After Class: The Adult Ballet Podcast

Great jumps don’t start in the air, they start at the barre! In part one of this two-part conversation, I’m joined by Christina Krigolson , founder of Face the Barre , to address some of the most common challenges adult dancers experience in petite & grande allegro, and break down how adult dancers can build stronger, more confident jumps starting at the barre.  We talk about how plié, tendu,...

Looking polished and confident in your dancing isn’t always about doing more — often, it’s about small the details. In this fan-favorite episode from the After Class archives , we’re revisiting three small but powerful elements that can instantly elevate how you look and feel as an adult ballet dancer: hands, eyes, and head placement . We break down the subtle choices that make a big difference —...

With many studios closing or shifting schedules during the holidays, staying consistent with ballet can feel especially challenging. In this fan-favorite episode from the After Class archives , we’re revisiting 4 simple, realistic ways to keep your ballet practice alive — even when regular classes aren’t available. From taking online classes with friends to creating a personal growth plan that act...

In today’s episode of After Class , I’m sharing my favorite ballet books I read in 2025 — a mix of ballet fiction, biographies, memoirs, and educational reads, many of which we read together in The Bunhead Book Club (my Instagram-based book club, which will be open to new members in January 2026 — email me at thebusybunhead@gmail.com to join us) 😄 These books deepened my understanding of ballet a...

If you love feeling organized, refreshed, and clear-headed heading into a new year, this episode is for you. We're decluttering your dance bag, cleaning out your dancewear drawer, reviewing your subscriptions, organizing your journal, locking in your 2026 goals, and setting up your schedule so you can enter 2026 feeling focused and ready to grow. But first, thank you Jule Dancewear for sponso...

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,” w...

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...

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 conver...

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 danci...

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 mi...

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, tangibl...

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...

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...

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 the...

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 th...

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...

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 — i...

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...

In this episode of After Class , we’re breaking down easy recovery tips for adult ballet dancers that don’t require extra time or effort. Learn how electrolytes improve hydration and muscle recovery, why Epsom salt baths support relaxation and sleep, and how recovery footwear protects your feet after class. Plus, discover Netflix-friendly recovery tricks like elevating your legs and using toe sepa...

Fear is one of the most common struggles adult ballet dancers face in their pointe work — but it doesn’t have to hold you back! In this episode of After Class , we dive into mental strategies that will help you work with your fear instead of against it. You’ll learn: What’s really happening in your brain during "pointe anxiety" (and how to use it to your advantage) Focus-shifting techniq...

Summer often means studio closures, but that doesn’t have to mean a break from your progress! In this episode, we give you 4 simple ways to keep your ballet practice alive (and thriving ) while your local studio classes are cancelled. From YouTube classes with friends to crafting a personal growth plan, these ideas will keep you motivated and strong. Perfect for adult ballet dancers who want to ma...

Tired of your expensive leotards fading & stretching out, your tights slowly turning gray, and your legwarmers pilling too soon? Don't spend another minute being frustrated and confused! In this episode, we’re giving you a step-by-step guide to properly wash and care for your ballet dancewear. 🫧 You'll learn how to correctly launder your ballet clothes, handy tips to save your knitw...

In this episode, I’m joined by Candis MacKinnon, an adult ballet dancer who recently attended her very first ballet retreat — the KM & Friends Adult Ballet Intensive. We chat about everything from pre-intensive nerves to surprising moments of growth, the power of community, and what made this event so special for adult dancers of all backgrounds. Whether you're thinking about signing up f...

Want to look like an advanced dancer with minimal effort? In this episode, we’re diving into three game-changing details for adult dancers: hands, eyes, and head placement. We talk about the nuances of how to properly extend your fingers, activate your eye line, and hold your chin that teachers don’t always have time to explain in class. Whether you're dancing at home or in a studio, the tips...

Let’s be real, ballet class can get sweaty, smelly, and a little messy — especially when you're juggling adult life and a dance bag full of gear! 😅 In this episode, we cover essential hygiene tips for every dancer — like wearing perfume in class (yes or no?), how to keep your bag fresh, and why your hairstyle matters... We’re tackling it all! Tune in for practical, no-shame tips that will ma...