After Class (Ballet for All & The Busy Bunhead)
Explorez tous les épisodes de After Class
| Date | Titre | Durée | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 19 Feb 2024 | Ep. 1 - A Cuban Ballerina's Journey - Interview with Yelena Franceda | 00:24:43 | |
Welcome to the first episode of After Class! To kick off the podcast, we're interviewing your co-host, Yelena! A passionate ballerina who trained at the Cuban Academy of Dance, holds a bachelor's degree from the Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) and founded the online community and YouTube channel Ballet for All. Her dance journey is both unique and inspiring, so let's get right into it! Follow Yelena @ballet_for_all | |||
| 26 Feb 2024 | Ep. 2 - Rediscovering Ballet as an Adult - Interview with Hannah Jennings | 00:24:17 | |
On today's episode we're interviewing your co-host, Hannah, and hearing about her personal journey to adult ballet and how she discovered her love of salsa dancing along the way... Let's get into it! Follow Yelena @ballet_for_all | |||
| 04 Mar 2024 | Ep. 3 - Online Ballet Classes: Set Up for Success! | 00:19:22 | |
Do you want to take online ballet classes, but aren't sure how to set up your space? In this episode we share what you need to know to have a great online class. From where to set your camera to choosing the right height for your barre (even if it's just a chair or your kitchen counter), after listening to this episode you'll be able to jump into your online classes with confidence and the best possible set up! Follow Yelena @ballet_for_all | |||
| 11 Mar 2024 | Ep. 4 - What to Wear to Ballet (And Why It Matters!) | 00:22:53 | |
The world of ballet clothes can be really overwhelming with so many brands & styles to choose from. If you want to know what you actually need to get started, this episode is for you! We have some simple tips and suggestions that will help you look and feel your ballet best. ◡̈ Let's get into it! Follow Yelena @ballet_for_all | |||
| 18 Mar 2024 | Ep. 5 - 8 "Rules" of Ballet Etiquette You NEED to Know (pt 1) | 00:24:02 | |
Entering the world of ballet can feel daunting and mysterious as an adult. There are so many unspoken "rules" that you're expected to just know... But how can you know if nobody tells you? Don't worry - we're here to help! In this episode, we share some of the most common "do's" and "don'ts" of the ballet world so you can enter the classroom with confidence. Happy listening! Follow Yelena @ballet_for_all | |||
| 25 Mar 2024 | Ep. 6 - 7 More "Rules" of Ballet Etiquette You NEED to Know (pt 2) | 00:22:47 | |
Welcome back to part 2 of the do's and don't's of ballet! Entering the world of ballet can feel daunting as an adult beginner. There are so many unspoken "rules" and things that you're expected to just know... But how can you know if nobody tells you? We're here to help! In this episode, we share some of the most common "rules" of the ballet world so you can enter the classroom with confidence. Follow Yelena @ballet_for_all | |||
| 01 Apr 2024 | Ep. 7 - Ballet Slippers 101 | 00:20:16 | |
If you've ever found yourself in the middle of the shoe aisle with no clue where to begin... We've got you! From canvas to leather, split sole to full sole, in this episode we cover all the basics of ballet slippers so you can find your perfect fit. Links below to some of our personal favorites! Follow Yelena @ballet_for_all | |||
| 08 Apr 2024 | Ep. 8 - What To Do When You're Struggling in Ballet Class | 00:22:10 | |
No matter how long you've been dancing, we all struggle to keep up in class sometimes. Whether it's a particularly brutal adagio or an extra quick petit allegro, there are some simple things you can do stay motivated and get the most out of every class... Tune in to find out how! Follow Yelena @ballet_for_all | |||
| 13 May 2024 | Ep. 13 - How to Receive & Apply Your Corrections in Ballet Class | 00:17:11 | |
It can be hard to receive corrections in ballet class, especially in front of a lot of people! But there are some simple things you can do to more easily receive corrections and (most importantly) actually APPLY them to accelerate your improvement. Whether in-person or online, corrections are essential to the learning process, so let's talk about how to get the MOST out of them! Follow Yelena @ballet_for_all | |||
| 06 May 2024 | Ep. 12 - How to Get the MOST out of YouTube Ballet Classes | 00:13:16 | |
YouTube has become an incredible resource for ballet lovers. From barre classes to variation tutorials, you can find just about anything with a few clicks. But can pre-recorded classes actually translate to effective training? They can if you know how to use them! By utilizing some simple strategies, you can make YouTube classes your secret weapon for ballet success... Listen to this episode and find out how! Follow Yelena @ballet_for_all | |||
| 15 Apr 2024 | Ep. 9 - "It's Never Too Late" - Interview with Adult Ballerina Stacy Santos (pt 1) | 00:24:31 | |
Stacy Santos is an inspirational adult ballerina whose story proves that "it's never too late" to follow your dreams. As a mother, nurse, veteran and passionate dancer, she holds many roles with both grace & grit. We are so excited to have Stacy on the podcast as she shares her journey back to the barre, and eventually onto the stage (coming in part 2!). We know you'll be as inspired by her as we are. ◡̈ Follow Yelena @ballet_for_all | |||
| 22 Apr 2024 | Ep. 10 - Training & Performing in New York City - Interview with Adult Ballerina Stacy Santos (pt 2) | 00:25:39 | |
Stacy Santos is an inspirational adult ballerina whose story proves that "it's never too late" to follow your dreams. As a mother, nurse, veteran and passionate dancer, she holds many roles with both grace & grit. We are so excited to have Stacy on the podcast as she shares her journey back to the barre (in part one), and now onto the stage. We know you'll be as inspired by her as we are. ♥ Follow Yelena @ballet_for_all | |||
| 27 May 2024 | Ep. 15 - How to Create an Effective Warm Up Routine | 00:19:39 | |
As adults, warming up is especially critical to staying safe & injury-free while we dance. But crafting a routine that is both effective and realistic can feel overwhelming with so many exercises and stretches to choose from. If you need a little guidance in creating your go-to warm up routine, this episode is for you! Follow Yelena @ballet_for_all | |||
| 20 May 2024 | Ep. 14 - The BEST Goals for Beginner Ballerinas | 00:19:47 | |
There's always a million things to work on in ballet... But what are the BEST goals to have as a beginner dancer? It's probably not what you think! (Brace yourself, unpopular opinion incoming...) If you want to improve quickly and see results, there are a couple goals you NEED to chase. Tune in to learn how to narrow your focus and set the goals that will lead you to success! Follow Yelena @ballet_for_all | |||
| 29 Apr 2024 | Ep. 11 - Recovery Tips to Help Your Body Feel It's Best! | 00:23:03 | |
Giving our best in ballet class doesn't stop when we leave the studio. Recovery practices are CRITICAL to staying healthy & safe as we train - especially as adult dancers! In this episode we share some of our favorite methods to help your body repair and recover from the demands of ballet. And don't forget you can get 10% off our favorite anti-inflammatory cream by RCA Skincare using the code AFTERCLASS10 when you shop here. Follow Yelena @ballet_for_all | |||
| 03 Jun 2024 | Ep. 16 - Our Current Ballet Favorites! | 00:17:29 | |
There are some products that are just too good not to share... Which is why we're bringing you an entire episode about our current ballet favorites! So settle in for some girl talk, and be sure to share YOUR personal favorites with us over on Instagram @ballet_for_all ◡̈ Follow Yelena @ballet_for_all | |||
| 10 Jun 2024 | Ep. 17 - Showing Up for Yourself - Interview with Adult Ballerina Maggie Watson | 00:28:40 | |
In this episode, we're joined by a very special guest and member of the Ballet for All community, Maggie Watson! As a wife and mother of two with a full-time job, she shares her thoughts on the power of consistency and showing up for yourself in your ballet training, and the strategies that help her continually improve. We also talk about our shared love of ballet fashion and geek out on Baryshnikov (because #IYKYK). ◡̈ Follow Yelena @ballet_for_all | |||
| 17 Jun 2024 | Ep. 18 - Adult Ballet Intensives: Answering Your Questions! | 00:22:27 | |
In this episode we're joined by special guest, Stacy Santos, to answer all your burning questions about adult ballet intensives... Follow Yelena @ballet_for_all | |||
| 24 Jun 2024 | Ep. 19 - What to Pack for Your Adult Ballet Intensive! | 00:26:50 | |
Join us for a deep dive into packing for your Adult Ballet Intensive. This was a requested topic over on social media, and for good reason! There's a lot of items that you'll want to make sure you bring, and some of them aren't so obvious... But don't worry, from dancewear, to recovery tools, to snacks, we've got you covered. (And don't forget to listen to last week's episode answering all your questions about the adult intensive experience.) Let's get into it! Follow Yelena @ballet_for_all | |||
| 01 Jul 2024 | Ep. 20 - The Fundamentals of Ballet Turns | 00:26:35 | |
Turns are generally one of the trickier things to master as an adult ballet dancer. But with the right techniques and lots of practice, you can conquer any turns that come your way in class. ◡̈ From pirouettes to soutenus to chaines, knowing the fundamentals and applying them consistently will create the foundation you need for beautiful turns. So let's talk about them! Follow Yelena @ballet_for_all | |||
| 08 Jul 2024 | Ep. 21 - Online Ballet Classes: Are They Worth It? | 00:16:07 | |
Have you ever wondered if online ballet classes are really an effective way to learn? If so, this episode is for you! While online classes definitely do have a couple drawbacks, they also have a ton of benefits for adult dancers in particular. Let's talk about it! Follow Yelena @ballet_for_all | |||
| 15 Jul 2024 | Ep. 22 - The Cuban National Ballet School: What's It Really Like? | 00:29:26 | |
In this episode Yelena gives us a glimpse into the Cuban National Ballet School - one of the most elite ballet schools in the world. She spent nearly 4 years studying there and is giving us all the dish on what it's like to train in this world-renowned institution. What was the audition process like? What's a typical day in the life of a student? If you're a fellow ballet nerd, you don't want to miss this episode. ◡̈ Follow Yelena @ballet_for_all | |||
| 19 Aug 2024 | Ep. 27 - Our Favorite & LEAST Favorite Ballet Steps | 00:18:22 | |
I think we all have certain steps that make our hearts sing and others that... well... not so much. In this episode we're spilling the tea on our favorite and least favorite ballet steps. Tune in for a light-hearted conversation that only a ballet-lover would understand. ◡̈ (And let us know if you agree or disagree with our choices over on social media!) Follow Yelena @ballet_for_all | |||
| 22 Jul 2024 | Ep. 23 - What I Wish I Knew Before Starting Ballet | 00:17:35 | |
Starting ballet as an adult is no small thing! It can feel overwhelming and confusing diving into this world filled with French words, unspoken rules and the quest for perfection.... We get it! So in this episode we're sharing what we wish we knew before we started ballet. We hope it encourages you to be kind to yourself and have faith in your unique ballet journey. ◡̈ Grab a coffee and let's chat! Follow Yelena @ballet_for_all | |||
| 29 Jul 2024 | Ep. 24 - How to Properly Fuel for Ballet - Q&A with Registered Dietitian, Tveen Verano (pt 1) | 00:22:39 | |
When it comes to nutrition advice, the amount of conflicting information out there can be totally overwhelming. If you're looking for clear, practical and scientifically-backed information on fueling your body as an adult dancer, look no further! We are so excited to have Registered Dietitian Tveen Verano join us to share her professional advice on how to nourish ourselves to support the demands of ballerina-life. Let's get into it! ◡̈ Follow Yelena @ballet_for_all | |||
| 05 Aug 2024 | Ep. 25 - Eating for Recovery After Ballet Class - Q&A with Registered Dietitian, Tveen Verano (pt 2) | 00:21:23 | |
When it comes to nutrition, the amount of conflicting advice can be totally overwhelming. If you're looking for clear & practical information on fueling your body as an adult dancer, we've got you! We're joined again this week by Registered Dietitian Tveen Verano for part 2 of our Q&A all about fueling our bodies for ballet. (Make sure you catch part 1 if you missed it!) Follow Yelena @ballet_for_all | |||
| 12 Aug 2024 | Ep. 26 - Starting Pointe as an Adult: Answering YOUR Questions! | 00:23:47 | |
You asked and now we're answering! Tune in as we dive into questions like "How much training should I have before starting pointe?" and "Is it possible to go en pointe if you're plus size?" This is an episode you don't want to miss if you're considering pointe as an adult dancer! Follow Yelena @ballet_for_all | |||
| 26 Aug 2024 | Ep. 28 - Life Lessons from Ballet | 00:15:54 | |
As we train our bodies and strive to reach our goals in the studio, we're constantly learning and growing - not only as dancers, but as people. In this episode, we're sharing some of the unique life lessons taught to us by ballet. Grab a cup of coffee, and join us for a vulnerable and heartfelt chat. ♥ Follow Yelena @ballet_for_all | |||
| 02 Sep 2024 | Ep. 29 - The ONE Thing Adult Dancers Need to Succeed | 00:17:40 | |
There is only ONE thing you absolutely must have in order to dance ballet as an adult... Do you know what it is? Join us as we talk about the most important factor in pursuing your goals and fulfilling your dreams! Follow Yelena @ballet_for_all | |||
| 16 Sep 2024 | Ep. 31 - Pointe Training for Adults: Level Up Your Mental Game! | 00:17:51 | |
Training en pointe is just as much a mental challenge as it is a physical one - just ask any adult dancer! From the fear of getting injured to the self-doubt that creeps up on us, there are so many factors that can hinder your mental game. In this episode, we're giving you the best tips to upgrade your mindset and take your pointe work to the next level. Follow Yelena @ballet_for_all | |||
| 09 Sep 2024 | Ep. 30 - Dancing After Time Off: Tips for Coming Back Strong! | 00:21:15 | |
Getting back into ballet classes after the summer holiday (or any vacation) can feel a bit daunting... But with the right mindset and some practical tips, you can make the transition from the beach to the barre without stress. So let's talk about how you can return to the studio with an empowered mindset, a refreshed body and renewed motivation for the coming season! Follow Yelena @ballet_for_all | |||
| 23 Sep 2024 | Ep. 32 - Attending an Adult Ballet Intensive: What It's Really Like! | 00:18:58 | |
Have you ever wondered what it's like to attend an adult ballet intensive? Well, Hannah recently returned from the Amy Novinski Adult Ballet Intensive in California, and in this week's episode she's answering questions like: What was the daily schedule? What were the classes like? What aspect was most challenging? So if you've ever been curious about this particular intensive (or adult ballet intensives in general) find a cozy spot and grab a cup of coffee, because we're getting into all of it here! Follow Yelena @ballet_for_all | |||
| 30 Sep 2024 | Ep. 33 - Everything I Packed for an Adult Ballet Intensive: What You Need & What You Don't | 00:21:04 | |
We're back with part two recapping Hannah's trip to an Adult Ballet Intensive. This episode is all about what you need for a successful trip based on our personal packing successes and failures... Get ready for some ridiculous personal anecdotes and over-sharing.... #yourewelcome. ◡̈ Follow Yelena @ballet_for_all | |||
| 07 Oct 2024 | Ep. 34 - Save Money on Your Ballet Training with These Tips! | 00:21:57 | |
Let's be honest... ballet is NOT cheap! And as adult dancers ourselves, we certainly get it. That's why we're sharing all of our best tips & tricks for saving money on classes, private training, dance wear and more in this episode. If you're a busy ballerina on a budget, you don't want to miss this one... Let's get into it! Follow Yelena @ballet_for_all | |||
| 14 Oct 2024 | Ep. 35 - The Scientific Secret to Staying MOTIVATED in Your Ballet Training | 00:16:04 | |
Are you currently in a slump with your ballet training, feeling like you've plateaued and aren't seeing progress anymore? It happens to all of us! But by applying this simple concept (courtesy of the life-changing book Atomic Habits) you can transform your training strategy and reignite the motivation you've been missing... It's science! ◡̈ Let's talk about it... Follow Yelena @ballet_for_all | |||
| 21 Oct 2024 | Ep. 36 - Using the Ballet Barre Correctly: How to Do It and Why It Matters! | 00:19:53 | |
The barre is an absolutely essential element of ballet training. But are you using it correctly? In this episode, we identify the most common errors so you can avoid them, AND tell you exactly how to use the barre like a seasoned pro. Barre work can make or break your training, so don't miss this one! Follow Yelena @ballet_for_all | |||
| 28 Oct 2024 | Ep. 37 - Private Ballet Lessons: How to Get the MOST Out of Them! | 00:21:25 | |
For most of us, private ballet lessons are a luxury. Which is why it's so important to maximize every single one! In this episode, we're giving you practical tips to utilize before, during & after your private lessons that will ensure you get the most bang for your hard-earned bucks. ◡̈ Let's get into it! Follow Yelena @ballet_for_all | |||
| 04 Nov 2024 | Ep. 38 - Achieve a Beautiful Arabesque at ANY Level! | 00:21:53 | |
Are you struggling to find your picture-perfect arabesque line? Contrary to popular belief (thank you, social media) you DON'T need to have the flexibility of an Olympic gymnast to achieve this iconic ballet position. In this episode, we break down how YOU can get a lovely and stable arabesque, regardless of your flexibility or level of experience. Let's get into it! Follow Yelena @ballet_for_all | |||
| 18 Nov 2024 | Ep. 40 - Ballet Warm Up's: What They Are & Why We Love Them! | 00:15:42 | |
Warm muscles are crucial for a safe and productive ballet class. That's why we're diving into the wide world of warm-up gear in this episode! From legwarmers to sauna suits, we talk about all the options, why they work, and what our personal favorites are. Grab a cup of coffee and let's get into it! Follow Yelena @ballet_for_all | |||
| 11 Nov 2024 | Ep. 39 - The Nutcracker Chronicles - Interview with Ballerina & Author Janine Kovac | 00:48:19 | |
In this episode we're joined by Janine Kovac, a former professional ballerina and author of The Nutcracker Chronicles. We talk all about her book - a beautifully honest memoir of her life as a dancer - and the experiences and lessons she's gleaned from a lifetime spent in the ballet world. From learning to listen to her body to embracing joy in the studio environment, Janine shares her most poignant insights with us. It's a conversation for all ballet nerds, so grab your coffee & join us! ◡̈ Follow Yelena @ballet_for_all | |||
| 02 Dec 2024 | Ep. 41 - Tutulist.com: A Better Way to Buy & Sell Your Dancewear - Interview with Entrepreneur Sara Judd | 00:35:36 | |
Are you looking for a more affordable way to buy your dancewear? What about those leotards sitting in the bottom of your drawer... Would you like to turn them into cash? What if we told you there's a website where you can do both? ◡̈ In this episode, we chat with Sara Judd, the founder of Tutulist.com - a platform for buying and selling gently-used dancewear & costumes. During her time in the ballet world as a dancer & choreographer, she's seen firsthand the need for a more affordable and sustainable option... So she decided to make it herself! We love Sara's passion for ballet fashion (because #SAME) and know you'll love her story and Tutulist.com as much as we do. ♥ So grab your coffee and let's get into it! Follow Yelena @ballet_for_all | |||
| 16 Dec 2024 | Ep. 43 - Ballet Training Over the Holidays: How to Make It Work for You! | 00:21:31 | |
The holidays can be tricky for ballet training... As adults, we have so many demands on our time and energy this time of year - sometimes it feels like we can't possibly maintain our progress in the studio amidst all the hustle & bustle. But with some simple tips and mindset shifts, we believe you can not only survive but THRIVE this holiday season. So grab your hot cocoa and let's get into it! Follow Yelena @ballet_for_all | |||
| 09 Dec 2024 | Ep. 42 - The Ultimate Ballerina Christmas List: Gifts Any Dancer Will Love! | 00:23:06 | |
Looking for great holiday gifts for the dancers in your life? (Or maybe even a little treat for yourself?) ◡̈ We've got you covered! In this episode we're writing the ultimate ballerina Christmas list, and unwrapping the presents we know any dancer would LOVE to receive. So grab your hot cocoa and let's get into it! Follow Yelena @ballet_for_all | |||
| 30 Dec 2024 | Ep. 44 - How to Thrive in 2025: Take Your Dancing to the Next Level with These Tips! | 00:21:46 | |
Do you want to take your ballet training to the next level this year? Are you ready to come back from the holidays and THRIVE in the studio? We see you, Adult Dancer, and we believe you can do it. ◡̈ That's why we're bringing you the best tips from our most popular episodes in 2024 that will help you achieve your goals and reach your full potential in the studio this year. From effective goal-setting, to nutrition habits, to money-saving hacks, we're giving you all of it in one episode. Grab a coffee and let's get into it! Follow Yelena @ballet_for_all | |||
| 06 Jan 2025 | Ep. 45 - Choosing an Online Ballet Program: How to Find the Best Fit for You! | 00:24:32 | |
When it comes to online ballet programs, the possibilities are almost endless these days... From structured training plans to drop-in passes, from pre-recorded libraries to live classes - there really is something for everyone! But how do you pick the right program for YOU in this sea of choices? In this episode, we talk about how to define your priorities and ask the questions that will help you identify a good fit. There's a LOT to consider, but with these practical tips you'll find an online program that suits your unique needs & goals in no time. ◡̈ Let's get into it! Follow Yelena @ballet_for_all | |||
| 13 Jan 2025 | Ep. 46 - Are You Ready to Move Up? Ask Yourself These Questions! | 00:24:08 | |
Knowing when we're ready to "move up" in ballet can be so challenging! As adult dancers, most of us will never be told which level of class to take or when we're ready to advance - we're left to make those decisions on our own. So how can you determine for yourself if it's time to start taking more difficult classes? We're here to help! In this episode, we talk about the questions you can ask yourself and the steps you can take to self-assess and determine if you're ready to move up. It's a packed episode, so let's get into it.... And don't forget to download your free PDF guide here! Follow Yelena @ballet_for_all | |||
| 20 Jan 2025 | Ep. 47 - Step Into Our Pointe Shoes! How We Prepare Them & What We Put Inside! | 00:25:18 | |
Pointe shoes are a bit like snowflakes - no two pairs are the same! In this episode, we're spilling the tea on how we each prepare our shoes and what we put inside them. As an amateur (Hannah) and a professional (Yelena), our feet are super different and so are the methods we use to prepare and comfortably wear our shoes. So if you're looking for suggestions (or you're just a pointe-shoe lover like us) this episode is for you! Let's get into it... And don't forget to show us how you prepare your shoes over on Instagram. ◡̈ Follow Yelena @ballet_for_all | |||
| 27 Jan 2025 | Ep. 48 - Navigating the Center Portion of Ballet Class: Tips to Feel Confident at Any Level! | 00:24:54 | |
For many of us, the center portion of a ballet class is when things start to feel a bit more.... Stressful? Overstimulating? Overwhelming? We've been there! In this episode we talk about ways that you can feel more confident in the center portion of class, no matter your level. Join us for a combination of technique tips and etiquette advice that will help you kick center overwhelm to the curb, and start having fun and feeling your best. ◡̈ Let's get into it! Follow Yelena @ballet_for_all | |||
| 03 Feb 2025 | Ep. 49 - Learning Other Styles of Dance: From Salsa to Cabaret - What We've Tried & Loved! | 00:21:41 | |
Have you every wondered what it's like to try another style of dance? In this episode, we're sharing our personal experiences training in styles very different from ballet (like cabaret, salsa, flamenco and bachata). How did our ballet background affect the learning process? What lessons did we learn by exploring other styles? We're answering these questions and more... So grab a coffee and let's get into it! Follow Yelena @ballet_for_all | |||
| 10 Feb 2025 | Ep. 50 - Empower Your Ballet Body! How to Train for Strength & Longevity as an Adult Dancer - Interview with Allie Christensen, Founder of Dancer Strong | 00:49:56 | |
As passionate adult dancers, we want to be able to enjoy ballet for the rest of our lives. But how can we actually achieve that? The answer probably isn't what you'd expect... Join us as we talk to Allie Christensen about the unique physical challenges that adult dancers face, and how to train for both longevity & maximum performance now. Through her years of experience training adult dancers, she has developed a unique approach to helping them reach their goals and work smarter. In this episode she shares the secret to feeling your best and, as she says, to "keep dancing until you're 90!" FREE RESOURCES: Follow Yelena @ballet_for_all | |||
| 17 Feb 2025 | Ep. 51 - Celebrating Our One Year Anniversary! | 00:18:10 | |
We can't believe today is the one year anniversary of the podcast - what a fun ride it's been! Thanks to your support, we've been able to hit some incredible milestones and bring on some very special guests. In today's celebratory episode, we're sharing our personal highlights, listener feedback and plans for the coming year. 2025 is going to be full of all the ballet topics you love, including technique, style, tips and interviews with fellow ballet-lovers!♥ Let's get into it! Follow Yelena @ballet_for_all | |||
| 24 Feb 2025 | Ep. 52 - Ballet Tights: Everything You Need to Know & How to Find Your Perfect Pair! | 00:26:36 | |
Is it possible to do an entire podcast episode on tights, you ask? Well... We did! ◡̈ There's a lot to consider when it comes to choosing your best pair of tights - things like style, color and fit, just to name a few! In this episode, we're breaking down all of the options available to adult dancers and sharing our personal favorites. So the next time you walk into a dance store or peruse the internet you can know exactly what you're looking for and confidently choose the right pair of tights for you. ◡̈ Don't forget to check out the Tight Recycle Program by BalletOk.com and help make the ballet world more sustainable! Our favorite tights: Follow Yelena @ballet_for_all | |||
| 03 Mar 2025 | Ep. 53 - Social Media in Adult Ballet: Our Hot Takes and Tips | 00:22:26 | |
The social media side of ballet is kind of a mixed bag... Some things are great and others, well..... not so much. Like most things in life, it's really what you make it. In this episode, we talk about the pro's & con's of consuming ballet content, and how you can avoid digital overwhelm and get the most out of social media as an adult dancer. Everything you want to know - like how to find community, maintain a healthy mindset, and curate your feed for maximum effectiveness - is packed into this episode, so let's get into it! ♥ Follow Yelena @ballet_for_all | |||
| 10 Mar 2025 | Ep. 54 - Ready for Pointe? Here's How to Know! (pt 1) | 00:20:27 | |
Wondering if you're ready to start pointe training as an adult ballet dancer? In this two-part series, we're breaking down the many facets of pointe readiness (physical, technical, and mental) to help you determine if/when to take the leap into the wonderful world of pointe. ◡̈ In this first episode, we're focusing on the physical and technical "checklists" you can use to assess yourself... Let's get into it! Download your FREE Pointe Readiness Checklist here! Book a pointe consultation with Yelena: yelena@onlineballetclasses.com Follow Yelena @ballet_for_all | |||
| 17 Mar 2025 | Ep. 55 - Ready for Pointe? How to Know & What to Do Next! (pt 2) | 00:20:26 | |
Wondering if you're ready to start pointe training as an adult ballet dancer? In this two-part series, we're breaking down the many facets of pointe readiness (physical, technical, and mental) to help you determine if/when to take the leap into the wonderful world of pointe. ◡̈ In this second episode, we're focusing on the mental side of pointe readiness and providing practical tips to guide your next steps once you're ready to begin. (We're rooting for you!) And don't forget to listen to part one, if you haven't already. ◡̈ Download your FREE Pointe Readiness Checklist here! Book a pointe consultation with Yelena: yelena@onlineballetclasses.com Follow Yelena @ballet_for_all | |||
| 24 Mar 2025 | Ep. 56 - The Key to Beautiful Dancing at Any Age or Level: Artistry in Adult Ballet | 00:20:29 | |
In this (possibly controversial) episode, we're diving into the topic of artistry. In modern ballet culture, it's often overshadowed by the more physical and technical elements, but is that a good thing? What makes a dancer truly captivating to watch? What makes a performance memorable? Artistry is a hallmark of every great dancer, and lucky for us adults, it's possible at any age and any level. ◡̈ Grab your coffee and let's get into it! Dancers to Study: Alicia Alonso (dancing here at 58 yrs old!) Follow Yelena @ballet_for_all | |||
| 31 Mar 2025 | Ep. 57 - Making Ballet Work for Your Schedule: Time Management Tips for Adult Dancers! | 00:22:02 | |
Do you ever feel like it's either all or nothing when it comes to making your ballet training worthwhile? I mean, if you can't make it to an hour+ technique class, what's the point - right? In this episode we talk about how to fit ballet into your busy schedule, even if you only have 5 minutes! Join us as we dive into practical tips and strategies for managing your time as an adult dancer—whether you're juggling work, family, or just life in general. Small but consistent steps can lead to BIG progress in your dance journey... Let's get into it! Follow Yelena @ballet_for_all | |||
| 07 Apr 2025 | Ep. 58 - The Weirdest Things in Our Ballet Bags: Don't Judge Us! 🫣 | 00:14:08 | |
Join us for a short, chatty episode about the most random items in our dance bags... And don't forget to head over to Instagram this week to vote on our poll (to wash or not wash your ballet slippers) and answer the question, "What's the strangest thing in YOUR dance bag?" It's a short and light-hearted one, so grab your beverage of choice and let's get into it! Follow Yelena @ballet_for_all | |||
| 14 Apr 2025 | Ep. 59 - Ballet's "Linking" Steps: What They Are and How to Conquer Them! | 00:22:22 | |
Are you struggling to reach the next level in your ballet training? The secret to improving might be in your linking steps... Linking steps (also referred to as "transition steps" or "connecting steps") are often not broken down in adult ballet classes, which can leave us feeling like we're just fumbling through the choreography. If you want to feel like you're thriving in class instead of just surviving, we're here to help! In this episode we're breaking down what exactly linking steps are, and how you can conquer them. It's an episode you don't want to miss if you're craving some progress in your ballet training... YouTube tutorials below for learning & practice! Follow Yelena @ballet_for_all | |||