Broche Banter | Adult ballet training, philosophy, & inspiration

We are thrilled to talk with Vivian, who launched an adult ballet program at ‘The Russian Ballet School’ in Toronto, founded by her parents, Natalia and Edward, in the 90s.What started as a single weekly class five years ago has grown into a successful program where adults of all backgrounds and ages can enjoy Vaganova levels 1-3, pointe classes, stretch, conditioning, and a performance opportunity.Vivian’s mission is to make ballet accessible and welcoming to everyone. She’s dismantling the fear and outdated judgments that keep people from pursuing their passion, bringing this timeless art form into the modern world.💓 Tune in and be inspired by Vivian’s simple yet powerful message: follow your heart, no matter how scared you are. 💫Learn more about the program: ➡️ https://www.therussianballet.com/programs/adults

Your fastest dancing days aren't behind you. You can absolutely improve your speed at any age!This episode will help you find out which areas you need to work on to see results. Is it your body, your mind, your technique, or maybe the way you practice that’s weighing you down?Get ready to unlock those flying feet, either at the barre in a furiously fast frappé or across the floor in a playful petit allegro or both!🌟 Plus: Don't miss Julie’s three bonus tips that will help you rediscover the joy in playing with speed, even when you mess up.Listen quickly and let us know which tip you needed to hear!

Join us for a heartwarming episode as we sit down with Tara, a vibrant soul whose passion for greyhounds and ballet connected her with our host, Julie.Back in school, Tara loved performing in musicals and bands, but never imagined ballet would capture her heart until she tried it at university.She overcame serious injuries and the demands of three pregnancies, rebuilding her strength multiple times, but never gave up. Eventually, her determination led her to achieve a dream she never thought possible: dancing on pointe. That same passion fuels her ongoing dreams. Now, she’s crafting her first album as a musician and aspiring to perform at the IABF.Tune in for a dose of sparkling energy, openness and perseverance as Tara motivates us to never give up on ourselves and chase our dreams!Connect with Tara on Instagram at @double_double_frappe

In an era where we constantly look up information and no longer have to memorize information, memory skills can feel rusty.In this episode, we share tips and tricks to boost your memory and learn ballet combinations faster.Remembering combinations is a key part of ballet, and Julie learned this the hard way. She recounts an initially embarrassing experience with a teacher that became a pivotal turning point in her journey.✨ We hope this episode inspires you to train your memory and, in a world reliant on devices, empowers you to start trusting yourself again to recall what matters.Keep your brain sharp and discover how to memorize those beautiful ballet combinations with confidence.

In this uplifting episode, we dive into the inspiring journey of Elizabeth, passionate dancer and journalist whose love for ballet was sparked at age three. Through her podcast, The Adult Ballet Studio Podcast, Elizabeth beautifully blends her passions for dance and storytelling.She opens up about her struggle to find a sense of belonging in ballet as an adult, and we explore ways teachers and students can foster a more inclusive, welcoming environment through small, meaningful gestures of kindness.💖 Join us as we discuss the many ways ballet can enrich our lives and why its future must be more accessible and inclusive. This episode is your reminder that there’s a place in ballet for you exactly as you are.

In this inspiring episode, we sit down with Alexandra, who began her ballet journey at a young age, fueled by exceptional teachers and unwavering support. At just 14, she joined the School of American Ballet in New York, but her path was not without challenges, as she faced various injuries. Undeterred, Alexandra went on to dance with the Los Angeles Ballet.There, she trained Mila Kunis for her iconic role in Black Swan 🎬–an experience that transformed Alexandra’s life forever. For the first time in her career, she found her voice and the confidence to stand up for herself, eventually leading her to leave Los Angeles and join the New Chamber Ballet in New York.After stepping away from performing to embrace life as a full-time mother, she took time to heal from the wounds of her ballet career. When her daughter began dancing, she rediscovered her passion for ballet and returned to teaching, reminding us all to dance for ourselves, embrace freedom in movement, and find joy in the art form.Join us for a heartfelt conversation about resilience, reinvention, and the power of dancing freely 🖤🤍.

Ever feel like fitting ballet into your busy life is harder than the practice itself? What if we told you there's a way to approach your ballet journey like a well-managed project?In this inspiring episode, Julie shares her proven strategies for making time for what we love most — ballet. Drawing from her experience organizing the International Adult Ballet Festival (IABF), she reveals practical insights that will transform how you manage your dance journey.Whether you're struggling to fit in regular classes or juggling other projects, Julie's structured approach will help you make the most of your time. Together, we'll explore ways to maintain momentum in times of doubt, frustration, or overwhelm and make sure we never give up on what we love so much.Join us for this practical yet uplifting episode that will help you dance more and stress less! ✨🩰

We are thrilled to welcome Sylvia, who studies at Tournesol Dance Studio with our recent guest Erica. After leaving track at 17, Sylvia discovered her passion for ballet and has since explored various styles, including modern, jazz, and tap dance.In this heartfelt conversation, Sylvia openly shares how she navigates social anxiety and autism, revealing how performing on stage has become an unexpected joy in her life.Tune in and be inspired by her deep love for dance and her adventurous spirit.Also, catch Sylvia performing as one of the witches in this year's “Nightmare Before Christmas”! ✨🩰

🩰 The Adult Pointe Journey: Expert Answers with JulieDreaming of dancing en pointe? This week, Julie demystifies the journey from first pre-pointe class to that magical moment of rising onto your toes.Drawing from years of teaching experience, Julie addresses your burning questions about adult pointe work. Discover why pre-pointe training includes both seated and standing exercises, understand the role of demi-pointe shoes, and find out about the unique challenges and the magic of starting pointe as an adult.Whether you're dreaming about your first pair of pointe shoes or already dancing en pointe, this episode offers clear, practical guidance specifically tailored for adult dancers. Julie's unique understanding of adult students' needs shines through as she shares expert insights to help you progress safely and confidently.Join us for this Q & A that will leave you both informed and inspired! 🩰✨Have questions about pointe work? Drop them in the comments below!

Welcome back to Broche Banter! In this compelling continuation of our conversation, we welcome back Erica Centola, Leigh Purtill, and Kelsay Maloney-Steiner, joined by fresh voices Jessica Maddox, Leigh Grant, Ashley Caranto Morford, and Elizabeth Blosfield for an honest discussion about ballet.Each passionate artistic director shares their unique views on preserving ballet's magic while challenging traditions and creating new stories.Get ready for an inspiring dialogue that questions the boundaries between classical and contemporary ballet and explores how to nurture their students' authenticity while creating engaging performances for today's audiences.Join the conversation and share your thoughts in the comments! 💭✨Ashley - @ashley_tenduingEizabeth - Adult Ballet Studio PodcastErica - @tournesoldance & @rochesteradultballetcompanyJessica - @facetdancecollectiveKelsey - @facetdancecollectiveLeigh - @cadenza.balletLeigh - @leighpurtillballetcompany

This week, we peek behind the curtain of tutu making with Lucy Simpson, who learned this intricate craft during Covid.We dive into the mysterious, enchanting world of hoops, layers, nets, and bodices, discovering why tutu makers use unexpected tools like fishing nets and forks in their creations.Lucy also lets us in on the secret life of a tutu in a professional ballet company—how each one is altered multiple times to fit different dancers’ bodies, has graced the stage, been soaked in sweat, and undergone cleanings over and over again.💫 👗 Tune in for this sparkly episode and discover the hidden artistry behind ballet's most iconic costume!Find Lucy on Instagram: @lucytutumakerPhoto Credit: Grace Owenwww.gracepictures.co.ukInstagram @‌gracepicturesuk

🦢Taking Flight: From Late Starter to Swan Lake 🦢Join us for this very special episode as Julie shares her incredible experience performing in Swan Lake with the corps de ballet of the Grand Ukrainian Ballet in Germany.As many of you know, Julie discovered ballet at 17, eventually making it her career. Imagine Julie’s surprise when her current teacher Katia invited her to perform Swan Lake in Germany a few weeks ago! Though initially filled with doubt, Julie took the leap.Listen as she candidly shares her journey of overcoming personal and logistical challenges - from flight anxiety and self-doubt, language barriers, and a surprise just minutes before going on stage: the fog machine, never used in rehearsals, obscured crucial position markers.Along the way, she offers heartfelt insights and practical advice for anyone seeking the courage to pursue their dreams.Julie's infectious enthusiasm shines through as she allows us to relive this magical experience with her. While she's known for her love of all things sparkly, it's Julie herself who brings the brightest sparkle to this inspirational story. 💫