After Class: The Adult Ballet Podcast

Musicality is one of those qualities teachers ask for constantly, and yet almost never explain. "Be more musical. Feel the music. Let it move through you..." But what does that actually mean?
In this episode, I'm back with Chelsea Weidmann, The Geeky Ballerina, as part of our ongoing series unpacking the elements of artistry she identified in her thesis on Artistry in Ballet. Today's topic: musicality — one of the most personal and most debated elements of all.
In this episode we talk about whether musicality is something you're born with or something you can learn, why so many dancers can hear the music but struggle to translate it into their body (and why that's ok!) and Chelsea's clarifying framework for musicality (including elements like rhythm, tempo, dynamics, and more!)
If you've ever been told to be more musical but had no idea where to start, this episode will give you a framework, a language, and some practical tools to actually get there. 🎶
CONNECT WITH CHELSEA 👇🏼
Website: www.geekyballerina.com
Book: Artistry Inside Ballet Technique, Vol 1 (Amazon affiliate link)

EPISODE SPONSOR ✨
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!
CATCH UP ON OUR ELEMENTS OF ARTISTRY SERIES BELOW: 
ELEMENT #1 BREATH
ELEMENT #2 SOMATIC AWARENESS
ELEMENT #3 LINE
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 this episode, I'm sharing some of my favorite ballet hacks — the tips, tricks, and discoveries that have made my life as an adult dancer easier and more comfortable.
Some I figured out on my own, some were passed along by teachers or fellow dancers, and all of them are things I actually do/use and swear by, like:
- The nipple cover situation no one talks about (and the product that finally solved it for me)
- Using toe spacers in your ballet slippers (NOT just for pointe shoes) to reduce bunion discomfort
- The waistband modifications that will change how you feel in your tights 
- How to turn convertible tights into stirrup tights so you can wear the brands you actually love
- A simple spray that fixes heel slippage in pointe shoe (plus a bonus tip that makes it even more effective)
- A hack for healthier, happier hair (while you dance) 
PRODUCTS MENTIONED 🔗
Nipple Covers by Cakes (grippy version)
Toe Spacers by Russian Pointe (size medium)
Spray Rosin by Bloch
Hair Mask by RCA Skincare (use code AFTERCLASS10 for 10% off your order!)
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

If you have hyperextended knees, you've probably spent a lot of time in class feeling like your body is working against you. You get corrections like "straighten your legs" and no matter how hard you try, nothing seems to change. Closing in fifth without bending your knees feels impossible, your standing leg feels unstable, and nobody has ever actually explained why.
In this episode, I'm joined by Shane Wuerthner, a former professional ballet dancer, who is now a ballet coach and the founder of Athletistry. And as someone with significant hypermobility in his own knees, Shane is not just talking theory here... He's lived it!
We cover:
What's actually happening in your body when you have hypermobile knees
The proprioception piece, and why you might not be able to feel when your leg is actually straight
Closing in fifth position: what's realistic, what's not, and how to find your version of it
Stability in your standing leg and what your foot connection has to do with it
Why cues like "pull up" and "engage your quads" often don't translate for hypermobile dancers
How to work with your hypermobility and maintain a healthy mindset!
If you've ever felt frustrated or discouraged by your hypermobility, this episode is for you.
CONNECT WITH SHANE👇🏼
Instagram: @athletistry
YouTube: @athletistryofficial
Website: www.athletistry.au
Workshops: www.athletistry.au/workshops
EPISODE SPONSOR ✨
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!
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

For a lot of adult dancers, a professional photoshoot feels exciting and overwhelming in equal measure. You want beautiful images that capture how far you've come. But knowing how to actually prepare and show up confidently in front of the camera? That part can feel pretty daunting.
I sat down with professional dance photographer Katie Ging, who has photographed dancers of every level and has a real gift for making everyone look and feel their absolute best. We talk about how to choose the right photographer, what to wear (including whether you need to be flexible to get good photos — spoiler: you don't), and how to prep your body and mind before your shoot.
We also get into the most common posing mistakes and how to work around them, why arabesques are basically everyone's nemesis on camera, the simple poses that photograph beautifully every time, and how to keep your facial expression relaxed and natural even when you're thinking about 25 different things (i.e. turnout more, pointe your feet, relax your shoulders, engage your core, lift your elbows, soften your hands, and oh yeah.... SMILE!) 😆
But fear not, whether you're getting your photos taken at a retreat or booking your own session, this conversation will leave you feeling prepared and ready to shine! 📸
👇🏼 CONNECT WITH KATIE:
Website: www.katiegingphotography.com
Instagram: @katiegingphotography
✨ 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

You know it when you see it. That effortless, magnetic quality professional dancers have, the way their bodies seem to cut through space with clarity and length. But do you know what you're actually looking at?

In this episode, we're back with Chelsea Weidmann, aka The Geeky Ballerina, as part of our ongoing series unpacking the elements of artistry as she identified and explored them in her thesis on artistry in ballet. Today's topic: LINE. One of the most foundational and most misunderstood elements of all.

In this episode we cover:
- What line actually is (and what it's NOT)
- The different categories of line in ballet
- How your body's planes of action inform and improve your technique
- How to shape the lines between your movements
- How to create the illusion of length like a professional
- How to start training your lines no matter your current level

If you've ever watched yourself in the mirror and known something was off but couldn't name it, this episode will give you the tools to find your best lines and start enhancing your artistry. ☺️

CONNECT WITH CHELSEA 👇🏼
Website: www.geekyballerina.com
Artistry Inside Ballet Technique, Vol 1 (Amazon affiliate link)

EPISODE SPONSOR ✨
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!
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