After Class: The Adult Ballet Podcast

Ep. 127 - 7 Strategies for Remembering Choreography as an Adult Ballet Dancer

If you're an adult dancer, you probably know this feeling: the teacher gives the combination once, maybe twice if you're lucky, and then the music starts... and somewhere around count five, your brain goes completely blank. In this episode, I'm digging into something almost every single one of us has struggled with: remembering choreography. It's easy to write this off as a gift you're either born with or you're not — some people just "have a good memory" and some people don't. But I'm pushing back on that, because the research says otherwise. Memorizing choreography is a trainable skill, and it works a lot like a muscle: something you can actually strengthen with use, the same way you build strength in your body.I'm walking through seven specific strategies (plus one bonus for performers) that have made a real difference in how fast and confident I feel picking up combinations, whether I'm at the barre, in center, or getting ready to perform.If picking up combinations feels hard for you right now, that doesn't mean you're permanently bad at it. It probably just means it's a skill you haven't intentionally trained yet. And here's how you can start.... Follow Hannah on Instagram @thebusybunheadExplore blog posts, merchandise & resources for adult ballet dancers like you at thebusybunhead.comPodcast produced by Mission Bridge Media.www.MissionBridgeMedia.com

Ep. 126 - Ballet Posture Explained: The Fundamentals, the Function & What Makes It Artistry, with Chelsea Weidmann

Ask someone to picture a ballet dancer, and posture is probably the first thing that comes to mind — that effortless, upright poise that reads as ballerina the second you see it. But if you've ever felt like you struggle to achieve it as an adult dancer, you're not alone!In this episode, I'm joined again by Chelsea Weidmann for the next installment in our ongoing series on the elements of artistry, as she defined & unpacked them in her thesis on artistry in ballet. This time we're digging into the fundamentals of ballet posture: what it actually is, how to work on it, and what it allows us to accomplish technically that we couldn't otherwise.We also talk about the difference between posture that's technically correct but reads as flat, and posture that reads as intentional and alive. And for anyone who performs, Chelsea breaks down how a character's posture can shift over the course of a ballet (hello, Giselle) and how you can use those shifts to support your own artistry both onstage and in the studio. If you've ever wanted your posture to look more confident and effortless, or wondered how to use it to support your artistry, this episode is for you! ✨CONNECT WITH CHELSEA 👇🏼 Website: geekyballerina.com Book: Artistry Inside Ballet Technique (affiliate link) Instagram: @geekyballerinaFollow Hannah on Instagram @thebusybunheadExplore blog posts, merchandise & resources for adult ballet dancers like you at thebusybunhead.comPodcast produced by Mission Bridge Media.www.MissionBridgeMedia.com

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.comInstagram: @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/thebusybunheadFollow Hannah on Instagram @thebusybunheadExplore blog posts, merchandise & resources for adult ballet dancers like you at thebusybunhead.comPodcast produced by Mission Bridge Media.www.MissionBridgeMedia.com

Ep. 124 - Ballet Hacks Every Adult Dancer Should Know (Archive Favorite)

In this episode, I'm sharing some of my favorite ballet hacks. The tips, tricks, and discoveries that have made my life as an adult dancer easier and more comfortable.😄Some I figured out on my own, some were passed along by teachers or fellow dancers, and all of them are just too good not to share, like:The game-changing nipple cover option for those who want a little extra coverageUsing toe spacers in your ballet slippers (NOT just for pointe shoes) to reduce bunion discomfortThe waistband modifications that will change how you feel in your tights How to turn convertible tights into stirrup tights so you can wear the brands you actually loveA simple spray that fixes heel slippage in pointe shoe (plus a bonus tip that makes it even more effective)A hack for healthier, happier hair (while you dance) PRODUCTS MENTIONED 🔗Nipple Covers by Cakes (grippy version)Toe Spacers by Russian Pointe (size medium)Spray Rosin by BlochHair Mask by RCA Skincare (use code AFTERCLASS10 for 10% off your order!)EPISODE SPONSOR ✨Frenchies HairpinsThe official brand for ballerinas who love a good hair moment! Shop premium hairpins and new luxury scrunchies in real silk and luxurious velvet.https://frenchieshairpins.com | Code AFTERCLASS10 for 10% off!Follow Hannah on Instagram @thebusybunheadExplore blog posts, merchandise & resources for adult ballet dancers like you at thebusybunhead.comPodcast produced by Mission Bridge Media.www.MissionBridgeMedia.com

Ep. 123 - Creating a Pointe Plan You LOVE as an Adult Dancer, with Julie of Broche Ballet (pt 3)

You've conquered the basics en pointe.... So now what? This is the final episode in my three-part series on the adult pointe journey with Julie of Broche Ballet, who has coached hundreds of adult dancers (myself included) through their pointe journeys.In this episode, we talk about how to build a sustainable, realistic training plan around a busy adult life, why short frequent practice sessions are so effective, the recovery habits that will support your body for the long haul, how to work through the fear of learning new steps, and why play might be the single most important ingredient you're missing.If you've ever felt like you're stuck in a rut, wondering how to actually reach your goals, this is the episode for you. It's the perfect way to close out this series, and I think it's going to change how you think about your own pointe journey. 🩰Disclaimer: This episode is NOT a substitute for an individual evaluation, so make sure you're approved by a qualified teacher and fitted by a professional before going on pointe. It's also not medical advice, so please consult a licensed medical professional about any injuries or pain.CONNECT WITH JULIE & BROCHE BALLET👇🏼 Instagram: @brocheballet Website: brocheballet.com Free Pointe Readiness Self-Assessment: https://app.brocheballetonline.com/pointe/self-assessmentFollow Hannah on Instagram @thebusybunheadExplore blog posts, merchandise & resources for adult ballet dancers like you at thebusybunhead.comPodcast produced by Mission Bridge Media.www.MissionBridgeMedia.com