Everything You Need for Recital This Year!
It may seem a long way off but the end of the school year is approaching! Many of us dancers are getting ready for our end of year recitals and shows! With so many things on our plate, it is easy to forget things, so we here at DWC made a little list so you are sure to have all your necessities for tech, dress, and shows!
By Emma Neilson, DWC Social Media Manager
It may seem a long way off but the end of the school year is approaching! Many of us dancers are getting ready for our end of year recitals and shows! With so many things on our plate, it is easy to forget things, so we here at DWC made a little list so you are sure to have all your necessities for tech, dress, and shows!
Pointe Shoes
If you haven’t already done so, now is the time to start thinking about your pointe shoe situation for shows! Some shoes take longer than others to arrive, so to make sure that you have what you need, we recommend coming in and getting a fitting or placing an order with us now! Don’t forget, we offer discounts on bulk orders!
3 pairs of pointe shoes is 10% off
4-5 pairs of pointe shoes is 15% off
6+ pairs of pointe shoes is 20% off!
Pointe Shoe Shellac and Jet Glue
To make sure your shoes will support you through all the extra dancing you’re doing during this season, we highly recommend checking out our new product- Pointe Shoe Shellac!
Costume/Tutu Bag/Bag in general
Need help transporting all your items? We have you covered! With little time to no time to run home and grab anything they may need dancers need to bring a bag large enough to carry all the items you'll need for the day so you can be prepared. At Dancewear Center, we have a wide selection of dance bags to choose from including this AK Backpack! And some of our favorites include the RP Duffle Bag, Capezio Everyday Dance Duffel, and RP Origami Bag. And don’t forget a tutu bag!
Leotards/Undergarments
You’ll also need to make sure you have all the necessary undergarments for whatever costumes you’re wearing. We have a wide variety from brands like Capezio and Eurotard, and have multiple shades to make sure it makes your skintone seamlessly!
Tights
Make sure you have your tights, and extras in case of emergencies! We offer tights in a wide variety of skin tones and styles!
And don’t forget the tights bulk discount: buy 2 pairs get the 3rd for 50% off!
Body Glue
Are you wearing costumes that like to slip and slide as you’re dancing? We have a solution!
Hair accessories
Make sure you have all the tools you need to make your hair look flawless for photos and the stage. Have you seen the new hair nets we have yet? Or this wonderful hair kit that packs everything you need?
Pointe Paint
Are you required to have your pointe shoes be a certain color? We have a hassle-free and mess-free solution! Pointe Paint by Pointe People!
DWC Competition and Convention Product Guide
At last, the gift-giving season is upon us! When it comes to shopping for holiday gifts, an unnecessary amount of stress can easily accrue. What do I get for them? What’s on-trend? Will they like it? Countless questions circle through our brains, making an activity that’s supposed to be festive feel a bit overwhelming. That’s why here at Dancewear Center, we’re making your life a bit easier by giving you our ultimate guide to holiday shopping for your favorite dancers! From stocking stuffers to affordable activewear to luxury leotards, DWC is your one-stop shop for holiday gifts this season. Read on to learn about our top picks that you can get for 30% off at our Small Business Saturday Sale, starting with the more affordable finds and leading into more upscale items.
By Madison Huizinga, DWC Blog Editor
Competition and convention season starting means that many dancers are going to be moving a lot more and getting the opportunity to train and compete in front of the most talented dancers and choreographers in the nation. How exciting! As with performances, feeling prepared for dance competitions and conventions can make the season feel a lot more sensational and a lot less stressful. Making sure you have your competition and convention schedule planned out, keeping warm in convention classes, staying organized, and wearing an outfit that makes you feel confident are all things dancers can do to feel a bit more secure during competitions and conventions. At Dancewear Center, we have the tools to set dancers up for success. Read on to learn about our competition and convention must-have items.
Claudia Dean World Sports Bra and Biker Shorts
As most all dancers know, when you're feeling confident, you're more likely to perform your best. One way to feel more confident while dancing is wearing dancewear that's appealing to your eye. And what's more appealing than this Claudia Dean World Sports Bra and Biker Shorts combo? Not to mention, wearing a monochromatic, matching ensemble like this one makes getting dressed for convention classes in the morning a breeze.
Zarely Ida Cross Back Top
A big part of feeling confident as a dancer is wearing dancewear that makes you feel comfortable and secure. The Zarely Ida Cross Back Top does just that! Providing a soft, comfortable fit with a highly stretchable fabric, the Ida Cross Back Top ensures that dancers feel supported so they can put all their focus on their dancing. The mesh detailing along the bottom of the top allows for breathability, even during heavy perspiration. This top is the perfect item to wear to convention classes!
click the image to shop!
Bloch Warm-Up Booties
While competition and convention season is an extremely active time for dancers, there are also many moments when dancers are waiting in between their competition performances and convention classes. During these times, it's critical that dancers keep their muscles warm in any way they can. Warm-up Booties are an excellent way to stay warm in between activities. They are thick and cushiony, providing great shock absorption for practicing jumps on hard surfaces. And they're often big enough for dancers to fit their pointe shoes in! The booties come in a variety of solid colors and printed designs at Dancewear Center.
click the image to shop!
Eurotard Ripstop Warm-Up Pants
In the similar vein of keeping warm, the Eurotard Rip Stop Pants are another excellent product for keeping your legs warm in between competition/convention activities. Also known as "trash bag pants," these ripstop pants are made from a fabric that effectively helps heat stay insulated to keep dancers warm and fashionable. The innovative pants contain an embossed design and deep pockets, making them multi-functional.
Garment Bag
Another invaluable item dancers must transport during competition season is costumes. There are few things more stressful than forgetting a piece of your costume at home. That's why carrying your costumes around in a garment bag is a must. Garment bags help keep costumes clean and the little zipper pockets in this Capezio one enables dancers to keep their hair pieces organized.
Dance Bags
click the image to shop!
During dance competitions and conventions, dancers are typically dancing and competing all day, with little time to no time to run home and grab anything they may need. That's why it's important to bring a bag large enough to bring all the items you'll need for the day so you can be prepared. At Dancewear Center, we have a wide selection of dance bags to choose from, some of our favorites include the RP Duffle Bag, Claudia Dean World Pro Bag, Capezio Everyday Dance Duffel, and RP Origami Bag.
Hair Products
It seems as though you can never have enough bobby pins on the day of a competition! Making sure your hair feels secure on competition and convention day can help you operate at your peak. DWC's got all of your hair needs covered, including hair elastics, hair ties, bun builders, and more.
click the image to shop!
Covet Dance's Dancer Problems Kit
The Dancer Problems Kit by Covet Dance is the perfect item to throw into your dance bag before a weekend of dancing and competing. This neatly sized pouch is filled with "solutions for everyday emergencies dancers face." In the event of a costume malfunction, the pouch has a "Mend It Sewing Kit," replete with needles, thread, buttons, snaps, tiny scissors, a safety pin, and more. The "Boo Boo Beads" is a heart-shaped hot/cold pack that molds itself to help sooth injuries. The "Nailed It" file and buffer can help smooth out toenails to prevent snags on tights. The "Blister RX" case is filled with bandages for blisters and cuts. "Lip Service" is vanilla lip balm, perfect to wear under lipstick. The "Hair Spray/Run Remedy" stops snags in tights and fixes hairdos. And finally, each kit comes with one hair coil and two hair ties because you never know when you may need them!
click the image to shop!
Water Bottle
What's more important than staying hydrated during a long weekend of training and competing? Dancewear Center has a wide range of water bottles for people to choose from, including the signature DWC "This Body Dances" Water Bottle, the adorable Capezio Ballerina Girl Water Bottle, the sporty Claudia Dean World Power Bottle, and more! And if you're the type of person who needs coffee before a long day of dancing, check out the Covet Dance "Coffee Before Choreo" Thermal Tumbler and the Covet Dance "The Body Says What Words Cannot" Thermal Tumbler.
Pointe Shoes
And of course, you can’t forget your pointe shoes! Be sure to get fit ahead of time and stock up on multiple pairs so you aren’t left with a dead pair of shoes in your most dire hour!
Staying prepared and organized is a key to success during competition and convention season. At Dancewear Center, we’ve got the products to help you perform at your top-level!
DWC's Best Nutcracker Gifts
Everyone’s favorite time of the year is finally upon us: Nutcracker season! Around the Seattle area, hundreds of dancers are preparing for their annual performances of The Nutcracker, getting ready to entertain audiences of all sizes and make unforgettable memories. To get in the spirit, we’ve put together a list of our favorite Nutcracker-themed products being sold at Dancewear Center. From fun scrunchies and storybooks, to ornate leotards and ornaments, any of the items on this list would make superb holiday or performance gifts for your favorite Nutcracker performers.
By Madison Huizinga, DWC Blog Editor
Everyone’s favorite time of the year is finally upon us: Nutcracker season! Around the Seattle area, hundreds of dancers are preparing for their annual performances of The Nutcracker, getting ready to entertain audiences of all sizes and make unforgettable memories. To get in the spirit, we’ve put together a list of our favorite Nutcracker-themed products being sold at Dancewear Center. From fun scrunchies and storybooks, to ornate leotards and ornaments, any of the items on this list would make superb holiday or performance gifts for your favorite Nutcracker performers.
Motionwear Nutcracker Hoodies, Crewnecks, and Tank Tops
During the winter months, it’s even more crucial for dancers to bundle up and stay warm when they train and rehearse. Fortunately, Motionwear has dancers covered with their line of Nutcracker hoodies, crewnecks, and tank tops. Check out the preppy “Nutcracker Academy”crewneck, spirited “Was it a dream” tank, laid-back “Nutcracker on Duty” hoodie, and more at Dancewear Center.
Dance de Paris Nutcracker Sweet Leotard
The “Nutcracker Sweet” line by Dance de Paris features products adorned with a celebratory Nutcracker print, displaying characters from the production, like Clara, The Nutcracker Prince, and the Rat King. This woman-owned business has the “sweetest” leotards for the holiday season.
Ainsliewear Mesh Shoe Bag with Snow Nutcracker Print
Woman-owned dancewear company Ainsiliewear is known for producing high-quality products with elegant and fashion-foward designs. Their line of Nutcracker products certainly keeps with this theme. Ainsliewear’s “Snow Nutcracker” print depicts the iconic “Snow” scene in The Nutcracker, featuring dazzling “snowflake” ballerinas twirling throughout the sky with wrapped presents. Check out this print on the mesh shoe bags at Dancewear Center.
Covet Dance Nutcracker’s Back Tote
With an increased number of rehearsals and performances during Nutcracker season, dancers will need to carry many items with them to rehearsals and shows. This punny tote should give you and the entire cast a good chuckle. It's great for rehearsals and for dragging along your dance gear, laptop, tablet, etc. as you shuffle back and forth to rehearsals and the studio during Nutcracker season. From woman-owned dancewear brand, Covet, it’s a perfect holiday or pre-performance gift for your favorite dancer.
“Nutcracker Dancing Shapes” Book from Once Upon a Dance
Local small business Once Upon a Dance produces educational and entertaining dance and movement books for children of a range of ages. The brand is especially known for its “Dancing Shapes” books, which outline different dance poses for children to learn and follow. The “Nutcracker Dancing Shapes” book adds a festive spin on the series, providing readers with twenty-five different Nutcracker roles to follow.
“The Nutcracker Practice and Play Book” by Russian Pointe
One of the most endearing and exciting parts of The Nutcracker is the story itself. Who doesn’t want to follow Clara’s journey as she ventures through an enchanted, snowy forest and the Land of Sweets? “The Nutcracker Practice and Play Book” from Russian Pointe is the perfect gift for a youngster who enjoys ballet and allows for yet another fun and stimulating way to engage with the iconic plotline.
Cloud & Victory “Winter is Coming” T-Shirt
Cloud and Victory is a small, woman-owned business known for its charming and stylish graphic T-shirts, leotards, and other dancewear products and accessories. The brand’s “Winter is Coming” T-shirt is the perfect gift for a dancer who loves Game of Thrones, as it depicts characters from the fantasy series as characters in The Nutcracker.
The Nutcracker has become an important part of how many families celebrate the holiday season. Commemorate its significance with some of DWC’s favorite Nutcracker products - whether it’s gifting them to others or yourself, they're sure to add a pinch of magic to your dancing and holiday experience.
How To Tie Ballet Flats
Ballet shoes come in many different shapes and sizes. Some can be black, pink, or white and have strings or no strings, but for shoes with strings, it is important to know how to tie them for classes. DWC Staff Member Emma Neilson is here to help give you some tips and tricks on how to tie your strings properly! Read on to learn more!
By Emma Neilson, DWC Social Media Manager & Pointe Fitter
Ballet shoes come in many different shapes and sizes. Some can be black, pink, or white and have strings or no strings, but for shoes with strings, it is important to know how to tie them for classes. DWC Staff Member Emma Neilson is here to help give you some tips and tricks on how to tie your strings properly! Read on to learn more!
Materials needed:
Ballet flats with strings
Tape
To start, put the shoe onto your foot and pull the drawstring so the extra fabric around the shoe is flat against your skin.
Once the drawstring is pulled, tie the two elastic pieces into a bow.
Take off the shoe and get a small piece of tape.
Grab the ends of the bow, pull them together, and put the tape around the strings.
Tuck the strings into the front of the shoe and push the tape down on the front inside of the shoe.
Try on the shoe and make sure that the tape doesn’t fall off. If needed, use more tape!
We hope that these steps can help you if you need to tie your ballet flats. Each teacher is different so be sure that you find out what they would like first before cutting or tying your shoes! Be sure to watch the full video for a visual step-by-step on how to tie your shoes!
Disclaimer
All content found on the Dancewear Center Website, Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest, and all other relevant social media platforms including: text, images, audio, or other formats were created for informational purposes only. Offerings for continuing education credits are clearly identified and the appropriate target audience is identified. The Content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this Website.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor, go to the emergency department, or call 911 immediately. Dancewear Center does not recommend or endorse any specific tests, physicians, products, procedures, opinions, or other information that may be mentioned on dancewearcenter.net. Reliance on any information provided by dancewearcenter.net, Dancewear Center employees, contracted writers, or medical professionals presenting content for publication to Dancewear Center is solely at your own risk.
Links to educational content not created by Dancewear Center are taken at your own risk. Dancewear Center is not responsible for the claims of external websites and education companies.
What's In Your Dance Bag?
Everyone knows as dancers that our dance bag is a sacred place. It holds all of our stinky shoes after dancing for hours on end and seems to be an abyss for endless amounts of bobby pins. With each new dance season, new goodies are needed to last the dance season which can add up quickly. We asked some of our DWC Ambassadors what was in their dance bag to give a special look into their go-tos and their necessities they need for classes! Read on to learn more about what is in their dance bags!
By The DWC Ambassadors
Everyone knows as dancers that our dance bag is a sacred place. It holds all of our stinky shoes after dancing for hours on end and seems to be an abyss for endless amounts of bobby pins. With each new dance season, new goodies are needed to last the dance season which can add up quickly. We asked some of our DWC Ambassadors what was in their dance bag to give a special look into their go-tos and their necessities they need for classes! Read on to learn more about what is in their dance bags!
Caroline
Hair bands or claw clip
Water bottle
Snacks (fired mango or granola bar bc I am always hungry!)
Sweatshirt or long sleeve to wear for warmups
Kindle and computer if I have some downtime
Native deodorant
Apple Watch
Marika
Band aids, hand sanitizer, makeup wipes
Sticker pouch
Hair ties
Planner
Movement cards
Knee pads
Colored room lights
I always carry a snack :) (Not shown)
Alaina
In my dance bag I try to keep only the essentials, so I can have a clean and organized bag. I also keep my pointe shoes and flat ballet shoes with me. I currently love the SoDanca ballet flat shoes, and the Mirella whisper pointe shoes. I keep all of my pointe essentials in my Dancewear Center mini zip bag. My favorite toe pads are from Bunheads. 2nd Skin Squares are my favorite for blisters so I always keep them on hand. I also keep blister bandaids and other types of tape with me for injuries and injury prevention. Biofreeze and Tiger Balm are two of my absolute essential items. There is also a mini Thera gun I keep in my bag for post class muscle recovery. Finally I like to keep a few snacks that are high in sugar and easy to digest for quick in between class energy boosts.
Vania
My dance bag (BACKPACK) varies based on whether I am taking class, teaching, choreographing, or working on a show. But in general, I like to make sure that I have jazz and ballet options. In addition, it is important to have a few things that help stretch, strengthen and release my body. When I looked in my dance bag, the first thing I saw was my black Dancewear Center pouch with TheraBands inside. :-) I also like to keep my Foot Rubz or Pinkie ball close by to help release my feet. And my ankle supports are a must have for heavy rehearsal times. When I travel, I like to take at least one of my yoga toes to increase circulation to my extra tight feet. :-) Last but not least, these days I need my computer for business and music editing. So, I carry it along with a portable speaker and a notebook/pencil.
Dancewear Center pouch - TheraBands, therapy balls for my feet and legs
Jazz shoes (regular and with a little heel sometimes for teaching)
Ankle braces/Knee brace
Yoga toes
My computer
The latest flyer for any events I am working on
Portable speaker and notebook - not shown
We hope you enjoyed finding out what is in our DWC Ambassadors dance bags! Shop for these necessities in store or online!
Disclaimer
All content found on the Dancewear Center Website, Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest, and all other relevant social media platforms including: text, images, audio, or other formats were created for informational purposes only. Offerings for continuing education credits are clearly identified and the appropriate target audience is identified. The Content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this Website.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor, go to the emergency department, or call 911 immediately. Dancewear Center does not recommend or endorse any specific tests, physicians, products, procedures, opinions, or other information that may be mentioned on dancewearcenter.net. Reliance on any information provided by dancewearcenter.net, Dancewear Center employees, contracted writers, or medical professionals presenting content for publication to Dancewear Center is solely at your own risk.
Links to educational content not created by Dancewear Center are taken at your own risk. Dancewear Center is not responsible for the claims of external websites and education companies.
Everything You Need For Your First Ballet Class!
Are you or your little one getting ready for their very first ballet class? Follow along with DWC Fitter, Emma, as she guides you through everything you need to be ready for a ballet class!
By Emma Neilson, DWC Social Media Manager & Pointe Fitter
Are you or your little one getting ready for their very first ballet class? Follow along with DWC Fitter, Emma, as she guides you through everything you need to be ready for a ballet class!
Ballet Flats
Ballet shoes come in many varieties! There are leather and canvas, with or without drawstrings. Some people prefer the feel of leather, while others like that canvas can stretch. Often your studio will specify which they prefer so be sure to check what is required and then come in to Dancewear Center to try some on!
Transition Tights
Tights also have many varieties, often the go-to tights are transition or convertible tights, which allow you to roll them up off of your feet for before and after class. Check with your studio for color and style guidelines!
Leotards
Leotards are essential in ballet. They allow dancers to move freely and securely. And they are the best thing to wear so teachers can give adequate corrections to students. Colors vary by studio guidelines, feel free to try some on in one of our stores!
Skirts
Skirts are a classic ballet accessory that goes over your leotard. Be sure to check on styles and colors from your studio!
Dresses
Some studios require that younger dancers wear dresses instead of leotards to prevent fiddling with skirts. We have a variety of options and colors to try on!
Disclaimer
All content found on the Dancewear Center Website, Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest, and all other relevant social media platforms including: text, images, audio, or other formats were created for informational purposes only. Offerings for continuing education credits are clearly identified and the appropriate target audience is identified. The Content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this Website.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor, go to the emergency department, or call 911 immediately. Dancewear Center does not recommend or endorse any specific tests, physicians, products, procedures, opinions, or other information that may be mentioned on dancewearcenter.net. Reliance on any information provided by dancewearcenter.net, Dancewear Center employees, contracted writers, or medical professionals presenting content for publication to Dancewear Center is solely at your own risk.
Links to educational content not created by Dancewear Center are taken at your own risk. Dancewear Center is not responsible for the claims of external websites and education companies.
DWC Recovery Product Guide
After getting back into dance following a break, it’s typical for your body to need a little extra TLC (see Physical Therapist Colleen Bickel’s article on tips for physically returning to dance). Not to mention, many dancers are also gearing up for competition and convention season, which is always physically demanding. Taking time to rest and recover is often just as important as the dance training itself. This means rolling out and resting your sore muscles but also setting aside time to pamper yourself to feel mentally refreshed. Check out this list of our favorite recovery products at Dancewear Center to help provide yourself with some needed restoration in the coming dance year.
By Madison Huizinga, DWC Blog Editor
As dancers are coming back from summer intensives/vacation and preparing for the new dance year, it is vital that we as dancers take care of our bodies properly. After getting back into dance following a break, it’s typical for your body to need a little extra TLC (see Physical Therapist Colleen Bickel’s article on tips for physically returning to dance). Taking time to rest and recover is often just as important as the dance training itself. This means rolling out and resting your sore muscles but also setting aside time to pamper yourself to feel mentally refreshed. Check out this list of our favorite recovery products at Dancewear Center to help provide yourself with some needed restoration in the coming dance year.
Bloch Resistance Bands
Using latex material, this resistance band is perfect for dancers recovering from an injury or for young dancers preparing for their pointe shoes. This product comes in three different colors that indicate different weights, mint green is light, teal blue is medium and royal blue is heavy. The weights can determine which band is best for your recovery process and can target specific areas that are in need of strengthening. Shop for this product in-store or online here!
Flexistretcher
The Flexistretcher is leading the dance world as one of the top training tools for strength and flexibility. Using elastic resistance technology, this product effectively and safely improves flexibility and strength by strengthening the muscles as you stretch. The loops are fully adjustable to fit all bodies and have rubber stoppers that allow the loop to always stay in place without falling off. Be sure to find this product in-store or online! Be sure to check out our How To Videos on the Flexistretcher as well!
Footsie Roller
Do you have tension in your feet that just won’t go away? The Footsie Roller is just the product for you! This roller is designed to relieve tension in the arches of the feet from long rehearsals or sudden injury. Being made of wood and silicone allow for the roller to alleviate knots and tiredness in the feet instantly. Lightweight and durable, this product is easy to throw in your dance bag and carry around wherever you need it!
Apolla Performance
Apolla Performance products are known to be top-notch for dancers around the country for recovery and performance use. Recently featured on Shark Tank, Apolla’s compression socks and legwarmers leave dancers’ feet and legs feeling and looking great. Apolla Performance products use shock absorption technology to help comfort the balls of the feet and squeeze the arch of the foot for maximum comfort and support in any style of dance. The Amp Shock, Performance Shock, Infinite Shock, and the K-Warmer are perfect to help dancers’ feet recover and get prepped for the new dance season! Be sure to check out our How To Video on using traction spray with Apollas!
FLX Infinity Ball
Unlike your regular tennis ball, the FLX Infinity Ball is strategically designed for dancers that need to roll out their sore muscles. While this product is small, it packs a lot of power and is built to handle intense pressure to ensure that knots and soreness in muscles are alleviated. The contoured shape is perfect to get a targeted deep-tissue massage to diminish pain and restore mobility. DWC carries this product in two different colors so be sure to get one in-store or online!
Tiger Balm
Tiger balm is a topical ointment that is aimed to help relieve sore muscles for dancers and hurt areas on the dancer’s body. This product is perfect for use after a rough class or rehearsal where the body needs a little love. You can keep this product in your dance bag for easy access after classes that leave muscles feeling sore. Shop for this product in-store at either Dancewear Center location!
We hope this Recovery Guide can help make the recovery process a little easier!
Disclaimer
All content found on the Dancewear Center Website, Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest, and all other relevant social media platforms including: text, images, audio, or other formats were created for informational purposes only. Offerings for continuing education credits are clearly identified and the appropriate target audience is identified. The Content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this Website.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor, go to the emergency department, or call 911 immediately. Dancewear Center does not recommend or endorse any specific tests, physicians, products, procedures, opinions, or other information that may be mentioned on dancewearcenter.net. Reliance on any information provided by dancewearcenter.net, Dancewear Center employees, contracted writers, or medical professionals presenting content for publication to Dancewear Center is solely at your own risk.
Links to educational content not created by Dancewear Center are taken at your own risk. Dancewear Center is not responsible for the claims of external websites and education companies.
A DWC Back-to-School Shopping Guide
Just like that: back-to-school season is upon us! And as the summer winds to a close and students start stocking their pencil cases, that also means back to dance season is upon us. Back to dance season often calls for a trip to the dancewear store, as young kids grow out of their old leotards, and older dancers wear out their favorite dancing shoes. As always, Dancewear Center strives to set all dancers up for success year-round, and the back-to-school season is no exception. Here are some of our back-to-dance season must-haves!
Our Must-Have Picks For Fall
By Madison Huizinga & Nicole Barrett, DWC Blog Editor
Just like that: back-to-school season is upon us! And as the summer winds to a close and students start stocking their pencil cases, that also means back to dance season is upon us. Back to dance season often calls for a trip to the dancewear store, as young kids grow out of their old leotards, and older dancers wear out their favorite dancing shoes. As always, Dancewear Center strives to set all dancers up for success year-round, and the back-to-school season is no exception. Here are some of our back-to-dance season must-haves!
Basic Leotards
We love our fashion leotards just as much as the next dancer here at DWC. At the same time, we know that some dress codes are a bit more specific about what they expect students to wear. That’s why we’ve got our local community covered, offering leotards in camisole styles, tank styles, cap sleeves, long sleeves, and more in a variety of colors for both children and adults. We also offer a selection of basics for men, including leotards and dance shirts.
Tights
As a dancer, tights are an item I simply cannot have enough of. Having extra tights on hand is not only helpful in case of emergencies at performances and competitions, but also during a hefty class and rehearsal load each week. At DWC, we have an abundance of classic transition tights, perfect for the busy ballerina. We also carry footed tights, footless tights, fishnets, and men’s tights, so there is an option for whichever genre you’re exploring.
Hanami Stretch Canvas Ballet Shoe
For those taking ballet classes, having a trustworthy pair of ballet slippers is of the utmost importance. Of all the fabulous ballet slippers Dancewear Center carries, the ones I swear by are the Hanami Stretch Canvas Ballet Shoes by Capezio. With its soft canvas fabric, this ballet slipper stretches around the foot and holds it firmly, similar to a sock. The split sole of the ballet shoe allows for a seamless line when pointing the foot, and the no-drawstring design makes it completely hassle-free. This ballet slipper simply cannot be recommended enough!
Warm-Ups
As the temperatures outside begin cooling down and dancers have more and more downtime in between classes and rehearsals, it’s important that they wear clothes that keep their muscles warm when they are resting. A wrap sweater is a classic option for bunheads, whereas the Dancewear Center hoodie is sure to keep you warm in the studio and at home. As far as pants go, the Eurotard Ripstop Warm-Up Pants are sure to keep dancers’ muscles insulated with heat, and the Claudia Dean World Tracksuit Pants are the perfect option for staying cozy.
Dance Bags
Back-to-school season is also the perfect time for dancers to try out a new dance bag to carry all their new goodies for the dance season ahead. The AK Multi-Purpose Backpack by AK Dancewear has all the features a dancer needs, including numerous pockets, an air-ventilated shoe compartment at the bottom of the bag, a padded zipper compartment for electronic devices, and a separate wet zipper pocket for temporary sweaty gear. The Claudia Dean World Pro Bag by Claudia Dean World similarly has an abundance of storage space, and insulation, and is complete with adorable rose gold detailing. Or this stylish RP Origami bag!
Tiger Balm
Tiger balm is a topical ointment that is aimed to help relieve sore muscles for dancers and hurt areas on the dancer’s body. This product is perfect for use after a rough class or rehearsal where the body needs a little love. You can keep this product in your dance bag for easy access after summer classes that leave muscles feeling sore. Shop for this product in store at either Dancewear Center location!
Capezio Ballerina Girl Water Bottle
Coming back to dance after a break requires dancers to make sure that they are keeping hydrated. The Capezio Ballerina Girl Water Bottle is perfect for this! This stainless steel water bottle is lightweight and small so it is perfect to travel with and includes a convenient clip on the lid to attach to your favorite dance bag. Be sure to stay hydrated dancers!
Hair Supplies
Every dancer knows the struggle of reaching into their dance bag, looking for the right materials to make the perfect bun and finding…nothing. All of the hair ties, bobby pins and hair nets fall deep into the abyss that is the dance bag. So, in order to be prepared for the inevitable, extra hair ties, hair nets and bobby pins are a must to get through the rough first classes back. DWC has all of your needs covered with different styles and brands to choose from in store or online!
The Flexistretcher
As you are coming back from the off-season you may have lost a little flexibility. Nothing to worry about! The Flexistretcher is designed for dancers to build flexibility safely and in control. With adjustable straps and padded brace, it will help you build your flexibility back and gain even more range than before! DWC also has you covered with how to videos to get you started with your Flexistretcher!
Disclaimer
All content found on the Dancewear Center Website, Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest, and all other relevant social media platforms including: text, images, audio, or other formats were created for informational purposes only. Offerings for continuing education credits are clearly identified and the appropriate target audience is identified. The Content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this Website.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor, go to the emergency department, or call 911 immediately. Dancewear Center does not recommend or endorse any specific tests, physicians, products, procedures, opinions, or other information that may be mentioned on dancewearcenter.net. Reliance on any information provided by dancewearcenter.net, Dancewear Center employees, contracted writers, or medical professionals presenting content for publication to Dancewear Center is solely at your own risk.
Links to educational content not created by Dancewear Center are taken at your own risk. Dancewear Center is not responsible for the claims of external websites and education companies.
Tips For Preparing Your Pointe Shoes for Summer Ballet Intensives
An exciting summer of dancing is in store for many dancers this year with summer ballet intensives right around the corner. Intensives are a great way to challenge oneself, try new skills, meet new people, and experience different ballet styles. They are also called “intensives” for a reason, as dancers are typically dancing hours a day for weeks on end, sometimes in different states. At Dancewear Center, we want to make sure our customers are prepared for an exciting summer of dancing by providing them with the tips and supplies they need to be successful.
By Madison Huizinga, DWC Blog Editor
Photo by Elena Kloppenburg from Unsplash
An exciting summer of dancing is in store for many dancers this year with summer ballet intensives right around the corner. Intensives are a great way to challenge oneself, try new skills, meet new people, and experience different ballet styles. They are also called “intensives” for a reason, as dancers are typically dancing hours a day for weeks on end, sometimes in different states. At Dancewear Center, we want to make sure our customers are prepared for an exciting summer of dancing by providing them with the tips and supplies they need to be successful.
An important part of preparing for summer ballet intensives is making sure your pointe shoes are prepared for long hours of dancing. Pointe shoes only last about 10-20 dancing hours on average. It’s helpful for dancers to take steps to prolong the life of their shoes, as dancing in dead shoes can have adverse effects on foot and ankle health. For instance, dancing in dead pointe shoes with little support overloads dancers’ joints and can change their center of gravity, which can make force unevenly distributed and excessively load the front of dancers’ feet. This can put dancers’ feet and ankles at risk for stress fractures, bunions, and more harmful injuries in the long run. See: “The Dangers of Dancing on Dead Pointe Shoes” by Dance Magazine
So, how can dancers prolong the life of their pointe shoes to prepare for upcoming summer ballet intensives?
Rotate Multiple Pairs of Shoes
Firstly, dancers can rotate their pointe shoes to keep them lasting longer. To do this, dancers can purchase multiple pairs of their pointe shoes, sew them, and alternate the ones they wear each day. It’s helpful to take into account the average lifespan of a pointe shoe (10-20 dancing hours) when determining how many pointe shoes one should bring to a summer ballet intensive.
Prepare for the Environment
Secondly, take into account the location where your summer ballet intensive will be held. In more humid environments, pointe shoes tend to die at faster rates. Considering pointe shoes are essentially made of layers of paper/cardboard and paste, exposing them to hot environments with high levels of moisture in the air will cause them to deteriorate quicker. So, if your summer intensive is located in some of the hotter and more humid areas of the United States, like Florida, Louisiana, or Hawaii, you may want to consider bringing along more pairs of pointe shoes to rotate throughout the intensive.
Photo by Michael Afonso from Unsplash
Dry Out Your Shoes
In addition, it’s helpful to dry out your pointe shoes when you’re not dancing in them to help slow their deterioration. One of the best ways to do this is not to leave your worn pointe shoes in your dance bag after class when you’re not wearing them. This creates a “sauna effect,” exposing your shoes to a stuffy, humid environment that can cause them to break down faster. When you’re not wearing your pointe shoes, take them out of your dance bag, don’t fold them inside one another, and lay them out to dry (it can take pointe shoes 48-72 hours to fully dry out!). When transporting pointe shoes to the studio, putting them in a mesh bag can help them aerate and keep them out of direct sunlight to prevent further deterioration. It’s also important to not leave pointe shoes in a car or any other environment that isn’t climate controlled.
Strategically Use Reinforcing Agents
There are some products you can purchase alongside your pointe shoes that will help extend their shelf life: one of which is Jet Glue. Where to apply Jet Glue varies slightly among dancers; however, the most common placement is on the outside and inside of the shoe’s shank, covering 1.5-2 inches where the arch breaks. Some dancers also put it on either side of the shank and in the box of their shoes. Before applying Jet Glue to your pointe shoes, we recommend consulting with a DWC fitter to see how you can best apply it to maximize the shoe’s support and integrity for your unique needs.
Schedule a Pointe Shoe Fitting
It’s especially important for dancers to touch base with a fitter before and/or during their summer intensives to ensure that they’re taking the best possible pointe shoes and products with them to help them feel supported. To prep for intensives, DWC fitters will ask dancers where their intensives are taking place, how their current shoes are breaking down, whether the intensive is requiring certain pointe shoes, how many pairs of shoes the dancer should bring, and more. DWC fitters can also help evaluate how dancers’ shoes are breaking down, recommend where to apply reinforcement agents like Jet Glue, and make sewing suggestions to help maximize the pointe shoe’s performance. Dancers can also discuss what their intensive workload will look like so fitters can potentially recommend different shoes for different activities, as some loads might require shoes with a harder or softer shank, for example.
Importantly, due to unfavorable supply chain circumstances, stock in some pointe shoe styles is limited. That’s why we recommend that dancers have backup options to assure they have shoes to take with them to the intensives.
Photo by Bruno Horwath from Unsplash
Schedule an Injury Risk Prevention Appointment with a Dance Medicine Specialist
Finally, it’s important that dancers are aware of any potential injury flare-ups that could come up when dancing long hours. For example, master pointe shoe fitter Josephine Lee of ThePointeShop says that issues like tendonitis can flare up during summer intensives because of the added workload on the feet. We recommend visiting a dance medicine specialist before heading to your summer intensive, as specialists can conduct body assessments, analyze what physical challenges you’ve been experiencing, which problems may potentially flare up, and give a specific plan to follow to help mitigate the risk of injury. Check out our dance medical specialists page on our website to find specialists in your area!
Summer intensives can be enriching experiences for dancers of all ages and technique levels. What makes them even more successful for dancers is ensuring that their pointe shoes are in the best condition they can be to support dancers’ feet. Be sure to book your pointe shoe fitting appointments at DWC today. Happy intensive season!
Disclaimer
All content found on the Dancewear Center Website, Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest, and all other relevant social media platforms including: text, images, audio, or other formats were created for informational purposes only. Offerings for continuing education credits are clearly identified and the appropriate target audience is identified. The Content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this Website.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor, go to the emergency department, or call 911 immediately. Dancewear Center does not recommend or endorse any specific tests, physicians, products, procedures, opinions, or other information that may be mentioned on dancewearcenter.net. Reliance on any information provided by dancewearcenter.net, Dancewear Center employees, contracted writers, or medical professionals presenting content for publication to Dancewear Center is solely at your own risk.
Links to educational content not created by Dancewear Center are taken at your own risk. Dancewear Center is not responsible for the claims of external websites and education companies.
Easiest Way to Put on Apollas
Grab your Apolla shocks and make sure that you have the correct sock for your foot. (The inside of the shock should have a R or an L that indicates which one goes on which foot)
Roll up the top of the shock as if you are putting on tights and slip in onto your foot.
By the DWC Team
Apolla Performance products are known to be top-notch for dancers around the country for recovery and performance use. Apolla Performance products use shock absorption technology to help comfort the balls of the feet and squeeze the arch of the foot for maximum comfort and support in any style of dance. Here is the easiest way to put on your Apollas to ensure that your feet are comfortable!
Grab your Apolla shocks and make sure that you have the correct sock for your foot. (The inside of the shock should have a R or an L that indicates which one goes on which foot)
Roll up the top of the shock as if you are putting on tights and slip in onto your foot.
Be sure that the ball of the foot and heel is aligned with the pads at the bottom of the shock.
Finish putting on the shock and tug until it is a snug fit.
These products can be found at Dancewear Center in store or online! Be sure to check out the video below to see the full how-to!
Disclaimer
All content found on the Dancewear Center Website, Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest, and all other relevant social media platforms including: text, images, audio, or other formats were created for informational purposes only. Offerings for continuing education credits are clearly identified and the appropriate target audience is identified. The Content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this Website.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor, go to the emergency department, or call 911 immediately. Dancewear Center does not recommend or endorse any specific tests, physicians, products, procedures, opinions, or other information that may be mentioned on dancewearcenter.net. Reliance on any information provided by dancewearcenter.net, Dancewear Center employees, contracted writers, or medical professionals presenting content for publication to Dancewear Center is solely at your own risk.
Links to educational content not created by Dancewear Center are taken at your own risk. Dancewear Center is not responsible for the claims of external websites and education companies.
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