Ep. 84 - Creating Spaces Where Adult Ballet Dancers Truly Belong: Erica Centola on Building a Studio & Ballet Company for Adults
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 adult dancers.Erica shares how her own journey back to ballet as a busy adult & mom shaped the way she teaches, the unique challenges she sees adult dancers face in the studio, and why creating performance opportunities is so transformative. This conversation is an honest and encouraging look at what it means to build spaces where adult ballet dancers truly belong — in the studio, on stage, and in community with one another.Connect with Erica on Instagram:Tournesol Dance StudioRochester Adult Ballet CompanyOr visit her website tournesoldance.comJoin the Corps de Ballet below👇🏼Support the showFollow 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
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Ep. 83 - Tips to End the Year Inspired (Not Exhausted) as an Adult Ballet Dancer
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. But what if you could finish the year feeling strong, inspired, and joyful in your dancing?In this episode, Hannah shares effective tips to help you thrive during the holiday season, not just get by. From simplifying your goals and habit stacking, to adjusting your expectations and resting (guilt-free!), this conversation is a reminder that your ballet training during the holidays can still be effective and enjoyable. Whether you’re deep in Nutcracker season or just trying to keep dancing through December, this episode will help you finish the year feeling balanced and refreshed for the New Year.😄Click below to join the Corps de Ballet 👇🏼Support the showFollow 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
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Ep. 82 - Making Sense of Ballet Corrections & Cues with Allie Christensen of Align Fitness
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 they really mean, how to translate them into your own body, and how building strength and awareness outside the studio can make every correction more effective. Whether you’re new to ballet or a seasoned adult dancer, this conversation will change the way you receive and apply the feedback you're getting in class.... Let's get into it!Referenced in the episode: Inside Ballet Technique (Amazon Affiliate link)Don't forget to register for Allie's London Intensive for Adults! This event will cover the most requested topics for adult dancers: Alignment, Turnout, Flexibility and Extensions. Each session will include detailed explanations, cross-training exercises, ballet class cues, and hands-on guidance with Allie, followed by a ballet class to implement what you worked on. If you're looking for a chance to really get into the details that will take your dancing to the next level, this is the event for you!Connect with Allie on Instagram @alignfitnessbyallieCheck out the Dancer Strong platformClick below to join the Corps de Ballet👇🏼Support the showFollow 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
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Ep. 81 - Barre Trash: Humor, Authenticity, and Changing Ballet Culture with Founders Lucas & Louis
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 the realities of going from dancers to dancewear creators, their favorite designs to wear to class, and their vision for Barre Trash in the years ahead.For adult dancers especially, this episode is full of encouragement, laughs, and reminders that you do belong in ballet. Tune in to hear how Barre Trash is keeping ballet real, relatable, and a little less serious. 🙃👉🏼 Check out their dancewear at BarreTrash.com or on social media @barretrash✨ Shop Rose & Clay Jewelry's new Pirouette Collection, and use code AFTERCLASS for 10% off your entire order of tarnish-free, waterproof and hypoallergenic designs.🩰 Join the Corps de Ballet for just $3/month using the link below:Support the showFollow 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
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Ep. 80 - I Cried in the Car After Ballet Today… Here’s What I Learned
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 for you!🩰 Join the Corps de Ballet for just $3/month using the link below:Support the showFollow 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
Welcome to After Class, a podcast about all things adult ballet. I’m Hannah — your host and fellow dancer — and I'm so glad you're here! Each week I share stories, strategies, and encouragement to help you stay inspired on your ballet journey, because I understand what it’s like to balance real life and ballet dreams. So grab your water bottle (or cup of coffee) and join me for a chat after class...
New Zealand