Mindset & Encouragement

I recently sat down with Kirsten Kemp, a high-performance mindset coach who works specifically with dancers, for one of my favorite conversations I've had on the podcast. We talked about the psychology behind perfectionism, why it's so common in adult dancers, and most importantly, what to do about it.

As adults, jealousy often turns inward into self-criticism, doubt, and comparison. And I think that's what makes it so unsettling, because often we’re genuinely happy for the other person at the same time...

To me, pas de deux has always felt like one of those parts of ballet that simply wasn’t meant for adults. Beautiful? Yes. Magical? Absolutely. But reserved for professionals and pre-professionals who started dancing when they were 5 years old. That’s honestly what I believed... Until I took a pas de deux workshop with Lester and Laurence of Pas De Deux Workshops & Coaching  a few months ago. I walked in to the studio excited and very nervous. I wasn’t sure if I was ready, if

In 2025, I read some truly incredible ballet books spanning fiction, memoirs, biographies, and educational reads. Many of these were read alongside my Instagram-based book club, The Bunhead Book Club , where we spent time savoring & discussing these ballet books together. (Shameless plug: A new session starts in January and we'd love to have you — email me at thebusybunhead@gmail.com for more details!) 😄 Each of these books made me feel inspired, understood, challenged, and

Feeling burnt out as the holidays approach? Discover seven simple, mindful ways to finish the year inspired — not exhausted — as an adult ballet dancer.

Adult ballet is rewarding, but it’s not always easy. If you’ve ever had a rough class, felt like you’re not improving, or cried on the drive home, you are not alone...

Too often in ballet, especially as adults, we fall into the trap of believing we need to reach a certain level of proficiency before we’re “allowed” to really enjoy class. But joy isn’t a reward for technical mastery — it’s a companion to it. In fact, enjoyment often accelerates learning. When you feel safe to delight in your own movement — no matter how wobbly the pirouette or floppy the port de bras — you show up with more generosity, curiosity, and openness. You learn bett

If you’ve ever stood at the barre wondering why you’re still doing this to yourself, this post is for you... As adult ballet dancers, we show up with full lives behind us: careers, families, responsibilities, and often a history of stopping and starting again. That’s what makes our journeys both beautiful and uniquely challenging. And yet, we often hold ourselves to near-impossible standards.

The thought of starting (or re-starting) ballet as an adult probably seems a little intimidating. If you're in your mid to late thirties like me (more late than mid, if I'm being honest 🙄) or older, you're probably wondering how your body will respond, what you'll realistically be able to achieve, and if any of it will be worth the trauma of standing in front of a mirror in a leotard and tights.... 🫣 I get it! But honestly, jumping back into ballet as an adult is one of the