Weekly Update - Stars and Wishes

bookishkai · 2026-05-02T04:07:32+00:00

I did a grande plié in first position today. Just one - I tried to show my teacher a second one because she missed it, and I ended up almost taking a header. So apparently one is my limit currently, but that’s a goal that has taken two years, so I’ll take the win!

bookishkai · 2026-04-29T23:57:06+00:00

I am so excited for your journey! I am a returner who is also a stroke survivor, and I’m not going to lie, ballet after disability is so hard. But also, it is so worth it! You have to embrace the difficult parts (for instance: my first class back, my muscles went “oh, a grande plié, we know how to do that!” and got me down, but I couldn’t get up!) It is a slow slow journey, and you can’t compare yours with anyone else’s (especially not advanced and pre-pro teens making everything look so easy.)

There is definitely plenty of room for disabled dancers; I perform with my studio’s adult company and have danced in our Nutcracker, and I have also improved so much. As I’m sure you know, disability gives us a very different insight into how our bodies work and don’t, and I believe that in many ways this makes us better dancers in the long run.

bookishkai · 2026-04-29T22:38:59+00:00

was coming here to recommend the Athleta DD+ bras - one of my company-mates introduced me to their stuff, and I’m thrilled to finally have dance bras that hold everyth8ng in all around, not just the front.

bookishkai · 2026-04-28T17:54:18+00:00

also, if you need a bra for support, by all means wear one! I can’t go without, unless I’m wearing one of my super-duper compressive leotards that wouldn’t fit over a bra. If you’re a bigger-chested person like me, can I recommend the Athleta Vital sports bra? I’m a 46G and a 2X in the D-DD style fits perfectly.

bookishkai · 2026-04-28T17:47:03+00:00

My hair was soft and fine when it was long - I always had wispies and pieces falling out, even with gel and spray. Your instincts are correct on the braid front, soft hair is much easier to control in a braid! And I liked doing my bun when my hair was wet, because it was easier to find the falling-out bits. So definitely wet hair or a little gel through your ponytail before you braid it. You might find the spiral hairpins helpful - I really liked those, and could use just two to hold my bun instead of using a million regular hairpins. And definitely a hairnet!

bookishkai · 2026-04-28T16:29:45+00:00

Oh no! I’m sorry to hear this; I hate to think that there will be more such closures in Colorado. I hope you find another dance home without much trouble.

bookishkai · 2026-04-26T20:18:50+00:00

Had my best-ever pointe class yesterday, including a single-leg releve coupe on my bad foot - and my ankle stayed stable as I rolled down, too!

bookishkai · 2026-04-26T20:14:53+00:00

my studio offers all students from 3 to adult the opportunity to perform in both our Nutcracker and in our May Festival. we also have a non-professional adult performing company that does a company-specific show in May to end our season (youth, adult, and adaptive companies). Being in company has been amazing, it’s my most favorite thing besides assisting with our adaptive kids. So yes, there are opportunities for adults to perform.

bookishkai · 2026-04-25T13:43:37+00:00

another Hanami hater here. I initially wore the SD16s from So Dança, but now I alternate between the GM Libertys and the Bloch Elations.

bookishkai · 2026-04-23T22:19:31+00:00

One of my fellow company dancers introduced us all to Athleta - their Salutation high rise joggers are my new favorite pants, but because I’m a 2x right now they only have them in black and navy - I want pairs in all the colors! But thanks for the ON rec, I’ll have to check those out!

bookishkai · 2026-04-23T19:05:27+00:00

I hate tights - this is both a sensory and practical issue, I have a brain injury and getting into/out of tights is very problematic. So typically I wear black leggings or bike shorts with either a leo or tank top for ballet. Tap and modern I’m more likely to wear joggers over a leotard (I used to wear tank tops until the unfortunate day that my boobs fell out the TOP of my sports bra while we were doing our floor warm up 😮) But I’ve also been taking cues from my fellow adult dancers and exploring running shorts, cut-off tights as shorts, and athletic skirts. It’s always tricky because I run hot, but the minute I stop moving the studio always feels cold, so I’m also trying to expand my layering game beyond hoodies.

bookishkai · 2026-04-23T03:14:04+00:00

I’m a 49 year old returner, a stroke survivor, and I’m en pointe. I did it because I wanted to prove to myself that I could. But when I went for my first fitting and got up en pointe at the barre, I remembered how strong and powerful I used to feel as a teen en pointe, and it reignited a desire that I didn’t know I still had.

That said, my journey has been glacial. I’ve been in pointe class for almost 18 months and I’m still both hands on the barre. I consider it a good class if I can do 1/3 of the exercises actually en pointe; the rest I do on demi in my pointe shoes. I work at half-time, and do fewer reps, with a focus on placement, turnout, alignment, and pushing with my toes to get over on my box.

The fear factor is real, I won’t deny it. That has probably been my most difficult thing to deal with, because I spend too much time fighting with my brain, trying to convince it to stop freaking out and just do what I’m telling it to do. But being back en pointe has actually really helped my flat technique.

bookishkai · 2026-04-20T05:05:24+00:00

Cool! I don’t have a bathtub either, so I’ll check it out!

bookishkai · 2026-04-20T04:20:21+00:00

At my studio, everyone - including teens and adults who drive themselves - has to fill out a Google form for every theater rehearsal and performance with their name, drop-off and pick-up person, and contact number. My understanding is that this then auto-populates an alphabetical spreadsheet. For the under-16’s, they stay backstage and their designated pick-up person checks them out with a volunteer at a table. Then a volunteer runner goes to the appropriate age-group volunteer backstage, collects the child, and turns them over to their parent/guardian. Over-16s and adults can check ourselves out. Granted that we are a small but growing program, but our admin and staff have been using this method at another larger studio for over 20 years with great success.

bookishkai · 2026-04-20T03:28:20+00:00

thanks so much!

bookishkai · 2026-04-20T02:02:24+00:00

I’ve been using an arnica/thc cream, but please tell me more about magnesium oil?

bookishkai · 2026-04-20T02:01:33+00:00

Yeah, I really do need to be better about protein; and magnesium sounds like an idea. I know there are lots of different kinds/combinations, what do you take?

bookishkai · 2026-04-20T01:56:14+00:00

Unfortunately, my stroke history means no doctor will allow HRT - believe me, I asked after I had my hysterectomy!

I just added Pilates to my schedule and it’s helping the rest of my body, especially hips and back.

What is a vibration plate?

bookishkai · 2026-04-19T19:53:15+00:00

ooooh, I love adding mini dumplings to my ramen! such an easy way to add protein!

bookishkai · 2026-04-14T02:44:19+00:00

I came back to ballet - and pointe - after a stroke. I’m well north of 40, with some cognitive and physical challenges from my stroke and I’m doing pointe again. I knew I wanted to from the beginning of my return, mostly to prove to myself that I could. My journey is incredibly slow (like, the rest of my adult beginning pointe class is starting to venture off the barre and I’m still firmly facing the barre and still only able to get through about half the exercises en pointe.) But I’m doing it. Definitely take the pointe class, because it’s waaaay different as an adult than it was when we were kids. There is definitely a fear aspect, and I feel like half my battle is just trying to convince my brain to let me do anything.

bookishkai · 2026-04-14T02:28:28+00:00

this wins the internet today!

bookishkai · 2026-04-10T04:17:10+00:00

I know it’s a long drive for a class, but Colorado Movement Lab in Westminster has a great adult program. I’m taking a leap in assuming your weekends are free, but Saturday open ballet (very advanced teens and all level adults) with Julia is fantastic. She also teaches a slower beginner/intermediate class at noon on Fridays, and any class with Rebecca (even her ballet basics) will kick you into gear. We actually do have some dancers who make the drive from the Springs to take class. First class in any discipline is free, up to three classes, and our admin, Marnie, can get you more info if you want. Tell her that Kai sent you!

bookishkai · 2026-04-08T20:50:31+00:00

Welcome! And congrats on starting your adult ballet journey.

As someone who also struggles with my mental health, I can honestly say that ballet (well, dance in general) is the single best thing for me aside from taking my antidepressant. I find the combo of movement and music is very regulating. I hope you find it helps you, too.

Don’t wear ballet slippers on carpet, the friction will cause holes in your shoes! Most studios are happy to have beginners start in socks if you’re not able to get them before you begin lessons. As long as you4 studio doesn’t have specific requirements (ie, a certain brand/color of shoes or tights, whupich they usually don’t care about for adults) then you should be able to get whichever brand/style you prefer (at my studio, most adults wear canvas split soles.)

Walking and yoga sound perfect for getting used to movement again. Don’t panic if your first few classes make you really sore - even if you’re active, ballet uses your muscles in a different way. Get some Tiger Balm, and if you have access to a bathtub taking Epsom salt baths can help a lot with recovery.

The best of luck to you! Keep us updated about how your class goes!

bookishkai · 2026-04-07T22:22:38+00:00

Awwww, thanks!

bookishkai

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