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

Great jumps don’t start in the air, they start at the barre!

In part one of this two-part conversation, I’m joined by Christina Krigolson, founder of Face the Barre, to address some of the most common challenges adult dancers experience in petite & grande allegro, and break down how adult dancers can build stronger, more confident jumps starting at the barre.

We talk about how plié, tendu, and dégagé prepare your body for jumping, common habits that make jumps feel heavy or unstable, and how to start training jump mechanics in a way that feels doable, not overwhelming.

If jumps have ever felt intimidating, or out of reach, this episode is for you

✨ Come back next week for part two, where we take everything into the center!

👉🏼 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

Looking polished and confident in your dancing isn’t always about doing more — often, it’s about small the details. In this fan-favorite episode from the After Class archives, we’re revisiting three small but powerful elements that can instantly elevate how you look and feel as an adult ballet dancer: hands, eyes, and head placement.

We break down the subtle choices that make a big difference — from properly extending your fingers, to activating your eye line, to holding your head with intention — details teachers don’t always have time to explain fully in class.

Whether you’re dancing at home or in the studio, these simple refinements can dramatically improve your lines, presence, and confidence. If you’re listening again or tuning in for the first time, I hope this episode helps you dance with more clarity and ease. Let’s get into it!

🩰 Join the Corps de Ballet for just $3/month using the link 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

With many studios closing or shifting schedules during the holidays, staying consistent with ballet can feel especially challenging. In this fan-favorite episode from the After Class archives, we’re revisiting 4 simple, realistic ways to keep your ballet practice alive — even when regular classes aren’t available.

From taking online classes with friends to creating a personal growth plan that actually fits real life, these strategies are designed to help adult ballet dancers stay motivated, connected, and strong — no matter the season!

Whether you’re listening for the first time or coming back to this episode again, I hope it encourages you to keep showing up for yourself and dancing in ways that feel sustainable and joyful. Grab a cup of coffee, and let’s get into it! 🤗

🩰 Join the Corps de Ballet for just $3/month using the link 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

In today’s episode of After Class, I’m sharing my favorite ballet books I read in 2025 — a mix of ballet fiction, biographies, memoirs, and educational reads, many of which we read together in The Bunhead Book Club (my Instagram-based book club, which will be open to new members in January 2026 — email me at thebusybunhead@gmail.com to join us) 😄

These books deepened my understanding of ballet as both an art form and a lived experience, offering insight into technique, history, and the personal stories behind the stage. If you love ballet beyond the studio — the culture, the legacy, and the humanity — this episode is for you.

I’ll share why each book stood out, and how reading about ballet can enrich your dancing and your relationship with the art.

📚 Books mentioned in this episode (Amazon affiliate links):

Cantique — Joanna Marsh

La Follia — Joanna Marsh

Swans of Harlem — Karen Valby

Behind the Red Velvet Curtain — Joy Womack & Elizabeth Shockman

Inside Ballet Technique: Separating Anatomical Fact from Fiction — Valerie Grieg

Holding On to the Air — Suzanne Farrell & Toni Bentley

Raising the Barre — Lauren Kessler

✨ Shop Rose & Clay Jewelry's 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 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