DWC How To's: The Difference Between Demi and Pointe Shoes
While they look very similar, demi-pointe and pointe shoes are actually incredibly different! Demi-pointes are a training shoe to help build your strength and get your toes and feet ready for the real deal. For many they are an important and necessary tool to use before stepping into a pair of pointe shoes.
By Emma Neilson, DWC Social Media Manager
While they look very similar, demi-pointe and pointe shoes are actually incredibly different! Demi-pointes are a training shoe to help build your strength and get your toes and feet ready for the real deal. For many they are an important and necessary tool to use before stepping into a pair of pointe shoes. Some teachers won’t even let students use pointe shoes until they’ve trained in demi-pointes for many months. We are happy to help you find the best fit in either of our locations schedule an appointment to get your demi-pointe shoes fit!
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.
A Place of My Own: A Conversation with Ashton Edwards
Earlier this month, Director of Marketing Cherie Rendón sat down with DWC Ambassador Ashton Edwards to discuss his journey and experiences surrounding starting pointe training as a gender fluid dancer. Ashton is currently a Professional Division student with Pacific Northwest Ballet, and is one of the first dancers to be allowed to train in both male and female classes: breaking down barriers in an industry that
A Place of My Own: A Conversation with Ashton Edwards
Ashton Edwards, originally from Flint, Michigan, has studied dance since the age of four years old at the Flint School of Performing Arts. Ashton has attended summer ballet intensives on full scholarships at The Joffrey Academy of Dance in Chicago, Houston Ballet School, and Pacific Northwest Ballet. In 2018, Ashton represented Flint in the NAACP’s National Afro-Academic, Cultural, Technological and Scientific Olympics (ACT-SO) competition in San Antonio, Texas, against over 250 students of all high school grades all over the country. In the Performing Arts, Ballet dance category, Ashton came in 3rd place, winning a bronze medal. Ashton is currently a Professional Division student at Pacific Northwest Ballet.
Earlier this month, Director of Marketing Cherie Rendón sat down with DWC Ambassador Ashton Edwards to discuss his journey and experiences surrounding starting pointe training as a gender fluid dancer. Ashton is currently a Professional Division student with Pacific Northwest Ballet, and is one of the first dancers to be allowed to train in both male and female classes: breaking down barriers in an industry that has historically been divided into uncompromising female/male binary categories.
CR: What led you to start training en pointe?
AE: It was a desire I had as a child. It’s always been something I wanted to do, to just… be a pretty ballerina. So I guess it was just natural, it was just a desire as a kid. It wasn’t until I was brave enough to come out and say it that I did.
CR: Since starting your training, what challenges have you run into?
AE: One of the biggest challenges has been exhaustion. Getting back up every day, and taking ample time to rest after the long day. That’s been the hardest part: pushing, and then recovering, pushing, and then recovering - every day. We have pretty long schedules at PNB, so we are dancing all day. For me, it’s going back and forth from pointe to flat, from pointe to flat. At the end of the day, my body in so many different ways is just… worn. It’s not just your normal stretch routine, it’s my stretching, and then my icing, and then my bath. I have a new routine now--it’s just… adapting.
CR: Speaking on recovery, what have you found really works for you as far as recovery practices? What does that look like for you?
AE: I come home, and I start with a long stretch [routine]. Usually my stretch takes about 10-15 minutes. I stretch, and then I roll out. I roll out all the muscles, so I start with a tennis ball and my feet, then with my roller I go: calves, quads, IT band, hip flexors, and back. I usually go then into an ice bath--just for my feet up to my knees. Next, epsom salt bath, shower, and then a heating pad for my back--then I go to bed! Then in the morning, I have a pre-class workout I have to do because of my back. I have a really flexible back, but also that leaves me in a vulnerable position. I went through a really bad injury last December, so now I have pilates exercises that I use to prepare for my day, and then I do all of these [recovery routines] after my day.
CR: Has anything surprised you about starting dancing en pointe?
AE: I think the most surprising part… is to know how different it is. Not to say that one is harder or one is easier, but they are just so different. It’s been mind boggling switching back and forth. Just the approach of a movement or a variation has to be so different, because the work requires so many different things. At the end of the day, my entire body is just worn because I’ve been switching back and forth, from muscle to muscle. I’m just exhausted by the end. It’s been very surprising to see how different the women work. [Even the] setup of the class--the energy of the class--how competitive (it’s a lot more competitive for the women), [and] just how hardworking and determined they have to be. It’s been really surprising and interesting to see.
CR: What sort of successes have you experienced since starting your training?
AE: [Most recently] PNB has nominated me for the Princess Grace [Awards]! But also, just general day-to-day successes… it’s been really fun completing variations in both male and female work now, and just feeling--still exhausted--but more at ease. I feel like a big success generally has been how strong my technique has become, and how I feel more mature in all of my dancing now, because I’ve dabbled in so many different things and created my own type of movement. That’s been a big success I feel for me, when I dance I feel good about what I’m doing.
CR: Since you have become an ambassador with [DWC] and we’ve all followed your progress throughout the last 6 months, we’ve gotten a lot of dancers from all over the country commenting about your progress and your story, and being really inspired by what you’re doing pioneering this normalization of more men dancing en pointe in a very serious fashion. What do you have to say to those people who may want to start training like you are? Any tips, words, advice, wisdom for those people?
AE: First, theraband, theraband, theraband! Get those feet as strong as possible! After that, don’t stop. Don’t stop emailing, don’t stop contacting whoever you have to contact. You have to push yourself through, because no one is going to invite you into the room: you have to put yourself there. So I guess my biggest advice--even for moms of these children--[is] to be the biggest advocate you can for yourself. Make your own place. Reach out to me, because I love to hear it, and I also love to help! Show people what I did and what PNB is doing: what it could be! You have to keep pushing for yourself. Make sure your technique is also up to where you’re saying it is, and be realistic in what you can do! My biggest thing is, I’m not asking to be Sugar Plum--but I’m asking to be back of the line corps de ballet: and I know I can do that. So I should have the opportunity. Know what you can do, and know what should be available to you, and make it available to you.
I’ve been getting a lot of those messages, and it’s just so cool. Especially the moms who [tell me], “I have a 4-year-old son, who heard about you!” I just well up every time. I was that person! I’ve gotten that before just as a black dancer, “oh, you’re so good!” But it means a little something different now, because this is something I never would have imagined being possible, and somehow I did it. I had a lot of help along the way, but also a lot of it was just down to me. I’ve cried so many times already, I don’t know how to describe it. I can not wait to be on the other side of my career, and bring so many people with me. Things are just falling into place--it’s so exciting.
CR: I’m so thankful for social media. If this were happening 10 years ago, it would take so much more to get in front of people and to get your story told. Just the way our culture communicates now online it’s so amazing to see more peoples’ stories just being out there and available so so many more people can see others like them and realize “yeah, I can do this too!” It’s great. I think what you’re doing is very inspiring. We’ve talked before, and you know that I think of you very highly, but I'm very happy that more people are able to see people like you.
AE: I love that I get to connect with these people, I love that there is a community of people that just are so strong together. I see the same people a lot in the comments of different posts, and it just feels like we are together. We are all in one mind and one body and just pushing through this together. It’s so nice to feel so supported.
To read more about Ashton Edwards and follow his journey, click any of the links below. To help support Ashton in his training, you can donate to his GoFundMe here.
Anna's Dance Bag Reveal!
Hello everyone! Today, I am going to share some of the things that I keep in my dance bag, as well as some tips and tricks for organization, and prolonging the life of your dance gear!
I keep all of the pointe shoes that I am currently using at home in a large mesh bag, but in my dance bag I keep one pair in a smaller mesh bag so there is more space for other items. It's great to keep your pointe shoes (as well as their accessories) in mesh because it allows them to cool off and dry out after being danced in so that they don’t get smelly and gross.
I always keep ballet slippers and half soles in my bag no matter the occasion because they are fairly versatile in terms of dance shoes. To keep the pairs from getting separated in the black hole that is my dance bag, I like to pull them through each other’s elastics.
I currently have character shoes in my bag right now because I’ve been rehearsing a piece in heels. If I’m doing a musical they are also in my bag, but normally I leave them at home in a little basket I have in my room for extra dance shoes so they don’t end up being dead weight in my dance bag.
My Apolla Shocks are also a current must have in my bag! I use them for contemporary and teaching mostly, but they are great for almost any style of dance. To keep them from getting lost, I tuck the end of one into the other.
I also always keep a store of myofascial release tools in my bag in case I ever have sore muscles that need rolling out. I find that I mainly need to roll out my feet, back, hip flexors, calves, and Achilles, so the stuff I keep in my bag is mainly for that!
Naturally, I also keep some emergency supplies in my bag: band aids, Neosporin, nail clippers and more!
Lastly, to stay organized I like to put my things in layers: the bottom being stuff I don't need right away and the top being things I have to grab at a moments notice. I also like to keep my pointe shoes at the very top so that they can get as much air as possible!
Thanks for reading! I’d love to hear from you—what’s in your dance bag, and how do you like to stay organized? Comment below, or share via Facebook or Instagram!
Love,
DWC's Top 5 Summer Essentials
Today, Anna Peters and Madison Huizinga share some of our favorite products, tips, and tricks for making this summer the best one yet!
1. Zarély Compression Tights
Zarély Professional Recovery compression tights are an essential for summer intensives, and all year round! Researchers from the University of Connecticut have concluded from extensive studies that compression tights help reduce muscle soreness, swelling, fatigue, and other side-effects of intense exercising. Thus, the Zarély Professional Recovery compression tights are perfect to wear after long hours of classes and rehearsals at summer intensives.
The graduated compression technology featured in these tights is designed to enhance blood flow to aching and sore muscles so that dancers can aptly recover from fatigue and soreness. The foot area features an ergonomic design that is specialized for feet that are swollen and sore, especially from dancing en pointe all day. The tights also feature a flexible hip design which allows ultimate flexibility for workouts and stretching, as well as a soft waistband for maximized comfort. In addition to the amazing functionality of the tights, the compression features and black color also creates a sleek and flattering leg line.
2. Apolla Shocks: The Joule, Performance, and K-Warmer
It’s no secret that here at Dancewear Center, we LOVE Apolla Shocks. Apolla Shocks are compression socks made for dancers by dancers that aid in both performance and recovery! As dancers, we exercise for long hours in non supportive footwear that causes inflammation by overuse and strain, a huge precursor to injuries. Apolla Shocks combat this by providing specific, targeted support through several areas of high quality compression and extra cushion.
The Joule: Great for wearing alone or under a pair of your dance shoes, the Joule will support your ankle, the arch of your foot, and the plantar fascia across the top with its open heel, open toe design. They help ensure that your feet are getting the love and care they need during a long day of dancing, whether you are in a barefoot contemporary class or learning variations en pointe.
The Performance: This low profile compression sock will create a seamless appearance in the classroom and on the stage. With multiple anatomically targeted compression zones, the Performance will enhance circulation and stability, making them a must-use for both dancing and recovery.
The K-Warmer: The K-Warmer provides support for the calves, shins, thighs, and knees and is the perfect tool to have for a long day of classes. They provide compression, ventilation, and a no slip property that makes them the perfect warm up partner!
3. Myofascial Release Tools
Between hours of intense dance training, it's a welcome relief to loosen up and roll out your stiff, sore muscles. Intensives test your endurance and recovery, and what better way to prolong both than by taking care of your muscles?
Russian Pointe Foam Roller, Bunheads Ultimate Roller, and Bunheads Massage Ball
Bunheads Ultimate Roller
Russian Pointe Foam Roller, and Bunheads Massage Ball
The fascia are strips and bands of connective tissue that attach, stabilize, enclose, and separate muscles and other internal organs. Though exercise, our muscle cells contract and relax, pulling on the fascia around them and causing them to tire and seize up. This causes the tightness that is experienced after an intense workout.
The Russian Pointe Foam Roller, Bunhead’s Massage Ball, and Bunheads Ultimate Roller are designed to help lessen the fascial tightness though the application of pressure in specified target areas, much like a massage would.
The Russian Pointe Foam Roller is designed to be lightweight, but strong; a great portable roller to take on the go in your dance bag.
The Bunheads Ultimate Roller is perfect to get out the kinks in your quads and relax the gripping Achilles after a long day en pointe.
The Bunheads Massage Ball has spines that work to dig deeper into your muscles and work to extend and relax your fascia.
4. Pointe Shoe Preservers
If you are going to be dancing long hours en pointe at your summer intensives, pointe shoe preservers are a must! Preserving the life of your pointe shoes is a great way to prolong the strength and stability of the shoe’s shank and box. This way, your shoes can last longer and your feet can receive maximal support while dancing.
Mesh Bags: Storing your pointe shoes in a mesh bag is a great way to air out the shoes to prevent sweat and moisture from breaking down the shoe’s structure and material. Additionally, the aeration provided from the mesh bags prevents the pointe shoes from becoming too smelly after long hours of dance. At Dancewear Center, we have a variety of mesh bags in different colors, designs, and sizes, including this stunning Ainsliewear one featured in the photo above.
Bunheads Deodorizing Pouches: Another strategy to avoid an unpleasant odor in your shoes is to place the Bunheads Deodorizing Pouches inside them. These pouches contain carbon activated, bamboo charcoal that absorbs odor rather than simply masking it. The pouches also absorb excess moisture to prevent bacteria growth inside the shoes.
Jet Glue: Jet Glue is a tried and true staple for nearly every dancer en pointe. Jet Glue is a strong, professional grade adhesive that can be used to strengthen the shank of a pointe shoe. Dabbing some along the outside of the shank can add time to the life of your pointe shoes.
5. Emergency Supplies
As we all know from personal experience… there are certain dance supplies that you simply can’t have enough of! Come on in Dancewear Center to stock up on these essential items that you may need in case of an emergency.
Extra Hair Supplies: You never know when you’re going to need extra hair supplies. Bobby pins, in particular, are so easy to misplace that sometimes it feels like they wander off on their own! Stocking up on extra hair supplies is essential; you never know when a hair tie or hair net might break, or bobby pins might go missing. Dancewear Center carries all kinds of hair supplies in a variety of shades, including Bloch Hair Kits which carry all your hair essentials in a neat, pastel tin.
Sewing Kit: If you’re dancing en pointe at your summer intensives, we strongly suggest carrying a sewing kit in your dance bag. If a ribbon or elastic snaps or begins to tear, it’s best to have these compact Bunheads and Russian Pointe sewing kits easily at your disposal.
Tights & Straps: Carrying around extra tights is also important, in case any spontaneous stains or tears occur. Storing an unopened package of tights in your dance bag is great, just in case! Also, extra clear straps for leotards and nude camisoles is beneficial in case they are misplaced or damaged.
Thanks for reading! We hope you learned something; and remember—we are always here to help answer questions and find the best products to fit your needs! Feel free to call, email, or just drop in to say hello!
Love,
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