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.comAnd 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 showFollow Hannah on Instagram @thebusybunheadExplore blog posts, merchandise & resources for adult ballet dancers like you at thebusybunhead.comPodcast produced by Mission Bridge Media.www.MissionBridgeMedia.com
--------
45:25
--------
45:25
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=sdtCozy Dancer Journal: https://www.cozydancer.com/product-page/cozy-dancer-reflection-journalFrenchies 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/3LYZWkUJoin the Corps de Ballet 👇🏼Support the showFollow Hannah on Instagram @thebusybunheadExplore blog posts, merchandise & resources for adult ballet dancers like you at thebusybunhead.comPodcast produced by Mission Bridge Media.www.MissionBridgeMedia.com
--------
22:52
--------
22:52
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_balletJule 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 showFollow Hannah on Instagram @thebusybunheadExplore blog posts, merchandise & resources for adult ballet dancers like you at thebusybunhead.comPodcast produced by Mission Bridge Media.www.MissionBridgeMedia.com
--------
40:33
--------
40:33
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 @roseandclayjewelryJoin the After Class Corps de Ballet 👇🏼Support the showFollow Hannah on Instagram @thebusybunheadExplore blog posts, merchandise & resources for adult ballet dancers like you at thebusybunhead.comPodcast produced by Mission Bridge Media.www.MissionBridgeMedia.com
--------
45:31
--------
45:31
Ep. 86 - How to Be a GREAT Ballet Student, with Julie Leung of Broche Ballet 🩰
Ever wonder what makes a truly great ballet student? The kind of student who gets the most out of their classes, and experiences growth and improvement over time? In this episode, I sit down with Julie Leung of Broche Ballet to talk strategies and tips adult dancers can use to be a great student and experience more progress and fulfillment in the studio as a result. Julie shares the habits and mindsets she personally uses to be successful, the common misconceptions that hold adult dancers back, and how to get the most out of every class and private lesson — no matter your level.Whether you’re working toward your first clean pirouette or preparing for an adult ballet performance, this conversation will help you approach your ballet training with confidence, purpose, and a renewed love for the learning process.So grab your notebook (you'll hear why 😉) and join us for this inspiring deep-dive into what it truly means to be a great student... 📣 This episode is kindly sponsored by Align Fitness by Allie! Visit dancerstrongprograms.com to learn more about this game-changing resource, and use code AFTERCLASS for $5 off any course of membership! 🩰 Connect with Julie! Instagram: @brocheballetWebsite: brocheballetonline.comAlign 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 showFollow Hannah on Instagram @thebusybunheadExplore blog posts, merchandise & resources for adult ballet dancers like you at thebusybunhead.comPodcast produced by Mission Bridge Media.www.MissionBridgeMedia.com
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...
South Africa