getting over your box?

2. What are your most recommended exercises for improving your wing range of motion and strength?

3. Do you have any pointe shoe hacks?

4. Do you break in your pointe shoes in anyway?

5. What pointe shoes do you wear? What pointe shoes have you tried? What do you need in a pointe shoe?

6. Have you ever considered becoming a pointe shoe fitter?

**Links:

- Can adults go en pointe: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FudxyDjED18

- How to go en pointe: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tg6noSbMl_0

- Criteria for pointe readiness: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=skrw41u2JS0

- My story: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7HcTBI-4yvo