After Class: The Adult Ballet Podcast

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