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 just about foot shape, but a complex puzzle involving a dancer's goals, technique, and even the climate they live in!
✨ Join us and be inspired by Amy's genuine passion for adult ballet dancers, her warmth, and her eye-opening insights into this essential part of every pointe dancer's journey.
Get fitted by Amy: https://www.boulderbodywear.com/virtual-fittings

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 opportunity.

Vivian’s mission is to make ballet accessible and welcoming to everyone. She’s dismantling the fear and outdated judgments that keep people from pursuing their passion, bringing this timeless art form into the modern world.

💓 Tune in and be inspired by Vivian’s simple yet powerful message: follow your heart, no matter how scared you are. 💫

Learn more about the program: ➡️ https://www.therussianballet.com/programs/adults

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 secret weapons for technical breakthroughs.

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 playful petit allegro or both!
🌟 Plus: Don't miss Julie’s three bonus tips that will help you rediscover the joy in playing with speed, even when you mess up.
Listen quickly and let us know which tip you needed to hear!

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-jitsu built her confidence; powerlifting taught her to discern beneficial pain from harmful; and cross-stitching cultivated the patience essential for ballet.Discover how these and other hobbies made her the empathetic, creative, and resilient teacher and dancer she is now, and get inspired that each of your various passions complements each other, and brings you a full and wonderful life.✨ Above all, be inspired to live fully and embrace all your passions. ✨