Starting Ballet in Midlife

Tranquility du Jour

In this week’s edition of Tranquility du Jour, I chat with Julie Leung on:

1. Ballet Dreams in Midlife

Julie discusses how midlife women often reconnect with their childhood or lifelong dream of learning ballet. She emphasizes creating a supportive, judgment-free environment through her online program, allowing women to learn at home without the intimidation of traditional studios.

2. Overcoming Fear and Building Confidence

Julie shares how her own experiences with fear and vulnerability, such as starting singing lessons despite intense anxiety, inform her empathetic teaching approach. She highlights the importance of breaking down challenges and building confidence in manageable steps.

3. Translating Ballet Lessons Into Life Skills

Ballet is more than physical movement; it’s a way to confront fears, develop resilience, and embrace imperfection. Julie emphasizes how the lessons learned at the barre—like perseverance and focus—can extend into other areas of life, helping women tackle challenges with grace.

4. Tranquility Through Connection and Mindfulness

Julie finds tranquility in small, intentional moments, such as daily dog walks and mindful breaks. She encourages staying present, taking tasks one at a time, and finding joy in the process rather than perfection.

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Grab your journal, a cuppa tea, and settle in.

Our Guest: Julie Leung

Julie Leung (formerly Gill), founder of Broche Ballet, is a passionate advocate for adult ballet dancers, creating a vibrant community where dancers of all ages and skill levels can thrive. With over a decade of experience as a dancer and instructor, Julie combines her extensive background in the arts with her love for ballet to offer a range of online and in-person programs tailored to adult learners.

Starting ballet at 17, Julie defied the odds, finding her way onto the stage and earning a dance minor from Pace University. After running a successful studio in Denver, she transitioned to an online platform, providing access to full-length classes, private lessons, and personalized guidance for adult dancers around the world. Julie's commitment to performance culminated in the creation of the International Adult Ballet Festival, a groundbreaking event that offers adult dancers a platform to express themselves on stage.

A believer in the power of vulnerability, Julie empowers her students to embrace their passion for ballet, regardless of when they start, and encourages them to share their stories through performance. She is also dedicated to helping her students overcome personal challenges, from stage fright to physical limitations, offering a supportive and encouraging environment. Julie continues to innovate in the adult ballet space, expanding her offerings, such as her Beginner Pointe Program, Broche Magazine, Broche Banter Podcast, and nurturing a global community of ballet enthusiasts.

Julie lives with her shelter dogs Tina and Rosie, and loves early morning work sessions. You can find her sharing her expertise through her podcast, teaching ballet, or developing new projects to inspire and support dancers.

Find Our Guest

• @julietheballerina on Instagram and TikTok

• @brocheballet on YouTube, Instagram

• @iabf_adultballetfestival on Instagram

Mentioned in the Show

• Coterie: yearlong immersion to support women in finding more beauty and balance in midlife

• My interview on the Broche Ballet podcast

• Year of Tranquility digital course

• Join the Substack Private Collection for five monthly tranquility tools, my month in review with resources, and occasional extras for only $1.90/week ($99/year)

• All Tranquility du Jour offerings: work 1:1, salons, digital courses, and more

• La Vie Parisienne Digital Course: designed to transport you to the heart of Paris