After Class: The Adult Ballet Podcast

There’s something about pointe shoes that makes them almost impossible to throw away once we’re finished dancing in them. Which is why I LOVE what my guest in this episode is doing...
Meet Emily Thorpe, a fellow adult dancer and the founder of PointeReve, a small business that transforms used pointe shoes into beautiful works of art.
We reflect on what pointe shoes represent for us as adult ballerinas, the significance and memories they carry, and how turning them into art can feel like a way of honoring the journey rather than throwing it out.
If you love pointe shoes — for their symbolism, their craftsmanship, or the stories they hold — you're going to love this conversation with Emily. Let’s get into episode 100!
🎁 SPECIAL GIFT: Mention code AFTERCLASS for 15% off any listing or $25 off a custom commission by PointeReve! (links below)
🩰 Connect with Emily & PointeReve:
Instagram: @shoppointereve
Email: [email protected]
Etsy: www.etsy.com/shop/pointereve
Inspiration account: @recovering_enpointe
✨ This Episode is Sponsored By:
Apolla Performance
Compression socks designed for support, recovery, and injury prevention for dancers. Use code AFTERCLASS10 for 10% off your first pair until March 31st.
Frenchies Hairpins
Velvet-coated hair pins for ballet buns and French twists that don't budge! Use code AFTERCLASS10 for 10% off your order.
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

Breathing is something we all do, but most of us were never really taught how to use it as an intentional part of our ballet technique and artistry.
In this episode, I’m joined by recurring guest Chelsea Weidmann (The Geeky Ballerina) as we explore breath as one of the core elements of artistry in ballet. Instead of treating breath as an add-on or a reminder, we talk about breath as part of coordination — supporting how we initiate movement, find lightness or groundedness, and shape musical phrasing.
Together, we discuss how breath supports plié, why so many of us hold our breath without realizing it, and how chronic breath-holding can lead to fatigue, tension, and dancing that looks technically correct but still feels flat. We also dig into one of the most searched questions among adult dancers: when to inhale versus exhale — offering guiding principles and exercises to try in your own practice.
This episode is the beginning of an ongoing series on the nine elements of artistry in ballet, which we’ll be returning to throughout the year.
Check out these YouTube videos that showcase musicians' use of breath: 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GRLeTziFsHs
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9GnJBLwOjFo
Connect with Chelsea:
Website: www.geekyballerina.com 
Instagram: @geekyballerina
Purchase her book: Artistry Inside Ballet Technique (vol 1)
Support the show
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

If January didn’t go as planned, this episode is for you.
Maybe you started the year motivated and consistent… and then got sick, missed class, or lost momentum. Maybe your ballet routine didn’t restart the way you hoped it would.
In this short, encouraging episode, we’re reframing the idea that you’re “behind” and talking about why losing momentum isn’t a personal failure, especially for adult ballet dancers. We’ll explore why consistency matters more than intensity, why your body doesn’t forget everything when you take a break, and how to move forward without pressure or shame.
This is a gentle reset you can take with you — a reminder that you didn’t miss your moment, and you’re allowed to begin again.
✨ Thank you Frenchies Hairpins for sponsoring this episode! Get your velvet coated hairpins (my go-to product for French twists and ballet buns) at frenchieshairpins.com and use code AFTERCLASS10 for 10% off your order!
Support the show
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

Adult dancer, does pas de deux feel out of reach or like a long-lost dream? Many of us have been telling ourselves that partnering is only for pre-professionals or company dancers, and that if we didn’t start early, we somehow “missed our chance.” Sound familiar?
I’m joined in this episode by Lester and Laurence, founders of Pas De Deux Workshops & Coaching, for an honest, approachable conversation about pas de deux for adult dancers.
✨But first, 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 JULEBUNHEAD15 for 15% off your order at juledancewear.com 
In this episode, we break down why pas de deux is more accessible than you might think, how partnering can be taught safely and thoughtfully, and what adult dancers truly need (and don’t need) before trying it for the first time.
In this episode, we cover:
What makes pas de deux so special
Why adult dancers often feel intimidated by partnering
How workshops create physical and emotional safety
Common technical challenges (balance, coordination, weight sharing)
How much ballet technique is recommended before trying pas de deux
Ways adult dancers can prepare to feel more confident
Encouragement for dancers navigating fear or imposter syndrome
If you’ve ever been curious about pas de deux but told yourself, “I’m not ready,” this episode is for you. Let's get into it!
Connect with Pas De Deux Workshops:
Website: pasdedeuxworkshops.com
Instagram: @pasdedeuxworkshops
Join the After Class Corps de Ballet below 👇🏼
Support the show
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

This episode builds on last week's episode about building strong, stable jumps at the barre, so if you haven’t listened yet, start there for the full benefit of the conversation.
✨ But first, thank you Frenchies Hairpins for sponsoring this episode! Get your velvet coated hairpins (my go-to product for French twists and ballet buns) at frenchieshairpins.com and use code AFTERCLASS10 for 10% off your order!
In this episode, we continue the conversation with Christina Krigolson, former professional dancer and founder of Face the Barre, a ballet coaching platform for dancers who want to build strong, sustainable technique.
We move fully into the center and talk about how to apply jump technique to petite and grande allegro, how to modify choreography when you feel overwhelmed, and the game-changing hack for effortless-looking jumps (regardless of your level). 
This episode is for the adult dancers who want their jumps to feel lighter, more controlled, and more powerful. If that's you, let's get started....
👉🏼 Connect with Christina:
Instagram @face_thebarre
Website: face-thebarre.com
📚 Join the January session of The Bunhead Book Club here. 
Support the show
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