If you've ever walked into a dance store and been completely overwhelmed (Canvas or leather? Split sole or full sole? What size? What width? Ahhhh!!) fret not more! this episode is for you. ☺️

In this episode, I'm diving deep into everything you need to know about buying ballet slippers as an adult dancer. Whether you're brand new or you've been dancing for years and still haven't found your perfect shoe, this one covers it all.

In this episode:
- Canvas vs. leather: the key differences and when each makes sense
- Split sole vs. full sole: what teachers recommend and why it matters for your level
- How to choose the right color for a long leg line
- The truth about ballet slipper sizing (hint: it is NOT your street shoe size)
- How to determine your width and what to look for in a proper fit
- Recommendations by foot type: narrow, wide, high arch, flat feet, etc.
- My personal favorites!

👟 BRANDS MENTIONED + LINKS:
So Dança Bliss
Capezio Hanami
Bloch Performa
Gaynor Minden Liberty
ORZA Pro 2.0 | Use code AFTERCLASS5 for $5 off your order!
*A note on ORZA: This episode was created before Orza became a sponsor. My recommendation of the Pro 2.0 is entirely my own. I loved them so much that I reached out to ask if they'd like to partner with the show. The discount code is a perk that came after — the obsession came first. 😄

✨ EPISODE SPONSOR:
Frenchies Hairpins
The 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 @thebusybunhead

Explore blog posts, merchandise & resources for adult ballet dancers like you at thebusybunhead.com

Podcast produced by Mission Bridge Media.
www.MissionBridgeMedia.com

What does it take to bring ballet to a place where it doesn't exist yet? Today's guest, Lauren, found herself living in Islamabad, Pakistan — a city of over a million people with no ballet studio — and decided to build one herself.

In this episode, Lauren shares how a love story brought her from Fargo, North Dakota to the capital of Pakistan, and how her lifelong connection to ballet eventually led her to found the Islamabad School of Ballet. We talk about how she got started teaching out of a converted storage room, the seminar she put together to introduce ballet to an unfamiliar audience (and the overwhelming response she didn't expect), the logistical challenges of building a school without the infrastructure most of us take for granted, and how she navigated it all with creativity, persistence, and a willingness to start imperfectly.

We also talk about her school's very first performance — a 30-minute adaptation of Swan Lake — the moment her students stepped onstage, and the way ballet is transforming confidence in dancers who are discovering it for the very first time.

In this episode, we cover:

• Her non-linear ballet journey: from childhood classes in North Dakota to returning as an adult
• The spark that led her to start the Islamabad School of Ballet
• How she introduced ballet in a community where it doesn't really exist
• The logistical challenges of building a studio without existing infrastructure
• How word of mouth and Instagram grew the school to 45–50 students in less than a year!
• The school's first performance: a 30-minute adaptation of Swan Lake
• How ballet is impacting students who are discovering it for the first time
• How she adapted classical ballets to suit her students
• What she would tell anyone who wants to start something new but is held back by imposter syndrome
• How she's giving back through monthly donations to children's organizations in Pakistan

👉🏼 Connect with Lauren: @islamabadschoolofballet

✨ This Episode is Sponsored By:

ORZA - Ballet Slippers
Designed by a professional dancer, ORZA slippers feature patented shock-absorbing technology to help reduce fatigue, improve stamina, and prevent injuries.

Shop at orzabrand.com

Use code AFTERCLASS5 for $5 off your order!

LABL Active
Hosts of the 2026 Adult Ballet Retreat. Come dance with us in Seattle from June 21–26!
Learn more here: lablactive.com

Use code AFTERCLASS100 for $100 off your registration!

**The deadline to register is April 15th.

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

Makeup in ballet can feel a bit complicated as an adult dancer. Should you wear makeup to class at all? If you do, what actually works when you're sweating through a full barre? And when it comes to performing, what does it actually take to make your face read under bright stage lights and from a distance?

In this episode, I'm joined by Suzanne Jolie, my ballet teacher and one half of the creative duo behind Models Doing Ballet, to demystify ballet makeup for both class and the stage. Suzanne brings years of experience as a dancer, teacher, and theater professional, and she holds nothing back.

We cover class makeup first: the best lightweight formulas for sweaty studio conditions, how to even out redness or breakouts without looking cakey, and Suzanne's go-to product recommendations.

Then we dive into stage makeup: why it needs to be so much heavier than everyday makeup, the non-negotiables for a classic ballet stage look, the iconic ballerina eye technique, and Suzanne's secret weapon for making it all pop (hint: white "grease" pencil) 😉

💄Grab your Complete Stage Make Up Guide here: https://canva.link/zsrxuv9zy6j3x6a

In this episode, we cover:
- Is it normal to wear makeup to ballet class?
- The best class-friendly product swaps for face, lips, and eyes
- How to even out redness and breakouts without heavy coverage
- The non-negotiables for classic ballet stage makeup
- False lashes 101: how to fit, trim, apply, and reuse them
- How to scale your look for studio showcases vs. full theater productions
- How to remove stage makeup without wrecking your skin
- Why you should always practice your stage makeup before the big day

Whether you're heading to your first ballet class or stepping onto a stage for the very first time, this episode will leave you feeling prepared and confident!

👉🏼 Connect with Suzanne:
Instagram (personal): @suzannejolie
Instagram (Models Doing Ballet): @modelsdoingballet
Podcast: @whodithistoher_podcast

✨ This Episode is Sponsored By:
LABL Active
Hosts of the 2026 Adult Ballet Retreat. Come dance with us in Seattle from June 21–26!
Learn more here: lablactive.com
Use code AFTERCLASS100 for $100 off your registration!
The deadline to register is April 15th.

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 ballet, we spend a lot of time thinking about what our dancing looks like, our lines, our placement, what we see in the mirror. But artistry isn't just visual. It's also deeply connected to what we're actually feeling and sensing inside our bodies while we move.

This episode is part of an ongoing series with Chelsea Weidmann, also known as The Geeky Ballerina, where we unpack the nine specific elements of artistry that Chelsea identified and explored in her thesis, and later her book, on artistry in ballet. In today's conversation, we're diving into somatic awareness: what it actually is, why it's a critical element of artistry, and how adult dancers can start developing it right away.

Chelsea walks us through her three-step process for somatic awareness, noticing what's happening in your body, making meaning of it, and using that awareness to make decisions, and why adults are actually better positioned to develop it than younger dancers. We also get into the real impact the mirror has on our ability to tune inward, how to work with (or around) it, and the most common places adult dancers hold tension without even realizing it.

In this episode, we cover:

• What somatic awareness is and why it's one of the nine elements of artistry in ballet
• Why the technique should serve YOU, not the other way around
• Chelsea's three-step process: notice, make meaning, make a decision
• How somatic awareness develops over time (and why adult dancers aren't behind)
• The mirror's impact on body awareness and practical ways to reduce over-dependence on it
• Where adult dancers most commonly hold tension (shoulders and hip flexors, sound familiar?)
• How to release habitual tension you might not even know you're carrying
• Simple exercises and in-class cues to start building somatic awareness today

Whether you're a beginner just learning to feel your body in space, or an experienced dancer trying to move with more intention and artistry, this conversation will give you a completely new lens through which to experience your training.

👉🏼 Connect with Chelsea:
Website: geekyballerina.com
Instagram: @thegeekyballerina
Chelsea's book: Artistry Inside Ballet Technique, vol. 1 (Amazon affiliate link)

✨ This Episode is Sponsored By:

LABL Active
Hosts of the 2026 Adult Ballet Retreat. Come dance with us in Seattle from June 21–26!
Learn more here: lablactive.com
Use code AFTERCLASS100 for $100 off your registration!
The deadline to register is April 15th.

Frenchies Hairpins
Velvet-coated hair pins for ballet buns and French twists that don't budge!
Shop here: frenchieshairpins.com
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

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.com

Instagram: @kirsten_theconfidentdancer

✨ 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.
Shop here: apollaperformance.com

LABL Active
Hosts of the 2026 Adult Ballet Retreat. Come dance with us in Seattle from June 21–26! The deadline to register is April 15th.
Learn more here: lablactive.com
Use code: AFTERCLASS100 for $100 off your registration!

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

Many adult dancers have experienced walking into class one day feeling strong and energized, and another day feeling completely depleted... even though NOTHING about their training has changed!

For female dancers, those fluctuations can often be connected to something that’s rarely discussed in the ballet world: how our bodies shift throughout the menstrual cycle.

In this episode, I’m joined by Jess — dancer, nutrition coach, and founder of The Whole Dancer — to talk about how women can fuel their training in a way that supports both performance and hormonal health.

We discuss why understanding your cycle matters if you’re training regularly, how our nutritional needs and cravings can shift throughout the month, and how to recognize the signs that you might be under-fueling. Jess also shares what a well-balanced day of eating might look like for adult dancers who train after a full workday, as well as her perspective on supplements and how to support your body during lower-energy weeks.

If you’ve ever wondered why your energy in class seems to fluctuate — or how to better support your body as a female dancer — this conversation offers a practical and empowering place to start.

Connect with Jess 👇🏼

Check out her blog post Nine Signs You're Not Eating Enough

Email: jess@thewholedancer.com

Website: www.thewholedancer.com

Instagram: @thewholedancer

✨ 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.
Shop here: apollaperformance.com

LABL Active
Hosts of the 2026 Adult Ballet Retreat. Come dance with us in Seattle from June 21–26! The deadline to register is April 15th.
Learn more here: lablactive.com
Use code: AFTERCLASS100 for $100 off your registration!

March 15th: Half-day ticket options open!

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

After months (or maybe even years) of practice, do your pirouettes still feel inconsistent, shaky, or unstable?

In this episode, I’m joined by Allie Christensen, founder of Dancer Strong, to break down what actually makes a pirouette successful, and why adult dancers often struggle with turns even after years of training.

Allie explains the most common reasons dancers wobble or fall out of pirouettes, how to build strength in the standing leg, and what cues are helpful to think about while turning.

We also talk through a realistic progression for going from messy singles to clean singles (and eventually multiples) along with practical exercises adult dancers can start using right away to improve stability and control.

If pirouettes have ever left you feeling frustrated or defeated after class, this episode will help you understand what’s really going on and how to start building stronger, more stable turns from the ground up.

Check out Allie's favorite pirouette drill here.

Connect with Allie 👇🏼

Website: dancerstrongprograms.com

Instagram: @alignfitnessbyallie

✨ This Episode is Sponsored By:

Jule Dancewear
Beautiful, thoughtfully designed dancewear that supports and celebrates adult ballet bodies.
Use code JULEBUNHEAD15 for 15% off your order.
Shop here: juledancewear.com

LABL Active
Hosts of the 2026 Adult Ballet Retreat. Come dance with us in Seattle from June 21–26! The deadline to register is April 15th.
Learn more here: lablactive.com
Use code: AFTERCLASS100 for $100 off your registration!

March 15th: Half-day ticket options open!

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

Have you ever wished there was an adult ballet program that felt both serious and supportive, where you could train with intention, but without sacrificing your health, confidence, or sense of belonging?

In this episode, I’m joined by Lisa, adult dancer and founder of The Ballet Project — a growing adult ballet community in the UK created to give dancers a space where they can pursue real progress through high-quality, science-backed instruction while feeling encouraged, respected, and safe.

In this conversation, we talk about:

• Reframing sensitivity to toxic studio environments
• Processing grief over childhood ballet dreams
• Why adult dancers deserve serious training
• How The Ballet Project was built and what makes it different

Lisa is the ballet big sister we all want, and this episode is such a beautiful reminder that adult dancers deserve spaces where they can grow and belong.

Connect with Lisa & The Ballet Project:

Website: www.theballetproject.co.uk

Instagram: @the.ballet.project

Emma Watson Interview (timestamped approx 34:22)

✨ 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.
Shop here: apollaperformance.com

LABL Active
Hosts of the 2026 Adult Ballet Retreat. Come dance with us in Seattle from June 21–26! The deadline to register is April 15th.
Learn more here: lablactive.com
Use code: AFTERCLASS100 for $100 off your registration!

February 28th is the last day to enroll in the monthly payment plan ($360/month for 5 months).
March 15th: Half-day ticket options open!

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