Broche Banter | Adult ballet training, philosophy, & inspiration
Episodes
GUEST: Adult Pointe Shoe Fittings with Amy Kenney
28 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
All things pointe shoes this week! We are delighted to welcome pointe shoe fitter Amy Kenney to the show.Ever wondered what goes into finding your per...
GUEST: Vivian of Russian Ballet School - Breaking Barriers: Adult Ballet Reinvented in Toronto | Broche Banter Podcast Season 3 Episode 54
12 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
We are thrilled to talk with Vivian, who launched an adult ballet program at ‘The Russian Ballet School’ in Toronto, founded by her parents, Natal...
I saw myself on video and wanted to quit! Season 3 Episode 53
05 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
That sinking feeling when you see yourself in the mirror or on video? You're not alone.Also, what you're seeing isn't objective. It’s fi...
🦶Think on Your Feet: How to Move Faster in Ballet 🚀
28 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 ...
Is It Bad to Have Too Many Hobbies? Embracing your Many Passions | Broche Banter Sn 3 Ep 51
23 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Julie reveals how her diverse hobbies have helped her grow as a dancer and ballet teacher. While some dancers worry that pursuing oth...
Guest Episode: Dancing Through Life with Tara - A Journey of Resilience and Joy | Season 3 Episode 50
14 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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...
From Overwhelm to Progress: The Building Blocks of Ballet Progress | Season 3 Episode 49
07 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Feeling overwhelmed by the complexity of a full ballet class? You’re not alone! Each session is packed with thousands of micro-skills impossible to ...
Boost your Ballet Brain: How to Memorize Combinations | Broche Banter Season 3 Episode 48
31 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 t...
Blind Spots in Ballet .....What Adults Don’t Realize About Learning Ballet (Until They’re In It) | Season 3 Episode 47
24 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
👀 Uncovering Blind Spots: Hidden Challenges in Adult Ballet Learning 🩰Ever wonder what hidden patterns shape our ballet journey?This week, we un...
Guest Elizabeth Blosfield from Adult Ballet Studio Podcast | Dancing Forward & The Evolution of Ballet
10 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this uplifting episode, we dive into the inspiring journey of Elizabeth, passionate dancer and journalist whose love for ballet was sparked at age ...
Dance your story: How to choreograph your own piece
03 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Join us for an inspiring conversation with Grace, a passionate dancer and performer, as we dive into the art of choreography. Discover the magic of...
Guest Alexandra Kunis: From Black Swan to Motherhood to Adult Ballet | A Journey of Rediscovery
20 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this inspiring episode, we sit down with Alexandra, who began her ballet journey at a young age, fueled by exceptional teachers and unwavering supp...
Fueling Your Dance: From Stress to Ease 😣😌
13 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This week opens with Julie sharing exciting personal news 🤗🎉 before diving into her transformative journey from food anxiety to body awareness.L...
Your Ballet as Project: How to Stay Organized ✅
06 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 jo...
The Multiple Meanings of "Beginner": Unpacking a Complicated Word
29 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Ever notice how we use the word "beginner" to mean different things? In this episode, we break down 5 distinct ways it shows up in the balle...
From Track to Ballet: Sylvia’s Dance Journey
22 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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...
From Frustration to Flow: Rethinking Your Ballet Progress
15 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Julie shares her insights on progress in ballet, revealing how growth happens across four essential dimensions: physical, mental, emo...
Your Pointe Questions Answered with Julie
05 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
🩰 The Adult Pointe Journey: Expert Answers with JulieDreaming of dancing en pointe? This week, Julie demystifies the journey from first pre-pointe ...
Making it as an Adult Ballet Company Part 3 of 3: The Value of Amateur Dancers in Ballet
01 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Join us for the powerful conclusion to our three-part ballet series! We welcome back Leigh Purtill, Kelsay Maloney-Steiner, Jessica Maddox, and Ashley...
Making it as an Adult Ballet Company Part 2 of 3: Recreating the Classics or Creating New Works?
25 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Welcome back to Broche Banter! In this compelling continuation of our conversation, we welcome back Erica Centola, Leigh Purtill, and Kelsay Maloney-S...
Making it as an Adult Ballet Company Part 1 of 3: Building an Audience Beyond Friends & Family
18 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Julie welcomes four visionary artistic directors who founded their own dance companies to explore the evolution of adult ballet.Erica...
The Secret Life of Tutus: From Forks to Fabric with Lucy 🧵✂️ | Broche Banter Podcast Season 3 Ep 34
11 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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, enc...
Just Julie Q&A: Assessments for Adults in Ballet, Self-doubt, Performing & more with Julie
04 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
AMA with Julie - your ballet questions answered! 🩰In this episode, ballet teacher Julie pulls back the curtain on her personal journey while offeri...
My First Professional Swan Lake at age 34
27 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
🦢Taking Flight: From Late Starter to Swan Lake 🦢Join us for this very special episode as Julie shares her incredible experience performing in Sw...
Ballet Wisdom: Julie Answers Burning Questions
20 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This week, we hand the microphone to Samantha, a passionate ballerina who brings her most curious questions directly to Julie in a unique Q&A sess...
Spotlight Survival Guide: The performance and the Aftermath (Part 2)
13 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Welcome back to our empowering journey through performance anxiety. In this second episode, Julie and recurring guest Suzanne are diving into a deligh...
Taming Stage Fright: Mastering Pre-Show Jitters (Part 1)
06 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
We are thrilled to welcome back Suzanne, adult ballet dancer and entrepreneur, for a two-part exploration of how to conquer performance anxiety.Whethe...
Creativity, Business & Being Real: My Journey as an Entrepreneur
30 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
What does it really take to build a creative business from the ground up?In this episode, I’m sharing something special — a behind-the-scenes conv...
How to prepare for a summer intensive | Season 3 Episode 28
25 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
An intensive is an incredible opportunity to make life-long friends, leave your daily routine behind and immerse yourself in what you love most: balle...
My Pointe Journey: Banana Feet Misconceptions, 3d Printed Pointes Bedazzled Wedding Pointe Shoes
23 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
We are so excited to share this very special episode with you! This week, you asked, and Julie answered!Order your copy of Broche Magazine POINTE Edit...
The truth behind the hustle | Grace interviews Julie about building Broche
16 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This week on Broche Banter, we’re switching things up! Our very own Julie takes the guest seat as the wonderful Grace Owen, dancer, dance photograph...
From Programmer to Ballet Teacher - How I got Here
09 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This week, it's just us and Julie, the heart and soul of Broche Ballet!Julie’s journey is nothing short of inspiring. With no dance background b...
Ballet Advice for Adults Pursing Ballet | Your Ballet Questions, My Answers!
02 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of Broche Banter, it's just me—just me and YOUR questions! I’m diving into some of the most common challenges adult ballet dan...
Nutcracker for Adults: Kelsey speaks about the Facet Dance Collective Premiere Show!
23 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this inspiring episode, we’re excited to welcome back Kelsey Maloney-Steiner, co-founder of Facet Dance Collective.Their latest production, "...
Stage Dreams Come True: How Erica Builds Opportunities for Adult Dancers
16 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This week, we welcome back Erica for an inspiring conversation about her adult dance studios in Rochester, New York, where dancers of all levels—bal...
Dance Longer, Stronger, and Safer: Injury Prevention, Cross-Training, and Strength for Dancers
09 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This week, we’re excited to welcome Allie, a dancer-turned-coach with an inspiring story of resilience and discovery. Like many dancers, Allie once ...
Navigating Ballet Training as an Adult | Finding a Home at the Barre interview with Dennis
02 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This week, we sit down with Dennis to hear his inspiring journey into the ballet world. Starting from humble beginnings with YouTube videos, Dennis op...
Why do Adults Love Ballet So Much? Ballet Teachers Discuss?
05 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This week on Broche Banter, we’re thrilled to chat with Bianca Starr, who’s been dedicated to teaching adults since 2010—defying the naysayers w...
Professional Pianist Speaks: Follow your Passion
29 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Music takes center stage in this week’s episode as we welcome the talented Bruno Raco to the show! A professional musician from Italy with over 20 y...
Ballet is in her DNA! Tenacity, Obstacles and Nutcracker Dreams with Catie
22 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we delve into the inspiring story of Catie Wells, whose ballet journey is a testament to the power of tenacity and passion. Catie op...
Taking Up Space & being Unapologetically Yourself: Ballet, Body Image, and Embracing Your Worth
15 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
TW: Eating Disorders In this heartfelt episode, we’re joined by Grace—dancer, dance photographer, and advocate for self-compassion. Starting her ...
Unlock Your Confidence Through Dance with Tashina Beckmann-King
08 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this inspiring episode, we dive into the dynamic world of West Coast Swing with internationally renowned champion, coach, and performer Tashina Bec...
Find your True Personality and Rediscover Yourself with Anke
04 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this inspiring episode of Broche Banter, we dive into Anke’s incredible journey. Once a shy, quiet girl, she now shines on stage, inspiring oth...
Ballet in Midlife: Finding Balance and Beauty with Kimberly Wilson
24 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this inspiring episode, we are thrilled to welcome Kimberly Wilson, a two-time gold medalist at the International Adult Ballet Festival (IABF), psy...
Ballet Finds You When the Time Is Right | with Jennifer Kuroiwa
16 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this inspiring episode, we sit down with Jennifer Kuroiwa as she opens up about her journey through mental health challenges, insecurities, and fin...
Freedom en Pointe & Trusting Your Inner Voice with Kelsey Maloney-Steiner | Broche Banter Season 3 Episode 11
10 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this inspiring episode, we’re thrilled to welcome back Kelsey Maloney-Steiner from The Facet Dance Collective! Kelsey opens up about overcoming f...
Building a Ballet Community for Adult Dancers with Leigh Grant | Broche Banter Season 3 Episode 10
03 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this inspiring episode of Broche Banter, we're thrilled to welcome Leigh Grant, a passionate adult ballet teacher and choreographer who has built a...
Embracing Frustration with Artist Holly | Season 3 Episode 9
27 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
This week, we’re joined by Holly, a self-taught artist and dedicated adult ballet dancer, who’s currently training to go en pointe. Together, we d...
Finding Herself Again: How Ballet Helped Gabrielle Step Into Her Strength and Onto the Stage
20 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
We are delighted to chat with our guest Gabrielle Erickson, our Swan Queen from the International Adult Ballet Festival (IABF) 2024. In this inspiring...
Overcome Mental and Physical Barriers in Ballet with Rosy Pigott | Broche Banter - Season 3 Ep 7
12 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this week’s episode, Rosy Pigott shares valuable insights for adult dancers on building confidence and transforming mental barriers and ingrained...
Facet Dance Collective (Part 2): Opportunities for Adult Performers
05 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Kelsey and Jessica, founders of the new Facet Dance Collective in Arkansas, join me on Broche Banter to talk about their exciting new project, why the...
Facet Dance Collective (Part 1): Performing as an Adult with Kelsey and Jessica
04 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Kelsey and Jessica, founders of the new Facet Dance Collective in Arkansas, join me on Broche Banter to explore what performing means to us as adults....
Ballet Throughout Life - Ups, Downs, and Maintaining Motivation Through it All | Interview with Jessica Maddox
22 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this inspiring episode of Broche Banter, we chat with Jessica Maddox, the cover model of Broche Magazine Issue #2, about her lifelong journey in ba...
Dancewear for Adults, Self-Consciousness in Studio, and Starting Pointe as an Adult with Chelsea from Dianne Dancewear
13 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, I sit down with Chelsea from Dianne Dancewear to chat about all things dancewear for adults! We discuss the challenges of finding the...
Safe Practices for Adult Ballet Dancers with Veronica K, Personal Trainer & former PT Assistant + Pro Dancer
05 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we dive into safe practices for adult ballet dancers with special guest Veronica K, a certified personal trainer, former PT assistant...
Sn 3, Ep 1 - Susanne - Learning Ballet as an Adult & Self-compassion
29 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In today's episode, we chat with Susanne, a former yoga teacher and self-taught adult ballet dancer who brings wisdom, warmth, and kindness to our...
Facet #10 | Ballet for Life: The Long Game of Progress and Passion
22 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we dive into what it really takes to sustain a lifelong ballet practice. From finding the motivation to keeping up the discipline, de...
Facet #9 | Ballet Jumps for Adults - Broche Banter Podcast
25 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Learning jumps as an adult has a whole host of challenges, including building strength, coordination, power, and balance required to keep up in petite...
Facet #8 | Learning Pirouettes after Childhood
17 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Learning turns as an adult is a very different process than learning as a kid. Whether you're dreaming of your first turn or working up to multipl...
Facet #7 | Pointe for Adults
03 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
We dive into questions ranging from curious about pointe to serious about pointe for adults. Everything from how long it takes to go en pointe, what i...
Adult Ballet Facet #6 | Artistry and Self-Expression
20 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
What it is artistry? The je ne sais quoi of making something you can’t look away from. The magnetic presence of a performer; the expression, wearing...
Facet #5 | Mind and Focus
13 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Do you have trouble focusing in class? Remembering combinations? Forgetting your technique? This episode discusses this important part of ballet train...
Facet #4 | Becoming an Athlete - Getting Strong Fit and Flexible
06 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Cross-training & conditioning are such buzz words and I’m going to break them down a little bit for you how I see them and think about them. As ...
Facet #3 | Depth of Technique - The Invisible Key to Ballet
10 Aug 2021
Contributed by Lukas
If you’ve been dancing for a while and wonder why your pirouettes aren’t working yet, or why your petite allegro isn’t getting quicker, or why y...
Facet #2 | Breadth - Vocabulary, Grammar & Memorization
20 Jul 2021
Contributed by Lukas
This facet is the breadth of vocabulary in ballet and how we move our bodies from foot to foot across the floor and throughout space. Within this face...
Facet #1 | The Facet to Rule them All | Your Mind. Perfectionism, Motivation, Inner Critic, and Positive Thinking
06 Jul 2021
Contributed by Lukas
When we are training our bodies, we must also train our minds. In the journey to advancing in ballet, our mind needs to adapt and grow as much as our ...
How Adults Learn Ballet | Overview of the Facets of Ballet
29 Jun 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Today on the show, we're going to lay out all of the different facets of your ballet training: - Breadth, this is the dancing - The depth, this is the...
Challenges with How Adults Are Taught Ballet
22 Jun 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Today, let’s dive into how adults are currently taught ballet. We’ll talk about adult open programs, which are how many of us learn ballet, we’l...
Why ballet is amazing and everyone should do it
15 Jun 2021
Contributed by Lukas
A little preview of what to look forward to in the season, plus a strong message about the power of classical ballet to transform lives and why we sho...
Sneak Peek of Season 2 - Is it too late for me to learn ballet?
09 Mar 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Today, I’ll be giving you a sneak peek of season 2 of Broche Banter. Season 2 will be a little different format, and I’ll be directly addressing f...
Broche Banter #44 -- Julia | On similarities between skiing and ballet
02 Mar 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Today on the show, I chat with Julia, a ski instructor who recently began ballet as an adult. We talk a little bit about how she finally decided to p...
Broche Banter #43 -- India | On Floor Barre and Pro Ballet in France
23 Feb 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Today on the show, I chat with India, who’s a professional ballerina and Floor Barre instructor living in France. We talk about what Floor Barre is...
Broche Banter #42 -- Robin
16 Feb 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Today on the show, I chat with Robin. She danced a little when she was young, and then returned to it as an adult, even getting en pointe for the fi...
Broche Banter #41 -- Hannah @ Wonder of Ballet
09 Feb 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Today on the show, I chat with Hannah, the creator of the Wonder of Ballet blog for recreational dancers. We talk about so many topics, about how to ...
Broche Banter #40 -- Marieke | Meditation, Ego, and Adult Ballet Opportunities
02 Feb 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Today on the show, I chat with Marieke, who lives in the Netherlands and dances ballet. We talk about her winding journey as a ballet dancer, but als...
Broche Banter #39 -- Veronica K | On Safe Adult Ballet Training
26 Jan 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Today on the show, I chat with Veronica K, who runs an online ballet cross-training and injury prevention platform. We talk about a wide range of top...
Broche Banter #38 -- Kara | Is it too late to learn something new?
12 Jan 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Today on the show, I chat with Kara, a Celtic singer, and musician who also shares her love of traditional Celtic arts with her many adult students. S...
Broche Banter #37 -- Michelle
05 Jan 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Today, I chat with Mic, a long-time piano teacher and professional musician who recently started ballet. 2020 was a really hard year for musicians, b...
Broche Banter #36 -- Alyssa
22 Dec 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Today, I chat with Alyssa about her experiences finding her way back to ballet as an adult. She shares her love of dance and her winding journey to ...
Broche Banter #35 -- Madame Olga
15 Dec 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Today on the show, I chat with Madame Olga, a celebrity teacher in New York City and online on Instagram and her streaming service Madame Olga Televis...
Broche Banter #34 -- Harmony
08 Dec 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Today, I chat with Harmony, who recently achieved her goal of her first pair of pointe shoes before her upcoming 50th birthday! We talk about her ab...
Broche Banter #33 -- My 2020 Story: A Story of Gratitude, Loss, and Hope
01 Dec 2020
Contributed by Lukas
This podcast episode is a little different. Many of us are re-entering lockdowns, again feeling separated from our communities, and maybe even wonderi...
Broche Banter #32 --- Tom
17 Nov 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Today, I chat with Tom who lives across the pond in the UK. He’s always been fascinated with ballet, but only started dancing a few years ago. Bef...
Broche Banter #31 -- Patricia - Late to the Party Ballet
10 Nov 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Today, I chat with Patricia, the creator of Late to the Party Ballet blog and Instagram account. She started ballet 6 years ago, after doing ice hoc...
Broche Banter #30 -- Kat
03 Nov 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Today, I chat with Kat all the way from Tasmania in Australia. She started ballet just a few weeks before lockdown. She’s also a writer and an illu...
Broche Banter #29 -- Jamie
27 Oct 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Today, I chat with Jamie. She’s legally blind and despite only being able to see light, dark, shapes and colors, Jamie started ballet 3 years ago ...
Broche Banter #28 -- Danielle
20 Oct 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Today, I chat with Danielle in The Netherlands. After a magical experience watching a ballet performance as a child, she danced for several years in...
Broche Banter #27 -- Elizabeth from The Whole Pointe
13 Oct 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Today, on the show, I chat with Elizabeth from The Whole Pointe. We talk about her journey starting ballet at age 14 and getting her first professio...
Broche Banter #26 -- Kelsey
06 Oct 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Today, on the show, I chat with Kelsey. She started ballet during grad school after retiring from a competitive swimming career in high school and co...
Broche Banter #25 -- Jana from Ballerinas by Night
29 Sep 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Today on the show, Julie chats with Jana, who is one of the two fabulous Ballerinas by Night, a staple of the YouTube and social media world of adult ...
Broche Banter #24 -- Rosy
22 Sep 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Today, I chat with Rosy, a kind soul, private ballet coach for adults, and a professional dancer. Even though this was the first time we’ve met, we...
Broche Banter #23 -- Lucy
15 Sep 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Today on the show, I chat with Lucy all the way from Belgium. We talk about her experience moving all over as a child, and how she walked into her f...
Broche Banter #22 -- Solange
08 Sep 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Today on the show, Solange and I get philosophical. We hardly talk about ballet, but we talk about life, loss, perfectionism, what it means to be happ...
Broche Banter #21 -- Denise
01 Sep 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Today on the show, I chat with Denise. Ballet has been in her heart for decades, since the age of 6. Flat feet, pigeon toes, a stroke, a horseback rid...
Broche Banter #20 -- Lauren
25 Aug 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Today on the show, I chat with Lauren, who started ballet for the first time less than a year ago. She danced in a small local studio with little kids...
Broche Banter #19 -- Cody
18 Aug 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Today on the show, I interview Cody, one of the dancers who danced with us in our Denver studios. We talk about how ballet calms her mind, a little ...
Broche Banter #18 -- Mai
11 Aug 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Today on the show, Mai joins me all the way from Saudi Arabia to talk about her journey with ballet.
Broche Banter #17 -- Jessie
04 Aug 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Today on the show, I talk with Jessie, a dancer who started ballet for the first time ever as an adult, about 3 years ago. We talk about her absolute...
Broche Banter #16 -- Erin
28 Jul 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Today on the show, we have Erin, who formerly danced with us in Denver before moving to London about a year ago. We talk about her struggles with ball...
Broche Banter #15 -- Erica
21 Jul 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Today on the show, we have Erica, an adult ballerina who is opening her own broche-inspired adult ballet studio in Rochester New York. We get philosop...