Shows
After ClassEp. 73 - KM & Friends Adult Ballet Intensive Recap - Interview with Candis MacKinnonIn this episode, I’m joined by Candis MacKinnon, an adult ballet dancer who recently attended her very first ballet retreat — the KM & Friends Adult Ballet Intensive. We chat about everything from pre-intensive nerves to surprising moments of growth, the power of community, and what made this event so special for adult dancers of all backgrounds.Whether you're thinking about signing up for your first adult ballet intensive, curious about the behind-the-scenes experience at KM & Friends, or a fellow attendee who just wants to relive the magic of the week with us, this conversation is full of insi...2025-07-2839 minAfter ClassEp. 72 - 3 Ways to Instantly Transform Your Dancing, For Adult Ballet Dancers of Any Level! ✨Want to look like an advanced dancer with minimal effort? In this episode, we’re diving into three game-changing details for adult dancers: hands, eyes, and head placement. We talk about the nuances of how to properly extend your fingers, activate your eye line, and hold your chin that teachers don’t always have time to explain in class. Whether you're dancing at home or in a studio, the tips in this episode will instantly elevate your lines and your confidence. Press play and level up your ballet game today!Follow Yelena @ballet_for_allFollow Hann...2025-07-2118 minAfter ClassEp. 71 - Ballet Hygiene 101: How to Stay Fresh, Clean & Confident in Class!Let’s be real, ballet class can get sweaty, smelly, and a little messy — especially when you're juggling adult life and a dance bag full of gear! 😅 In this episode, we cover essential hygiene tips for every dancer — like wearing perfume in class (yes or no?), how to keep your bag fresh, and why your hairstyle matters... We’re tackling it all! Tune in for practical, no-shame tips that will make feel polished, professional, and confident in class. 🩰 Grab your coffee and let's get into it!Mentioned in the episode (Amazon affiliate links):Frenchies hairpins Dance bag laven...2025-07-1424 minAfter ClassEp. 70 - From Couch to Class: How Watching Ballet Can Transform Your Training (It's Backed by Science!) 😄Think watching ballet is just for inspiration? Think again. In this episode, we explore why adult dancers can actually improve their technique, artistry, and understanding just by watching professionals in action — on stage or on screen! Backed by neuroscience, we’ll break down how observation fuels progress and why making time to watch ballet might be just as important as time spent in the studio... Grab your coffee (or tea) and let's get into it!Follow Yelena @ballet_for_allFollow Hannah @thebusybunheadCheck out more resources here:youtube.com/@balletforallonlineballetclasses.com2025-07-0725 minAfter ClassEp. 69 - Ballet Faux Pas to Avoid: Common Mistakes Adult Dancers Make (We've All Been There!)Ever worried you’re breaking an unspoken rule in ballet class? You’re not alone. In this episode of After Class, we’re diving into the most common ballet "faux pas". From standing in the front row to texting during barre, we're sharing the studio slip-up's, fashion mistakes, and technology no-no's to avoid for a successful class. Whether you’re new to ballet or returning after a break, this episode will help you navigate class with the confidence of a seasoned dancer. Let's get into it!Follow Yelena @ballet_for_allFollow Hannah @thebusybunheadCheck ou...2025-06-3024 minAfter ClassEp. 68 - Honest Thoughts on Getting Ready for an Adult Ballet IntensiveIn this episode of After Class, Hannah shares how she prepared for an adult ballet intensive this summer, and what she did differently from previous years. From mindset shifts to training tweaks, she's breaking down what worked for her and what she recommends to other adult dancer considering an intensive. Whether it’s your first intensive or fifth, you’ll find helpful tips, honest reflections, and plenty of encouragement in this episode. So grab a cup of coffee and let's get into it!Follow Yelena @ballet_for_allFollow Hannah @thebusybunheadCheck out more reso...2025-06-2319 minAfter ClassEp. 67 - Pregnancy & Postpartum as an Adult Ballet Dancer: Real Talk with Yelena (She's Back!)In this special episode, we welcome back our co-host Yelena from maternity leave as she opens up about her experience with pregnancy and postpartum recovery as an adult ballet dancer & teacher. From the unique challenges of dancing while expecting to how ballet impacted her strength and body awareness for childbirth, Yelena shares an honest look at navigating this major life transition through the lens of a dancer. Whether you're a mom, planning to be one, or just curious, this candid conversation is a powerful reminder of just how incredible ballet can be —not just as an art form, but as...2025-06-1630 minAfter ClassEp. 66 - Debunking the Turnout Myth in Adult Ballet: History, Reality & How to Improve - Interview with Geeky Ballerina founder, Chelsea WeidmannIs "flat" turnout really necessary as an adult dancer? Is it even possible to improve my turnout? If you've asked yourself these questions, this episode is for you! We're joined by ballet teacher and Geeky Ballerina founder, Chelsea Weidmann, to discuss the history of turnout in ballet, why it’s not as essential as many adult dancers believe, and how to improve your turnout safely and effectively. This episode offers practical tips, myth-busting insights, and encouragement for every adult ballet dancer. Learn how to work with your body, instead of against it, and dance with more freedom in the st...2025-06-0924 minAfter ClassEp. 65 - Finding Purpose in Ballet While Living With a Rare Brain Tumor - Interview with Adult Ballet Dancer, Natalie Walsh da SilvaWhat happens when life throws you a curveball and you meet it with resilience and a little bit of ballet? In this episode, we're joined by Natalie, who discovered her passion for ballet after being diagnosed with a rare brain tumor that required her to give up surfing. We talk about the joy (and challenges) of starting ballet as an adult, the power of dance to bring purpose to our lives, and how she’s learned to embrace challenges, both on and off the dance floor. Whether you’re an adult ballet dancer, curious about starting ballet, or just need...2025-06-0234 minAfter ClassEp. 64 - Real Talk on Navigating Discouragement in Your Adult Ballet Journey - Guest co-host, Stacy SantosFeeling discouraged in your ballet journey? You're not alone. In this episode, we get real about the emotional ups and downs that come with being an adult ballet dancer — especially when progress feels slow or you're just plain burnt out. With guest co-host, Stacy Santos, we dig into practical tips on how to manage seasons of discouragement and reconnect with the joy of dancing. So if you've been in a rough patch (like we have) this conversation is for you... So grab your coffee and let's get into it!Connect with Stacy on Instagram @hey_stacee...2025-05-1928 minAfter ClassEp. 63 - From Studio to Startup: How One Adult Dancer Created the Ballet Skirts She Couldn’t Find - Interview with Chelsea of Dianne DancewearHave you ever found yourself standing in a dance store, surrounded by tiny skirts that will never work for your adult ballerina body? In this episode, Chelsea shares her inspiring journey from beginner ballet dancer to founder of Dianne Dancewear, a brand creating beautiful, size-inclusive ballet skirts made specifically for adults. We talk about finding confidence in the studio through dancewear, the power of inclusive design, and what it takes to turn a personal frustration into a mission that resonates with dancers everywhere. Grab a coffee and let's get into it!Connect with Chelsea: @chelsea_hhf2025-05-1231 minAfter ClassEp. 62 - Adult Ballet Intensives: Preparing Your Body to Thrive, Before, During & After! Interview with Allie Christensen of Dancer StrongWith summer intensives approaching, you might be wondering: How can I make sure my body is prepared for the demands of long days in the studio? What can I do now to set myself up for success at a ballet intensive? Luckily, there's A LOT you can do before, during and even after your intensive to take care of your body and set yourself up for long-term success! In this episode, Allie Christensen (owner of Align Fitness & founder of the Dancer Strong platform) is giving us her best advice gleaned from years of training dancers and teaching at intensives...2025-05-0554 minAfter ClassEp. 61 - Size-Inclusive Style Tips for Adult Dancers: Create a Ballet Wardrobe You Love at Any Size! Interview with Maggie WatsonMost of us have been personally victimized by a dancewear size chart at some point... Whether it's limited size ranges or leotards with effectively no butt-coverage, we understand how hard it can be for adult dancers to cultivate a ballet wardrobe that makes you feel GREAT. That's why we're so excited to have Maggie Watson (a true ballet-style icon) co-hosting this episode! In it she shares her secrets for sourcing beautiful & comfortable dancewear (spoiler: it's often NOT from dancewear brands) and for styling outfits in a way that compliments and celebrates your curves. If you're an adult dancer who...2025-04-2832 minAfter ClassEp. 60 - Essential Ballet Terminology to Level Up Your Game!Oh the world of ballet terminology... It's fancy, its frustrating, it's French... 😳 So what's a dancer to do? Start by listening to this episode! In it, we're breaking down the most commonly used terms in ballet class and explaining what they actually mean and how they're used. We know how overwhelming a class can be, but if you understand these words, you'll be dancing with confidence and clarity. Ready to level up your game? Let's get into it!Download your FREE guide to essential ballet terms!Follow Yelena @ballet_for_allFollow Hannah @thebusybunhead...2025-04-2123 minAfter ClassEp. 59 - Ballet's "Linking" Steps: What They Are and How to Conquer Them!Are you struggling to reach the next level in your ballet training? The secret to improving might be in your linking steps... Linking steps (also referred to as "transition steps" or "connecting steps") are often not broken down in adult ballet classes, which can leave us feeling like we're just fumbling through the choreography. If you want to feel like you're thriving in class instead of just surviving, we're here to help! In this episode we're breaking down what exactly linking steps are, and how you can conquer them. It's an episode you don't want to miss if you're...2025-04-1422 min