Broche Banter | Adult ballet training, philosophy, & inspiration

All things pointe shoes this week! We are delighted to welcome pointe shoe fitter Amy Kenney to the show. Ever wondered what goes into finding your perfect pointe shoe? In this episode, we dive deep into padding, foot shapes, spacers, shank strength, synthetic materials, and the fascinating ways our feet change throughout the day and over time. Amy reveals the art behind her fittings: it's not jus...

We are thrilled to talk with Vivian, who launched an adult ballet program at ‘The Russian Ballet School’ in Toronto, founded by her parents, Natalia and Edward, in the 90s. What started as a single weekly class five years ago has grown into a successful program where adults of all backgrounds and ages can enjoy Vaganova levels 1-3, pointe classes, stretch, conditioning, and a performance opportuni...

That sinking feeling when you see yourself in the mirror or on video? You're not alone. Also, what you're seeing isn't objective. It’s filtered through your inner critic, distorting the image and potentially even hindering your progress. Same as with any tool, we have to learn how to use the visual feedback. Tune in to learn how to master the mirror and the video, and watch them become...

Your fastest dancing days aren't behind you. You can absolutely improve your speed at any age! This episode will help you find out which areas you need to work on to see results. Is it your body, your mind, your technique, or maybe the way you practice that’s weighing you down? Get ready to unlock those flying feet, either at the barre in a furiously fast frappé or across the floor in a playfu...

In this episode, Julie reveals how her diverse hobbies have helped her grow as a dancer and ballet teacher. While some dancers worry that pursuing other hobbies might dilute their focus, Julie believes they benefit our ballet journey. Every activity broadens our horizon, enhancing our technique, artistry, and mental resilience. Through singing lessons, Julie conquered fear and stage fright; jiu-ji...

Join us for a heartwarming episode as we sit down with Tara, a vibrant soul whose passion for greyhounds and ballet connected her with our host, Julie. Back in school, Tara loved performing in musicals and bands, but never imagined ballet would capture her heart until she tried it at university. She overcame serious injuries and the demands of three pregnancies, rebuilding her strength multiple ti...

Feeling overwhelmed by the complexity of a full ballet class? You’re not alone! Each session is packed with thousands of micro-skills impossible to master all at once. In this week’s episode, Julie unveils how her modular approach transforms overwhelming classes into clear, empowering steps that accelerate your progress. Drawing from her diverse background in music, programming, math, and ballet,...

In an era where we constantly look up information and no longer have to memorize information, memory skills can feel rusty. In this episode, we share tips and tricks to boost your memory and learn ballet combinations faster. Remembering combinations is a key part of ballet, and Julie learned this the hard way. She recounts an initially embarrassing experience with a teacher that became a pivotal t...

👀 Uncovering Blind Spots: Hidden Challenges in Adult Ballet Learning 🩰 Ever wonder what hidden patterns shape our ballet journey? This week, we uncover how daily movement habits and our body’s unique history of injuries, sports, or stress, shape our practice in ways we didn’t expect as beginners. We’ll also take a good look at the challenges of working with a mirror, our attitude towards perfect...

In this uplifting episode, we dive into the inspiring journey of Elizabeth, passionate dancer and journalist whose love for ballet was sparked at age three. Through her podcast, The Adult Ballet Studio Podcast , Elizabeth beautifully blends her passions for dance and storytelling. She opens up about her struggle to find a sense of belonging in ballet as an adult, and we explore ways teachers and s...

Join us for an inspiring conversation with Grace, a passionate dancer and performer,  as we dive into the art of choreography. Discover the magic of telling stories and expressing emotions through the universal language of movement, without a single word. We’ll explore practical steps to start choreographing your own piece, from finding inspiration to navigating the exhilarating ups and downs of t...

In this inspiring episode, we sit down with Alexandra, who began her ballet journey at a young age, fueled by exceptional teachers and unwavering support. At just 14, she joined the School of American Ballet in New York, but her path was not without challenges, as she faced various injuries. Undeterred, Alexandra went on to dance with the Los Angeles Ballet. There, she trained Mila Kunis for her i...

This week opens with Julie sharing exciting personal news 🤗🎉 before diving into her transformative journey from food anxiety to body awareness. Learn how Julie developed an intuitive relationship with eating, discovering ways to distinguish between true hunger, fatigue, and emotional needs. She shares practical insights about intermittent fasting (time-restricted eating, not calorie restriction)...

Ever feel like fitting ballet into your busy life is harder than the practice itself? What if we told you there's a way to approach your ballet journey like a well-managed project? In this inspiring episode, Julie shares her proven strategies for making time for what we love most — ballet. Drawing from her experience organizing the International Adult Ballet Festival (IABF), she reveals practi...

Ever notice how we use the word "beginner" to mean different things? In this episode, we break down 5 distinct ways it shows up in the ballet world: 1) Starting ballet for the first time as an adult 2) Taking beginner-level classes 3) Having a beginner's mindset (staying curious) 4) Feeling like a beginner (even when you're not) 5) Beginning again after a break We explore why thi...

We are thrilled to welcome Sylvia, who studies at Tournesol Dance Studio with our recent guest Erica. After leaving track at 17, Sylvia discovered her passion for ballet and has since explored various styles, including modern, jazz, and tap dance. In this heartfelt conversation, Sylvia openly shares how she navigates social anxiety and autism, revealing how performing on stage has become an unexpe...

In this episode, Julie shares her insights on progress in ballet, revealing how growth happens across four essential dimensions: physical, mental, emotional, and artistic. Whether you're worried about losing progress during a break or feeling stuck on a plateau, Julie offers practical, encouraging strategies to keep moving forward. Her compassionate insights remind us that progress isn't j...

🩰 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...

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 righ...

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 chal...

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 fulfill...

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 al...

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...

🦢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 G...

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...