The Adult Ballet Studio

Elizabeth Blosfield
  • 4.6 (13)
  • PERFORMING ARTS
  • UPDATED MONTHLY
The Adult Ballet Studio

Hi! My name's Elizabeth. I've been studying ballet all my life. I started this podcast to connect with the community of adult ballet dancers & anyone working to make ballet a more welcoming space. The Adult Ballet Studio believes in pushing boundaries & taking risks. We view ballet as an art form that should be accessible regardless of age, body type, gender identity, race, ability, or background. This podcast features conversations with the empowering voices shaping the adult ballet community - a world where passion has no limits & dreams can take flight. Welcome to the studio!

  1. Episode 31: Abigail Keyes

    JUL 1

    Episode 31: Abigail Keyes

    Abigail Keyes is in the studio this month! She is a former CIA political weapons analyst turned professional belly dancer. With a BA in Near Eastern Studies from Princeton and an MA in Dance Studies from Mills College, she blends academic insight with expressive movement and a deep amount of knowledge from her government background. She’s also an educator currently teaching two lecture courses at Skyline College in San Bruno, California. In this episode, we dive into how dance is more than art—it's protest, resistance, and cultural connection. Abigail shares how accessible, inclusive dance education can empower individuals and communities to push back against oppression, while reclaiming joy and autonomy. We also chat about her book Weird Dance: Curious and Bizarre Dancing Trivia, her viral social media moments, and how ballet itself is evolving—thanks in part to adult dancers showing up, challenging tradition, and reshaping the space. Check it out!  Follow Abigail on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/abigailrkeyes/Learn more about Abigail’s dancing: https://www.akeyesdance.com/Learn more about Abigail’s writing: https://www.akeyeswriting.com/Check out Abigail and Tim’s book: https://www.amazon.com/Weird-Dance-Curious-Bizarre-Dancing/dp/1510731040 Music in this episode: Waltz of the Flowers - Tchaikovsky Barroom Ballet - Silent Film Light - Kevin MacLeod Barroom Ballet - Silent Film Light by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Source: http://incompetech.com/music/royalty-free/index.html?isrc=USUAN1100310 Artist: http://incompetech.com/ @eblosfield  | theadultballetstudio@gmail.com Support this podcast on Patreon! https://patreon.com/TheAdultBalletStudio?utm_medium=clipboard_copy&utm_source=copyLink&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=join_link

    1h 6m
  2. Episode 30: Jess Spinner

    JUN 3

    Episode 30: Jess Spinner

    Jess Spinner, former pro dancer turned health, wellness and lifestyle coach for dancers, is in the studio this month! She’s the founder of The Whole Dancer - a platform where she seeks to transform the way dancers approach health, body image, and self-worth both inside and outside of the studio. Jess is a lifelong dancer, but she says her professional career ended partly because of an injury and partly because she never worked through a disordered relationship with food and her body. In 2009 while she was still dancing, she became one of Whole Foods Market’s first Healthy Eating Specialists trained in Nutritarian Plant Based Nutrition. In 2013, she became a Holistic Health Coach through the Institute for Integrative Nutrition and eventually founded The Whole Dancer. Through this platform, she’s worked with aspiring and professional dancers around the world as well as retired dancers, adult ballet students, and dance teachers. And she realized something in the process: True success in dance doesn't come from perfection, but from balance, well-being, and self-compassion. Now, through The Whole Dancer, Jess is empowering dancers to build healthy habits, heal their relationship with food, and finally feel confident in their bodies — without sacrificing their dreams. Check out what she had to say!  *As a heads up, this episode addresses body image, weight and diet culture, and disordered eating. Follow Jess on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thewholedancer/Learn more about The Whole Dancer: https://www.thewholedancer.com/Check out The Whole Dancer Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-whole-dancer-helping-you-achieve-a-more/id1523504985Follow The Adult Ballet Studio on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@eblosfield91 Music in this episode: Waltz of the Flowers - Tchaikovsky Barroom Ballet - Silent Film Light - Kevin MacLeod Barroom Ballet - Silent Film Light by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Source: http://incompetech.com/music/royalty-free/index.html?isrc=USUAN1100310 Artist: http://incompetech.com/ @eblosfield  | theadultballetstudio@gmail.com Support this podcast on Patreon! https://patreon.com/TheAdultBalletStudio?utm_medium=clipboard_copy&utm_source=copyLink&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=join_link

    42 min
  3. Episode 29: Sarah Witherup

    MAY 6

    Episode 29: Sarah Witherup

    Adult ballet dancer and volunteer studio manager at Dance Theatre Northwest in Washington, Sarah Witherup, joined the studio this month! We spoke about how ballet became not just a passion for her, but a lifeline. As a highly trained endurance athlete, Sarah is no stranger to challenges. But after the loss of her son and at the age of 49, Sarah stepped into a ballet studio for the first time and says it was one of the most difficult and fulfilling steps she’s taken. Discovering ballet began a journey that would intertwine with her gender transition, self-discovery, and healing. In this episode, she talks about what it means to enter the traditional and highly structured world of ballet as a transgender woman, how dance became a vital part of stepping fully into her identity, and the challenges and joys she’s encountered along the way—from pointe classes and performing on stage to unexpected in studio laughs and dress code dilemmas. Sarah also shares the work she’s doing to make ballet more inclusive, including establishing a nonbinary dress code and an adult ballet intensive at Dance Theatre Northwest. Sarah’s story reminds dancers to rethink what grace and strength can look like, to take up space inside and outside of the ballet studio, and to consider the importance of finding a place to belong. Follow Sarah on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/witherup2019/Learn more about Dance Theatre Northwest: https://dtnw.org/Check out Dance Theatre Northwest’s Adult Ballet Intensive: https://dtnw.org/adult-summer-intensive-program/Learn about Wear Blue: Run to Remember: https://www.wearblueruntoremember.org/Follow The Adult Ballet Studio on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@eblosfield91 *This episode discusses suicide, depression and PTSD. If you or someone you know is experiencing suicidal thoughts or a crisis, please reach out immediately to the Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-8255 or text HOME to the Crisis Text Line at 741741. The 988 Lifeline is available 24/7/365. These services are free and confidential.* Music in this episode: Waltz of the Flowers - Tchaikovsky Barroom Ballet - Silent Film Light - Kevin MacLeod Barroom Ballet - Silent Film Light by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Source: http://incompetech.com/music/royalty-free/index.html?isrc=USUAN1100310 Artist: http://incompetech.com/ @eblosfield  | theadultballetstudio@gmail.com Support this podcast on Patreon! https://patreon.com/TheAdultBalletStudio?utm_medium=clipboard_copy&utm_source=copyLink&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=join_link

    46 min
  4. Episode 28: Annemarie Cabri

    APR 1

    Episode 28: Annemarie Cabri

    Former dancer and senior teaching artist for The National Ballet of Canada, Annemarie Cabri, joined The Adult Ballet Studio this month! Follow Annemarie on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/annemariecabri.dance/Learn more about Cabri Dance: https://www.cabridance.com/Subscribe to Annemarie’s Silver Swans newsletter: https://www.cabridance.com/past-newslettersRegister for the Silver Swans Summer Session for 2025: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeBzu3ZgagxeqR4JoDcdxCjlx2QZqQLVfgebpNdEUt_uRDWtA/viewform?pli=1 Additional thoughts from Annemarie, lightly edited for brevity: I had a moment of ‘esprit d’escalier.’ This is a new-to-me French expression that means the things you think about after the fact. Elizabeth asked me what it is about ‘every day movement’ that inspires me to create dance? Prior to this question, there was some talk about how we are meant to move and dance, and my fascination with our eight fundamental movement patterns babies sequence through in their first year of life. But what I realize now is that not only do these patterns set us up to be ready learners, and able to function at our highest potential, they also allow us to develop a lot of the attributes found in studying ballet. As a dancer, I’ve been told that I observe and move through the world always from a dancer’s viewpoint. I am not a dancer only when on stage or in the studio. And here lies the connection perhaps to a life philosophy: to move gently in the world and give more than take. This is important to me that ballet is more than the steps or costume or story. Ballet movement, philosophy, and the music that coordinates with ballet includes deep emotions and physical expression. The feeling of ourselves in space and ability to imagine many different ways to move can be deadened as we age. How to simulate the exhilaration we feel and have known in a class when the participants can no longer run? The last question posed by Elizabeth was how do I envision ballet in the future? I would like teachers to bring joy to the students, knowledge of the roots of each step, why they were created, and how we can bring quality of movement to feel and see the artistry that ballet was developed for. People were interested in, and understood, how feeling, seeing, and surrounding oneself in beauty, and things of beauty improved oneself. From inside and out, you could have your world stretched. As for ballet on stage, it’s a big question. Ballet directors are coming together to ask these very serious questions from all around the world. The Dutch National Ballet started the conference ‘Positioning Ballet’ in 2017, and this month for the first time, the conference will be held at Canada’s National Ballet Company. How do we preserve the historic ballets with their gendered roles and story lines in today’s experience? How do we retain the physical history from the original choreographers as we get further and further away from anyone alive today to pass this knowledge on?  I would like to see a variety of ballets on stage from the preserved ballet technique and style that was created in the older ballets to new works that take the ballet technique to a new plane. I would like to see the dancers on stage represent our world today. How this is done, I’m not quite sure, but I am hopeful there are creatives who will know how and have the desire to do so. Music in this episode: Waltz of the Flowers - Tchaikovsky Barroom Ballet - Silent Film Light - Kevin MacLeod Barroom Ballet - Silent Film Light by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Source: http://incompetech.com/music/royalty-free/index.html?isrc=USUAN1100310 Artist: http://incompetech.com/ @eblosfield  | theadultballetstudio@gmail.com

    34 min
  5. Episode 27: Kathryn Morgan

    MAR 4

    Episode 27: Kathryn Morgan

    Kathryn Morgan is in the studio this month! She is a trailblazing ballerina - or bunhead - as she described herself in this interview - who has redefined what a ballet career can look like beyond traditional company life.  She began her professional career in 2006 with the New York City Ballet, rising to the rank of soloist before making the difficult decision to leave the company to focus on personal health challenges. She made a return to the stage with Miami City Ballet in 2019. In 2020, in the midst of pandemic shutdowns that challenged every industry — including the performing arts — she went to work to transform the ballet landscape by founding her brand, Kathryn Morgan & Friends. This is a community dedicated to celebrating dancers for who they are, beyond only their technical skills. Her platform offers online classes, workshops, and retreats, emphasizing the joy of dance and creating a supportive environment for adult ballet dancers in particular. Through her online classes, YouTube channel, social media platform, and workshops, Kathryn continues to inspire and empower dancers at all levels, challenging traditional norms for ballet and advocating for a more inclusive culture within the art form. Her willingness to speak out against toxic ballet culture and instead create a welcoming environment in her classes has not only enriched ballet but has sparked meaningful conversations about what being a successful, healthy and well rounded dancer truly looks like. This conversation discusses body image and health struggles particularly related to diet culture and weight, which can be a sensitive topic for some listeners. Those topics are throughout this conversation, so please be kind to yourself and fast forward if you hear something that’s difficult for you. There are two places where that discussion is particularly detailed — around minutes 4:00-11:00 and again during minutes 21:00-27:00. Check out what Kathryn had to say! Follow Kathryn on Instagram: @kathryn_morganVisit Kathryn’s website: www.kathrynmorganonline.comLearn more about Kathryn Morgan & Friends: www.kmandfriends.comSubscribe to Kathryn’s YouTube channel: @kathryn_morganSign up for Kathryn’s upcoming adult ballet retreats: https://www.kmandfriends.com/retreats  Music in this episode: Waltz of the Flowers - Tchaikovsky Barroom Ballet - Silent Film Light - Kevin MacLeod Barroom Ballet - Silent Film Light by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Source: http://incompetech.com/music/royalty-free/index.html?isrc=USUAN1100310 Artist: http://incompetech.com/ @eblosfield  | theadultballetstudio@gmail.com Ad: Support Author Meg Groff and her book Not If I Can Help It: A Family Lawyer’s Battles for Justice for Victims of Domestic Violence and the Poor. A book release party will be held at Puck Live in Doylestown, PA. Purchase her book from Rivertowns Books: https://www.rivertownsbooks.com/book-page/not-if-i-can-help-it-by-meg-groffCheck out her book on Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/219393016-not-if-i-can-help-itOrder her book on Amazon: https://a.co/d/2dahGVD Support this podcast on Patreon! https://patreon.com/TheAdultBalletStudio?utm_medium=clipboard_copy&utm_source=copyLink&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=join_link

    47 min
  6. Episode 26: Rob MacCaul

    FEB 4

    Episode 26: Rob MacCaul

    Adult ballet dancer and board member for the Children’s Dance Theater of Okanogan County in Washington, Rob MacCaul, is in the studio this month!  Rob’s story about discovering ballet is a testament to passion, perseverance, and self-discovery. It began in 1982 with a chance encounter at a dance studio in Waikiki—an experience that sparked a lifelong love for ballet. From taking classes in Pasadena to performing on stage as an adult in Seattle, Rob spoke about how ballet helped him discover and express his identity and taught him that he can still challenge himself in adulthood, whether it’s through performing on stage as an adult or taking the step of going en pointe at age 58.  His story goes beyond ballet as well. It’s about finding the courage to express himself authentically, navigating societal expectations, and building a community that embraces everyone in dance. Check it out! Follow Rob on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rmaccaul Check out the pointe shoe inserts Rob shared: https://perfectfitpointe.com/ Follow The Red Shoes on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/redshoesdancewear Check out LFW School of Dance, where Rob takes classes: https://lfwschoolofdance.com/ Rob recommended The Dancewear Center: https://www.dancewearcenter.net/ Support The Children’s Dance Theater of Okanogan County: https://www.facebook.com/p/Childrens-Dance-Theater-of-Okanogan-County-100070283439729/ Check out Les Ballets Trockadero de Monte Carlo: https://trockadero.org/ Music in this episode: Waltz of the Flowers - Tchaikovsky Barroom Ballet - Silent Film Light - Kevin MacLeod Barroom Ballet - Silent Film Light by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Source: http://incompetech.com/music/royalty-free/index.html?isrc=USUAN1100310 Artist: http://incompetech.com/ @eblosfield  | theadultballetstudio@gmail.com Follow The Adult Ballet Studio on YouTube! ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@eblosfield91⁠ Support this podcast on Patreon! https://patreon.com/TheAdultBalletStudio?utm_medium=clipboard_copy&utm_source=copyLink&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=join_link

    40 min
  7. Episode 25: Eduardo Vilaro

    JAN 7

    Episode 25: Eduardo Vilaro

    Eduardo Vilaro, artistic director and CEO of Ballet Hispánico, is in the studio this month! Ballet Hispánico was founded back in 1970 by Tina Ramirez, and the company has spent more than five decades celebrating the vibrant diversity of Latino cultures through dance. The company says it’s not just about performances—it’s also about breaking barriers, challenging stereotypes, and making space for Latino/Latina voices on stages all around the world. Eduardo originally joined the company as a dancer and educator in the ‘80s after taking a class and being hand selected by Tina. After spending his next ten-year chapter as founder and artistic director of Luna Negra Dance Theater in Chicago, his career brought him back to Ballet Hispánico as artistic director in 2009 - becoming the second person ever to head the company since its founding - and CEO in 2015. Born in Cuba and raised in New York, Eduardo not only shaped the company’s contemporary style but has also expanded its reach. We talked about his career and his approach to carrying Ballet Hispánico’s legacy forward. He also shared what he learned from Tina, a trailblazer in New York’s ballet community, and what it means to connect his community with this art form and tell stories through dance that resonate across generations. He spoke about why dance is an important vehicle for Latino artists to honor their heritage and explore their identities. Check it out! Learn more about Ballet Hispánico: www.ballethispanico.org Follow Ballet Hispánico on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ballethispanico/?hl=en Follow Eduardo on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ervilaro/?hl=en Purchase tickets for CARMEN.maquia at New York City Center: https://www.nycitycenter.org/pdps/2024-2025/ballet-hispanico/ Music in this episode: Waltz of the Flowers - Tchaikovsky Barroom Ballet - Silent Film Light - Kevin MacLeod Barroom Ballet - Silent Film Light by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Source: http://incompetech.com/music/royalty-free/index.html?isrc=USUAN1100310 Artist: http://incompetech.com/ @eblosfield  | theadultballetstudio@gmail.com Support this podcast on Patreon! https://patreon.com/TheAdultBalletStudio?utm_medium=clipboard_copy&utm_source=copyLink&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=join_link

    38 min
  8. Episode 24: Janine Kovac

    12/03/2024

    Episode 24: Janine Kovac

    Janine Kovac joined the studio for this episode! As a retired professional dancer turned award-winning author, she shares her journey from the stage to the page after a twelve-year international ballet career spanning Iceland, Italy, and the U.S. Her latest memoir, The Nutcracker Chronicles: A Fairytale Memoir, intertwines her personal experiences in ballet with  stories from one of ballet’s most iconic tales, offering a reflection on ambition, artistry, and identity. It’s available now from She Writes Press! Janine’s accomplishments extend beyond the stage as well. As a graduate of UC Berkeley, she has authored multiple books. Her memoir, Spinning: Choreography for Coming Home, won a National Indie Excellence Award, and she’s been published in outlets such as Salon, Writer’s Digest, and Publishers Weekly. Janine’s contributions to literature have earned her fellowships, residencies, and literary awards, solidifying her reputation as a voice in both the ballet and literary worlds. In this episode, Janine discusses her transition from the demanding world of professional ballet to the equally challenging and sometimes much more solitary world of writing. She talks about how her dance background shapes her creative process today, the parallels and differences between dance and writing, and why she’ll always identify as a ballet dancer. She also discusses her experience teaching adults and how amateur adult dancers can find their identity in a ballet studio too. Check it out! Buy The Nutcracker Chronicles: https://www.amazon.com/Nutcracker-Chronicles-Fairytale-Memoir/dp/1647427924 Follow Janine on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/janine.kovac/?hl=en Learn more about Janine’s work: www.janinekovac.com  Music in this episode: Waltz of the Flowers - Tchaikovsky Barroom Ballet - Silent Film Light - Kevin MacLeod Barroom Ballet - Silent Film Light by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Source: http://incompetech.com/music/royalty-free/index.html?isrc=USUAN1100310 Artist: http://incompetech.com/ @eblosfield  | theadultballetstudio@gmail.com Support this podcast on Patreon! https://patreon.com/TheAdultBalletStudio?utm_medium=clipboard_copy&utm_source=copyLink&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=join_link

    52 min
See All (31)

4.6
out of 5
13 Ratings

About

Hi! My name's Elizabeth. I've been studying ballet all my life. I started this podcast to connect with the community of adult ballet dancers & anyone working to make ballet a more welcoming space. The Adult Ballet Studio believes in pushing boundaries & taking risks. We view ballet as an art form that should be accessible regardless of age, body type, gender identity, race, ability, or background. This podcast features conversations with the empowering voices shaping the adult ballet community - a world where passion has no limits & dreams can take flight. Welcome to the studio!

Information

  • Creator
    Elizabeth Blosfield
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2025
  • Episodes
    31
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Elizabeth Blosfield
  • Show Website
    The Adult Ballet Studio

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