What if you didn’t start ballet “on time”, but STILL made it professional?

In this inspiring interview, Raquel Beauchamp shares how she got her first pair of pointe shoes at 24 (!!!) and went on to perform professionally, land lead roles, and dance in productions like The Nutcracker.

From struggling with pirouettes to overcoming imposter syndrome, this is a real story about what it takes to break into the ballet world as an adult beginner.

In this weeks episode we talk about:

• How to start ballet later in life (and still go pro)
• What it really takes to improve your technique fast
• How to overcome comparison and imposter syndrome
• Why “getting in the room” matters more than being perfect
• The mindset shift that changed everything

Whether you’re just starting ballet, returning after years off, or chasing a big goal…this conversation will change how you think about your progress, talent, and timing.

Key takeaway? You don’t need to be ready, you just need to START!

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🩰 WANT TO JOIN ADULT BALLET ACADEMY?

Sign up for the waitlist here: https://www.veronicavacanza.com/aba

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🩰 STARTING LATE? Sign up for my FREE guide: The Late Bloomer's COMPLETE Guide to Your First Ballet Class (everything you need to know before, during & after no matter your age or where in the world you are) -

https://mailchi.mp/83da9815d472/late-...

🩰 LOVE ADULT BALLET?

The Slipper Edit is my virtual magazine that explores the intersection of dance & style. Each month we explore a different topic with moodboards, inspiring stories & more every Thursday. It's 100% free so sign up here:

https://mailchi.mp/3b9b39eb3c79/the-s...

🩰 LET'S STAY IN TOUCH ⇢ INSTAGRAM- https://www.instagram.com/veronicavacanza/

🩰 HOW CAN I CONTACT YOU DIRECTLY? ⇢ For business inquiries and all else, please contact me here: E-MAIL - hello@veronicavacanza.com

🩰 HI, I'M VERONICA VACANZA

Hi there! I'm Veronica, welcome to my beginner dance journey. When I was 17, I was told by a teacher that I would never be a ballerina. I let that thought control me for YEARS but now, in my late 20s, I moved to New York City and I'm finally starting ballet late. This is a space for me to document the ups and downs of learning how to do ballet in my now 30s and show the world that it's never too late to live your dreams.

A pigeon pooped in my eye.

And somehow my first thought was “Wow. I’m so lucky!”

In this video, I’m sharing two moments that completely changed how I see luck. From getting pooped on (LITERALLY) to almost getting hit by a car (SCARY!) and why the meaning you assign to things matters more than what actually happens.

In todays episode we talk about:

• Why luck isn’t as random as you think

• How your perception shapes your reality

• The difference between “good” and “bad” events

• How to reframe situations in real time

• Why you create your own luck through how you show up

Because the same situation can feel like a disaster… or a strange kind of gift.

If you’ve ever felt like life is just happening to you, this conversation might shift how you see everything.

🩰 STARTING LATE? Sign up for my FREE guide: The Late Bloomer's COMPLETE Guide to Your First Ballet Class (everything you need to know before, during & after no matter your age or where in the world you are) -

https://mailchi.mp/83da9815d472/late-...

🩰 LOVE ADULT BALLET?

The Slipper Edit is my virtual magazine that explores the intersection of dance & style. Each month we explore a different topic with moodboards, inspiring stories & more every Thursday. It's 100% free so sign up here:

https://mailchi.mp/3b9b39eb3c79/the-s...

🩰 LET'S STAY IN TOUCH ⇢ INSTAGRAM- https://www.instagram.com/veronicavacanza/

🩰 HOW CAN I CONTACT YOU DIRECTLY? ⇢ For business inquiries and all else, please contact me here: E-MAIL - hello@veronicavacanza.com

🩰 HI, I'M VERONICA VACANZA

Hi there! I'm Veronica, welcome to my beginner dance journey. When I was 17, I was told by a teacher that I would never be a ballerina. I let that thought control me for YEARS but now, in my late 20s, I moved to New York City and I'm finally starting ballet late. This is a space for me to document the ups and downs of learning how to do ballet in my now 30s and show the world that it's never too late to live your dreams.

#growthmindset#lifeadvice#selfimprovement#storytime

Some days you’re all in, other days you’re asking yourself… What’s the F**king Point?

Whether you’re pursuing ballet as an adult or trying to follow a dream that feels uncertain or even slightly delusional, this episode is for those days!

These are the books that helped me SHIFT my mindset and REBUILD motivation, when I felt stuck, discouraged and ready to quit.

We’re talking about powerful reads like Atomic Habits, The Obstacle Is the Way, and The Artist’s Way, plus a few that go deeper into mental health, relationships, and understanding your own beautiful self!

---> WATCH "How I Became an 'Unpaid Professional' Dancer" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k1dRcxeF_i4

---> WATCH Art Therapy Podcast about the Artist's Way https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yn89sy8LI_I&t=3235s

Books mentioned:

• Feeling Great - David Burns
• Why Does he do That? - Lundy Bancroft
• Mindset - Carol Dweck
• The Obstacle is the Way - Ryan Holiday
• Atomic Habits - James Clear
• The Artist’s Way - Julia Cameron
• The Let Them Theory - Mel Robbin’s
• Big Magic - Liz Gilbert
• Turning Pro - Steven Pressfield (E-BOOK)
• Spark - John J. Ratey

If you’re an aspiring ballerina, an adult beginner, or just someone trying to stay committed to a dream that doesn’t come with instant results, these books will support you through all the sleepless nights.

🎥 Watch WTFP on YouTube

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL89lzsALZuYEvobuqHwHPF2vUO3KOeyzN

🩰 STARTING LATE? Sign up for my FREE guide: The Late Bloomer's COMPLETE Guide to Your First Ballet Class (everything you need to know before, during & after no matter your age or where in the world you are) -

https://mailchi.mp/83da9815d472/late-...

🩰 LOVE ADULT BALLET?

The Slipper Edit is my virtual magazine that explores the intersection of dance & style. Each month we explore a different topic with moodboards, inspiring stories & more every Thursday. It's 100% free so sign up here:

https://mailchi.mp/3b9b39eb3c79/the-s...

🩰 LET'S STAY IN TOUCH ⇢ INSTAGRAM- https://www.instagram.com/veronicavacanza/

🩰 HOW CAN I CONTACT YOU DIRECTLY? ⇢ For business inquiries and all else, please contact me here: E-MAIL - hello@veronicavacanza.com

🩰 HI, I'M VERONICA VACANZA

Hi there! I'm Veronica, welcome to my beginner dance journey. When I was 17, I was told by a teacher that I would never be a ballerina. I let that thought control me for YEARS but now, in my late 20s, I moved to New York City and I'm finally starting ballet late. This is a space for me to document the ups and downs of learning how to do ballet in my now 30s and show the world that it's never too late to live your dreams.