Ep. 125 - Perfectionism Is Sabotaging Your Ballet Training — Here’s What to Do About It, with Kirsten Kemp (Archive Favorite)

If you’ve ever walked out of ballet class replaying every mistake in your head — the turn you fell out of, the combination you messed up, the step that just won’t click — you’re not alone...

As adult dancers, we often hold ourselves to incredibly high standards. And while that drive can be a powerful motivator, it can also quietly take the joy out of dancing, and even sabotage our progress.

In this episode, I’m joined by Kirsten Kemp, a high-performance mindset coach who works specifically with dancers, to talk about how perfectionism shows up in ballet training and what to do instead.

We talk about why perfectionism can derail your class experience, what’s happening in your brain when you spiral after messing up, and simple tools you can use in the moment to reset and stay engaged.

Kirsten also shares her perspective on “mentally budgeting” for mistakes, how to set realistic expectations without lowering your standards, and how to stay motivated even during seasons of slow progress.

If you’re someone who cares deeply about improving but often find yourself  frustrated, discouraged, or defeated, this episode is your road map to renewed confidence and joy!

👉🏼 Connect with Kirsten: 

Website: kirstenkemp.com

Instagram: @kirsten_theconfidentdancer

✨ This Episode is Sponsored By:

Apolla Performance:
Compression socks designed for support, recovery, and injury prevention for dancers. 
Shop here: https://rstr.co/apollaperformance/thebusybunhead

Follow Hannah on Instagram @thebusybunhead

Explore blog posts, merchandise & resources for adult ballet dancers like you at thebusybunhead.com

Podcast produced by Mission Bridge Media.
www.MissionBridgeMedia.com