After Class: The Adult Ballet Podcast

The Busy Bunhead
  • 4.7 (12)
  • PERFORMING ARTS
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Welcome to After Class, a podcast about all things adult ballet. I’m Hannah — your host and fellow dancer — and I'm so glad you're here! Each week I share stories, strategies, and encouragement to help you stay inspired on your ballet journey, because I understand what it’s like to balance real life and ballet dreams. So grab your water bottle (or cup of coffee) and join me for a chat after class...

  1. 6D AGO

    Ep. 94 - 3 Ways to Instantly Transform Your Dancing, For Adult Ballet Dancers of Any Level! (Archive Favorite)

    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

    19 min

  2. 12/24/2025

    Ep. 93 - Ballet Studio Closed? 4 Ways to Maintain Momentum When Classes are Cancelled (Archive Favorite)

    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

    21 min

  3. 12/17/2025

    Ep. 92 - Ballet Books Every Dancer Should Read: 2025 Favorites from the Bunhead Book Club 📚

    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

    13 min

  4. 12/10/2025

    Ep. 91 - Reset Your Ballet Life: How to Declutter, Organize & Step Into 2026 Refreshed ✨

    If you love feeling organized, refreshed, and clear-headed heading into a new year, this episode is for you. We're decluttering your dance bag, cleaning out your dancewear drawer, reviewing your subscriptions, organizing your journal, locking in your 2026 goals, and setting up your schedule so you can enter 2026 feeling focused and ready to grow. 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 AFTERCLASS15 for 15% off your order at juledancewear.com ✨ This reset is simple, actionable, and designed to help you step into the new year feeling refreshed, intentional, and ready to achieve all your ballet dreams. Let's get into it! Mentioned in this episode:  Tutulist.com — Sell your pre-loved dancewear 🩱 Trashie — Recycle your damaged clothing ♻️ Cozy Dancer journal 📝 Jule DancewearUse code AFTERCLASS15 for 15% off sitewide!Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.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

    17 min

  5. 12/03/2025

    Ep. 90 - “If Only I’d Started Sooner..." Reframing Regret as an Adult Ballet Dancer, with Merry King

    Ever wish you’d started ballet sooner? You’re not alone. But today's guest is living proof that "late" might actually be right on time... In this episode of After Class, Hannah sits down with Merry King, a university professor who decided in her 30's to chase a lifelong dream of dancing professionally.  Together, we unpack that familiar ache of “If only I’d started sooner,” why so many adult dancers carry it, and how reframing your timeline can transform the way you show up in the studio (or on the stage). Whether you're returning to ballet after a long break, or just beginning to fulfill a life-long dream, I know Merry's insights and hard-won perspective are just what you need to hear. If you’ve ever questioned your timing or regretted your path, this conversation is for you. Let’s get into it! 📱 Follow Merry on Instagram @circusmerry ✨ Special thank you to Align Fitness by Allie for sponsoring this episode of the podcast! Check out the Dancer Strong platform here: www.dancerstrongprograms.com And use code AFTERCLASS for $5 off a membership or course! Align Fitness by AllieCheck out the Dancer Strong platform, and use code AFTERCLASS for $5 off any course or membership!Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.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

    45 min

  6. 11/26/2025

    Ep. 89 - The Adult Ballet Dancer's Holiday Gift Guide! 🎁

    Whether you're shopping for a fellow adult ballet dancer or treating yourself (you go, girl 😌) these gift ideas are a mix of functional, stylish, and self-care items that make dance life better. Each of these products I LOVE and stand behind in terms of quality and performance. And for many of these brands, I was able to obtain discount codes to pass along to you, because I know the bunhead life ain't cheap. Don't forget you can now WATCH the episode on YouTube!   I hope you enjoy these curated gems and, most importantly, that you have a very Merry Christmas. 🎄🥰✨ All products mentioned: PointReve: https://www.etsy.com/shop/pointereve/?etsrc=sdt Cozy Dancer Journal: https://www.cozydancer.com/product-page/cozy-dancer-reflection-journal Frenchies Hair Pins: https://amzn.to/4oR0zLH (Amazon affiliate link) Apollo Compression socks: https://rstr.co/apollaperformance/thebusybunhead/6dv  RubiaWear Cora Wrap: https://rubiawear.com/products/ella-cora-wrap?_pos=1&_sid=8cf1b9dfa&_ss=r (Code BUSYBUN10 for 10% off!) Rose & Clay Necklace: https://www.roseandclayjewelry.com/AFTERCLASS (Code AFTERCLASS for 10% off!) Jule Dancewear Tights: https://www.juledancewear.com/products/meshie-tights (Code AFTERCLASS15 for 15% off!) Ance Recovery Sneakers: https://ancerecovery.com//discount/BunheadBF40 (Code BUNHEADBF40 for 40% off!) Theragun Mini: https://amzn.to/4ratR9X (Amazon affiliate link) Dancer Strong Membership: https://www.dancerstrongprograms.com/ (Code AFTERCLASS for $5 off) Merit "Jete" Lip Oil: https://bit.ly/3LYZWkU Join the Corps de Ballet 👇🏼 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

    23 min

  7. 11/19/2025

    Ep. 88 - Designing a Ballet Training Plan That Fits Your Life, with Katy Barton

    Today, I sit down with fellow adult dancer, Katy, to talk about her ingenious method for designing and maintaining a ballet training schedule.  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 AFTERCLASS15 for 15% off your order at juledancewear.com ✨ In this conversation, Katy shares her honest journey from professional burnout to rediscovering ballet as an adult, how she balances studio classes with at-home training, and why she's throwing out the word "should" when it comes to both dance and life.  Together, we dig into the tools that make ballet training feel less overwhelming, how to filter out the noise of social media, and Katie’s super practical system for planning her weekly training schedule. If you’ve ever struggled to stay consistent, felt burned out trying to do it all, or wanted a clearer structure for your own ballet journey, this conversation will feel like a deep breath. Grab your coffee or water bottle—this one is packed with realistic strategy and permission to build a ballet life that feels good to you! Connect with Katy on Instagram @kab_ballet Jule DancewearUse code AFTERCLASS15 for 15% off sitewide!Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.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

    41 min

  8. 11/12/2025

    Ep. 87 - Finding Creative Joy in Ballet, Business & Beyond, with Kelsey of Rose & Clay Jewelry

    What happens when ballet stops being your whole identity, and starts becoming your joy again? In this heartfelt conversation, Hannah talks with Kelsey, adult ballet dancer and founder of Rose & Clay Jewelry, about rediscovering passion, balance, and creativity when life takes an unexpected turn. Kelsey shares how her relationship with ballet has evolved from pre-professional burnout to dancing purely for joy, and how in a season of disappointed hopes, she found creative fulfillment in building a boutique jewelry business. We talk about how the adult ballet community is redefining what it means to be a dancer, the benefits of not being a professional, and the beauty of building a multi-passionate life.  If you need to be reminded of the importance of your creative dreams and the value of embracing your unique path, this episode is for you.  ✨ Use code AFTERCLASS for 10% off at roseandclayjewelry.com 💞 Connect with Kelsey on Instagram @roseandclayjewelry Join the After Class Corps de Ballet 👇🏼 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

    46 min
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4.7
out of 5
12 Ratings

About

Welcome to After Class, a podcast about all things adult ballet. I’m Hannah — your host and fellow dancer — and I'm so glad you're here! Each week I share stories, strategies, and encouragement to help you stay inspired on your ballet journey, because I understand what it’s like to balance real life and ballet dreams. So grab your water bottle (or cup of coffee) and join me for a chat after class...

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