After Class: The Adult Ballet Podcast

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 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

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 [email protected] 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 MarshLa Follia — Joanna MarshSwans of Harlem — Karen ValbyBehind the Red Velvet Curtain — Joy Womack & Elizabeth ShockmanInside Ballet Technique: Separating Anatomical Fact from Fiction — Valerie GriegHolding On to the Air — Suzanne Farrell & Toni BentleyRaising 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 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

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 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

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

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