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.
Tips for Preparing for Nutcracker Season
Growing up, Nutcracker season was one of the most magical and exciting times of the year. The giggles backstage with my friends, the swelling of my heart as I’d listen to the beloved music, and the adrenaline in my chest as I graced the stage were truly unbeatable sensations. While performing in a production of The Nutcracker is undoubtedly an exhilarating experience, it can also be an incredibly stressful one. Not to mention, this is many dancers’ first time performing in front of a live audience in a while, due to the COVID-19 pandemic. It’s understandable if people are feeling a little extra overwhelmed and nervous this time of the year! From organizing costumes, managing your time, taking care of your body amid numerous performances, and staying mentally healthy, there is certainly a lot to oversee. Fortunately, there are steps we can take to ensure we’re putting our best foot forward this Nutcracker season.
By Madison Huizinga, DWC Blog Editor
“Nutcracker season is a thrilling time of the year, a time when some of the best dance memories are made. Making sure you’re organized and effectively taking care of your body and mind makes it that much more magical and enjoyable. Happy Nutcracker season to all!”
Photo by Kazuo Ota from Unsplash
Growing up, Nutcracker season was one of the most magical and exciting times of the year. The giggles backstage with my friends, the swelling of my heart as I’d listen to the beloved music, and the adrenaline in my chest as I graced the stage were truly unbeatable sensations. While performing in a production of The Nutcracker is undoubtedly an exhilarating experience, it can also be an incredibly stressful one. Not to mention, this is many dancers’ first time performing in front of a live audience in a while, due to the COVID-19 pandemic. It’s understandable if people are feeling a little extra overwhelmed and nervous this time of the year! From organizing costumes, managing your time, taking care of your body amid numerous performances, and staying mentally healthy, there is certainly a lot to oversee. Fortunately, there are steps we can take to ensure we’re putting our best foot forward this Nutcracker season.
Before the performances even begin, there is a great deal of energy put towards preparing for The Nutcracker. A big part of this preparation is making sure you have all the tools and materials you need to be successful - I’m talking about costumes, pointe shoes, snacks, water, and more. There is nothing worse than showing up to the theatre the day of your performance and realizing you’ve left your hairpiece at home or have a run in the only pair of tights you brought. To prevent this from happening, create a checklist a few days before your dress rehearsal or performance to ensure you don’t leave anything behind. Some important items to include on your checklist could be functional pointe shoes, a sewing kit, ballet flats, an extra pair of tights or two, warm-ups, a foam roller, hairnets, hair ties, bobby pins, makeup, warm-up clothes, snacks, water, and (importantly) all pieces of your costume. Creating this list a few days in advance of your performance is helpful, so you have plenty of time to find or purchase the items you need.
Photo by Kazuo Ota from Unsplash
Each year, most dancers perform in several performances of The Nutcracker, sometimes spanning several weekends. This is a lot of dancing! Especially after the break many dancers took in 2020, this much performance time may understandably take a toll on your body, leaving your muscles feeling sore. Post-rehab Specialist Leah Bueno, also known as @thepilatesdancer on Instagram, writes that “added rehearsals and performances can leave the body vulnerable to injuries.” Thus, she advises dancers to warm up every time they dance, making sure they warm their bodies back up if they haven’t been dancing for 20 minutes. This is a particularly important tip, considering The Nutcracker can involve a lot of starts and stops. Bueno also recommends dancers spend extra time on recovery, involving self-massage, exercises that reset the body, and getting a good night’s sleep. Finally, Bueno says dancers should “seek support if something hurts,” pointing out that prioritizing your health now can prevent less time away from the studio in the future.
Finally, in addition to staying organized and physically healthy, it’s also important to keep your mind mentally healthy throughout Nutcracker season. Performance season can be a stressful time for everyone. I remember during my Nutcracker performances growing up, I would get so stressed out that I would sometimes snap at my family members, friends, and instructors, as my intense focus on my performances kept me from being mindful about my behavior. I also held myself to a strict performance standard, emotionally berating myself every time I faltered onstage. One year, when I was performing a solo as the Sugar Plum Fairy, I slipped and fell on my behind - I was mortified and let my shame eat me up.
As much as we try, it’s near impossible for every performance to turn out exactly how we want it to. Tiny slip-ups are bound to happen here and there, most of which may not even be caught by the audience. We must take our performances seriously and strive to be the best dancers we can be, but also, have a sense of humor when things don’t turn out exactly as expected. After all, it’s the holiday season, an exciting time to celebrate with friends and family.
Photo by Gaelle Marcel from Unsplash
When you feel your stress building up, instead of intensely internalizing it or blurting out something you regret to one of your loved ones, try taking some deep breaths to relieve some of the tension you’re experiencing. Instead of fixating on your fear of messing up on stage, shift your mind to all the positive, exciting things about The Nutcracker season, including getting the chance to perform on stage, be around friends, and show off your dance training. I also find it helpful to write down or speak some positive affirmations about myself aloud before I begin a stressful endeavor. If you are feeling good about yourself and believe you can succeed, you’re setting yourself up for a great performance!
Nutcracker season is a thrilling time of the year, a time when some of the best dance memories are made. Making sure you’re organized and effectively taking care of your body and mind makes it that much more magical and enjoyable. Happy Nutcracker season to all!
Local Nutcrackers Performances to Check Out This Holiday Season!
The almost comprehensive local Nutcracker performance list! Nutcracker season is a thrilling time of the year, a time when some of the best dance memories are made. Making sure you’re organized and effectively taking care of your body and mind makes it that much more magical and enjoyable. Happy Nutcracker season to all! If you would like to be featured on our list email us at info@dancewearcenter.net
By Emma Neilson, DWC Social Media Manager
If you have a Nutcracker performance you would like to have listed please email us at info@dancewearcenter.net
Photo by Kazuo Ota from Unsplash
“Nutcracker season is a thrilling time of the year, a time when some of the best dance memories are made. Making sure you’re organized and effectively taking care of your body and mind makes it that much more magical and enjoyable. Happy Nutcracker season to all!”
Ensemble Ballet Theatre- https://www.ticketsource.us/ensemble-ballet-theatre/e-jgovkp
ARC Dance- https://arcdance.org/
Port Angeles City Ballet/ Sylvia Joyce Wanner School of Ballet- https://app.arts-people.com/index.php?actions=10&p=1
Ballet Arts Academy- https://www.eventbrite.com/cc/pbaa-nutcracker-suite-2023-2649309
Evergreen City Ballet- https://www.evergreencityballet.org/the-nutcracker
Body Language Studio- https://www.blsdance.com/
Emerald Ballet Academy- https://www.emeraldballet.org/#
The Dance School- The Dance School presents: The Nutcracker ✨https://www.thedanceschool.org/the-nutcracker/
Land of Sweets Matinee
Saturday, December 9, 2023
4:00pm-4:45pm
Free 45-minute Sensory Friendly & Child Friendly Matinee performance
The Nutcracker
Saturday, December 9, 2023
7:00pm-9:00pm
General admission: $14
Children 6 and under: free
Academy of Dance- December 16 @ 5pm & December 17 @ 1pm at Central Kitsap Performing Arts Center. http://www.ckschools.org/tickets
Northwest School of Dance- email nwschoolofdance@yahoo.com.
Auburn CDT- We are producing our 11th production of the nutcracker and our performance will be in Fife, WA on Dec 8th and 9th! Ticket Link: https://childrensdancetheater.com/tickets/
Children’s Dance Theater in Auburn and Federal Way, WA is producing its 11th annual production of The Nutcracker. Our show is true to the classic ballet, while also being modern and culturally relevant. We celebrate our students diversity and cast anyone and everyone who auditions. There are no professional dancers hired to be in our show. All of the parts cast, including the major lead roles, are all local students who train rigorously.
Our show will be on December 8th and 9th at 7pm and December 9th at 2pm at Columbia Jr High School in Tacoma, WA. Tickets to our show start at $20 a piece. Tickets can be purchased online at https://childrensdancetheater.com/tickets/
Studio West- Studio West Dance Theatre - The Washington Center for the Performing Arts washingtoncenter.org
Whidbey Island Dance Theatre- https://www.widtonline.org/
Ferndale Dance- https://ferndaledance.org/performances/
Bainbridge Dance Center- https://bainbridge-ballet.ticketleap.com/bb-nutcracker-2023/
Duvall Performing Arts-
What is it?: Duvall Performing Arts proudly presents The Nutcracker! Directed and staged by Dañela Lewis. Journey with Clara and her Nutcracker Prince on an unforgettable adventure in the Land of Sweets. Watch as snowflakes dance, flowers waltz, and the sweetest delights come to life! In this family-oriented, 90 minute production, you’ll enjoy enchanting choreography, dazzling costume design, and the timeless music of Tchaikovsky.
Join us for this annual holiday tradition and make special memories to last a lifetime.
When is it?:
Dec 8th: 7pm
Dec 9th: 2pm + 7pm
Dec 10th: 2pm
Dec 17th: 2pm + 7pm
Where is it?: Cedarcrest High School Theater (29000 NE 150th St, Duvall, WA, 98019 US)
Tickets: Ticket link: https://duvallperformingarts.regfox.com/landing-page-rf?fbclid=PAAaaYHV2fDeSZtxEYuy40xN3j_JVNK87G7atYC0WEAcKjAjIz-GH_AaobJro
Dance Fremont-
Dance Fremont presents the 28th annual production of The Steadfast Tin Soldier, A Story Ballet. Join us for a holiday extravaganza that delights all ages with a tender retelling of the Hans Christian Andersen fairy tale.
The ballet includes the work of a number of local visual artists and features talented young dancers from Dance Fremont. Enjoyable for all ages, its length of 1 hour and 15 minutes makes it a perfect introduction to the theater for young audience members! Colorfully hand-tailored costumes, locally designed and hand-painted scenery, a cast of fifty young dancers, and an ensemble of musicians come together to present this charming holiday dance event.
Enjoy original choreography by Vivian Little, director emerita of Dance Fremont with music and lyrics by composer Kathleen Mills, who conducts the live The Steadfast Tin Soldier Ensemble. Signing in Exact English (S.E.E.) has been incorporated into the choreography to make this performance accessible for the hearing impaired. The show's content is delightful and appropriate for all ages.
Masks are encouraged but not required.
December 9 & 10, 2023
Saturday, December 9th at 2:00 & 7:30
Sunday, December 10th at 2:00
Shorecrest Performing Arts Center: 15343 25th Ave NE, Shoreline (Free Parking!)
Suggested Donation: $25 Adults, $15 Students & Seniors
Tickets: purplepass.com/steadfast OR https://www.purplepass.com/#268648/Dance_Fremont-The_Steadfast_Tin_Soldier,_A_Story_Ballet-Shorecrest_Performing_Arts_Center-December-09-2023.html
Dance Conservatory Seattle- https://www.danceconservatoryseattle.com/?fbclid=PAAaYDTVPrCFlK6pPY52dmFjd9hWv4G85eiPQR8lLjs_I9bB1qXOjN2ClpcQA_aem_ATiYR7mD4TuHA_N0fYM5QoIfyB9-3-ydp_oEgjaQcQOYYGTb9SyR3im3REg_RSaZ4vI
Momentum Dance Academy-
Join our Contemporary, Hip Hop, Irish, Jazz, Tap, Theatre, and Creative Dance dancers for a festive seasonal celebration on Friday, December 22nd, 2023, and Saturday December 23rd, 2023 at 6:00 pm (seating opens at 5:30 pm). Highline Performing Arts Center
Pacific Northwest Ballet- https://www.pnb.org/nutcracker/
And digital- https://order.pnb.org/24-digital/nutcracker
Flight Feathers Ballet presents The Nutcracker:
Show #1: Friday, December 15th
Show Time: 6:00 - 8:15PM
Show #2: Saturday, December 16th
Show Time: 4:00 - 6:15PM
Venue: Glacier Peak High School Auditorium (7401 144th Pl SE, Snohomish, WA)
Ticket Link for the Nutcracker:
Short Info:
Step into a magical world where tradition meets modernity in Flight Feathers Ballet's full production of the Nutcracker. Our adaptation weaves the classical beauty of the Ballet Masterpiece with a modern twist, for an evening of pure elegance, excitement and renovation.
Opus Performing Arts: https://www.opusbellingham.com/?fbclid=PAAaaaWw2w8gO_IIq6hC8tqzmBAveuRC3Cgl25Ey8bK3L-qGfQDF9Rhua489s_aem_AQ3klwb9GAkvtF9-XQ3DlzF-o7WXBdx5x-olc-39BozcKn_HUakaGVQ4SNBy6DgYNms
DassDance-
December 2nd at 6:30pm
December 3rd at 2pm
Fidalgo Dance Works-Friday, December 8th at 7:00 and Saturday December 9th at 2:00 and 7:00
Brodnick Hall. Anacortes WA
Tickets can be purchased at https://www.fidalgodanceworks.org/news-events/nutcracker2023-tickets
Performance Dates:
December 2nd at 2pm and 7pm
December 3rd at 3pmPerformance Venue:
Bremerton High School Performing Arts Center
1500 13th Street, Bremerton
Olympic Ballet Theatre
Dec 8-10 in Everett (Dec 8 is an abridged matinee) Everett Performing Arts Center
Dec 14-20 in Edmonds (Dec 14 & 15 are abridged matinees. There is also a full performance in the evening of Dec 15) Edmonds Center for the Arts
Tacoma City Ballet Dec 9, 10, 16, 17, 23.
If you have a Nutcracker performance you would like to have listed please email us at info@dancewearcenter.net
DWC's Holiday Gift Guide 2022
Need ideas on what to get your dancer for Christmas? This DWC Holiday Gift Guide is here to help make Christmas shopping a little easier. We asked some of our own DWC Ambassadors what their favorite dance products sold at Dancewear Center are and put them in the perfect guide for the holidays. Read on to learn more about what items would be great to give to your dancer for the holidays!
By Nicole Barrett, DWC Blog Editor
Need ideas on what to get your dancer for Christmas? This DWC Holiday Gift Guide is here to help make Christmas shopping a little easier. We asked some of our own DWC Ambassadors what their favorite dance products sold at Dancewear Center are and put them in the perfect guide for the holidays. Read on to learn more about what items would be great to give to your dancer for the holidays!
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 the perfect gift for any performer during this holiday season!
Claudia Dean World Tracksuit Pants
Feeling confident is something that is very important in the dance community. Everyone knows that when you feel confident, you are more likely to perform at your best. That’s where Claudia Dean World Tracksuit Pants come in! These pants are super comfortable and super cute for any dancer to wear. They are perfect to warm up during these cold months or for just lounging around the house. These pants make perfect gifts!
Capezio Technique Duffle Bag
Nutcracker season is infamous for requiring various types of dance gear for dancers during performances. This requires the dancers to have the perfect bag to store all of the things they need. The Capezio Technique Duffle Bag is perfect for carrying all of your dancer’s things! With the large center compartment, you can easily store all of the necessities and carry everything with you from the studio to the theater.
Christmas Keychain
Who doesn’t love some color on their tree? These Christmas Pointe Shoe Keychains can not only be used as Christmas ornaments for your trees but they can also be put on dance bags to decorate for the holiday season! They are great to add some personalized touches to dance bags and are perfect stocking stuffers.
Claudia Dean World Foam Roller
As dancers, we all know that this art form is very physically demanding. Because of this, it is very important that we take care of our bodies properly to ensure the best performance possible. Using the Claudia Dean World Foam Roller before or after class to help stretch and recover can really help prevent sore muscles. This is a perfect gift for any dancer in your life!
Officially En Pointe T
The Officially En Pointe T-shirt is perfect for any dancer wanting to showcase their dancing skills! It’s stylish, comfortable and perfect to wear to dance class or lounging around the house. This t-shirt comes in a variety of sizes and makes a perfect Christmas gift for any dancer!
Claudia Dean World Oversized Hoodie
The Claudia Dean World Oversized Hoodie is a perfect addition to any dancer’s wardrobe. It’s soft, comfortable, stylish, and comes in various colors. What more could you want?! This hoodie can be paired with any type of bottom and be instantly cute on anybody. Come find any of these hoodies in-store or online to give to your dancer for the holidays!
We hope this Holiday Gift Guide helps make Christmas shopping for your dancer easier!
DWC's Best Nutcracker Gifts for 2022
It’s officially Nutcracker season! Dancers around the area are scrambling to prepare for their annual performances of the classic tale The Nutcracker. This allows the dancers to create unforgettable memories and entertain hundreds of audiences from far and wide. From holiday-themed leotards to storybooks for little kids, any of the items on this list would make fabulous holiday gifts for your favorite Nutcracker performers sold here at Dancewear Center!
By Nicole Barrett, DWC Blog Editor
It’s officially Nutcracker season! Dancers around the area are scrambling to prepare for their annual performances of the classic tale The Nutcracker. This allows the dancers to create unforgettable memories and entertain hundreds of audiences from far and wide. From holiday-themed leotards to storybooks for little kids, any of the items on this list would make fabulous holiday gifts for your favorite Nutcracker performers sold here at Dancewear Center!
Motionwear Nutcracker Hoodies
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, laid-back “Nutcracker on Duty” hoodie, and more at Dancewear Center.
Nutcracker’s Back Tote Bag
Nutcracker season comes with endless rehearsals to make sure that the show is as best as it can be. This causes dancers to bring lots of things to these rehearsals to make sure they have everything they need. This Nutcracker’s Back Tote Bag is perfect for that! This bag has pockets big enough to hold laptops and lots of dance gear to make the transition between studio and theater go smoothly.
“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 various ages. The brand is primarily 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 to the series, providing readers with twenty-five different Nutcracker roles to follow.
Danse de Paris Nutcracker Sweet Leotard
The “Nutcracker Sweet” line by Danse 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.
“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.
DWC Holiday Shopping 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
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.
Once Upon a Dance Books ($)
Once Upon a Dance is a local, woman-led business born during the COVID-19 pandemic (click here to learn more about their founding). The brand, run by Terrel Lefferts, offers movement and dance books for children of all ages. Check out the “Dance-It-Out” series for stories that stimulate young children’s imaginations while giving them guides for movement. The “Dancing Shapes” books make excellent gifts for older elementary-aged children to learn ballet and body awareness in a fun and guided fashion.
Pirouette Planner ($$)
With 2022 coming around the corner, it’s getting close to the time of year when people make resolutions for the new year. The Pirouette Planner is the perfect present for dancers who are eager to set goals for the upcoming year and track their growth. Designed for dancers by dancers, this planner contains guided journaling and goal setting and a monthly coaching section, covering topics like nutrition, audition prep, team building, and more.
Nutcracker Products ($$)
What’s more holiday and dance-related than The Nutcracker? Dancewear Center’s got your Nutcracker lovers covered, with Nutcracker-themed sweatshirts and hoodies galore. And check out these adorable makeup bags and mesh bags from Ansliewear, featuring designs inspired by the beloved Snow scene in the classic holiday production.
Wear Moi Knitwear ($$)
With the frigid winter months upon us, dancers often need to wear extra layers to class to stay warm. From cozy legwarmers to stylish wrap sweaters, Wear Moi knitwear is sure to keep your favorite dancer warm this season. Offered in a variety of colors and patterns, these pieces are functional and fashionable.
Girl Power Sport ($$)
Girl Power Sport is a small, local gymnastics, dancewear, and activewear brand based out of Vancouver, WA (click here to learn more about founder Lisa Fairman). The brand offers leotards and biketards in colorful prints and patterns, as well as cozy hoodies that read the phrase #girlpower. These products are perfect for a young gymnast or dancer who loves bright colors and extravagant designs.
Flexistretcher ($$)
The Flexistretcher is one of the world’s leading training tools for flexibility and strength. Unique from your average resistance band, the Flexistretcher contains custom hardware to prevent sliding, adjustable loops and custom strength elastic to adjust resistance levels, rubber stoppers to keep the loop in place, and much more. This is an excellent gift for older students eager to work on their flexibility and strength for the upcoming dance year!
AK Dancewear ($$$)
AK Dancewear is a small, woman-led business that never compromises on quality. Offered in a rainbow of colors, from vibrant corals to subdued blues, these leotards contain dynamic designs sure to make any dancer feel comfortable and confident. We love the rose print on the Emery in Rose Garden Leotard and the monochromatic tones of the Celia in Motley Leotard.
Jule Dancewear ($$$)
The woman-led dancewear brand Jule Dancewear offers beautiful leotards and dancewear geared towards older children and adults. Well-known for its line of “meshie” crop tops, tights, and skirts, these high-quality products contain classic color combinations and shapes, sure to bring a smile to any dancer’s face. The color blocking on the Luster Leotard and Royal Leotard and unique texture on the Royalette Crushed Velvet Leotard are some standout picks.
Bonus: Stocking Stuffers!
Apolla Performance
Apolla Performance products are a must-have for any dancer looking for specialized dance socks and leg warmers to train, perform, and recover in. This USA-based, entirely women-led business was founded with dancers in mind, aiming to reduce the staggering number of injuries in the dance world. The Apolla Amp Shock, Performance Shock, and Infinite Shock compression socks have cushioning on the balls and heels of the sock for shock absorption from jumps and a tight squeeze around the arch. The K-WARMER Shock is a thigh-high compression leg warmer that’s perfect for the chilly winter months.
Tiger Balm
Tiger Balm is a tried and true topical ointment aimed at effectively relieving pain for sore muscles and minor bruises. It’s helpful for active dancers to keep a jar of this in their dance bag or on their shelf after those long classes and rehearsals that leave their muscles feeling weary. Shop for it in-store at Dancewear Center!
Bullet Pointe Skirts
Since their conception, Bullet Pointe skirts have taken the dance world by storm! These circular skirts possess flowy fabric sure to drape beautifully and flatter every body type. The Bullet Pointe skirts come in a wide array of colors, one for every day of the week and then some! They’re also easy to roll up, making them an excellent option for stocking stuffers.
Holiday Keychain
The classic pointe shoe keychains Dancewear Center carries just got a whole lot more festive. This winter-inspired, holiday-themed keychain from So Danca makes the perfect stocking stuffer for your favorite dancer, especially those who just began driving and need something to hold their keys on.
Covet Dance Apothecary Set
The Dance Apothecary Set is an ideal stocking stuffer for any active dancer. The set comes with four of Covet’s most popular “after dance” care products to help relieve dancers of muscle pain, bruising, and swelling.
We hope this DWC holiday gift guide has given you a little bit of guidance this holiday shopping season. Come down to Dancewear Center Saturday 11/7 and Sunday 11/28 for our Small Business Saturday Sale to pick up the perfect treasures for the dancers in your life. Happy Holidays!
New Beginnings in the Midst of COVID-19
The past year and a half has been undoubtedly replete with hurdles, as much of the local dance community was left jobless due to COVID-19. Yet, through the hardships that unfolded throughout the pandemic, many were able to find unique ways to fill the gaps they were witnessing in the dance world. Dwelling in isolation served as a time for reflection and deep contemplation about how to emerge back into the dance realm. From private coaching to cross-training, from rebranding to expanding, and bridging the divide between dance and theatre, these organizations and individuals have created new beginnings for themselves amid adversity, leaving the local dance community better than they found it. Read on to learn more about these local artists and their latest endeavors.
By Madison Huizinga, DWC Blog Editor
The past year and a half has been undoubtedly replete with hurdles, as much of the local dance community was left jobless due to COVID-19. Yet, through the hardships that unfolded throughout the pandemic, many were able to find unique ways to fill the gaps they were witnessing in the dance world. Dwelling in isolation served as a time for reflection and deep contemplation about how to emerge back into the dance realm. From private coaching to cross-training, from rebranding to expanding, and bridging the divide between dance and theatre, these organizations and individuals have created new beginnings for themselves amid adversity, leaving the local dance community better than they found it. Read on to learn more about these local artists and their latest endeavors. We will feature three more next week!
Adage Ballet Studio
Adage Ballet Studio offers private ballet coaching to students of all ages and abilities. ABS’s offerings are designed to supplement the training that students receive at their studios. Rather than dividing its lessons into age-defined levels, Adage Ballet Studio divides its classes into three tiers based on “technical achievement and the nature of individual needs observed.” The Preparatory tier is for pre-pointe dancers with at least two years of ballet training. The Primary tier, split into three sub-tiers, trains dancers in pointe shoes and educates them on “ballet theory and injury prevention.” Finally, the Adagio tier is designed for dancers with at least five years of ballet training who are working towards mastering the “highest levels of classical ballet.” Students may sign up for solo, duo, or trio sessions with coaches Abby Jayne DeAngelo and Guillaume Basso.
Abby Jayne, both a coach and owner of ABS, began dancing at a young age under the esteemed Marcia Dale Weary at Central Pennsylvania Youth Ballet (CPYB) in Carlisle, PA. She trained at CPYB throughout her childhood, attending numerous summer programs and performing frequently. Around age 16, she attended a program at the School of American Ballet. Upon returning home, she suffered a major injury: three stress fractures in her left metatarsals. She was out for almost a year and left to reflect on the rigorous dance training she had experienced leading up to that point. Eager to continue dancing, she ended up joining Pacific Northwest Ballet as a Professional Division student in 2016 and was promoted to an apprentice position and the corps de ballet in 2019.
What led Abby Jayne to create ABS was witnessing the “many gaps in the dance world and how people’s bodies are treated...mentally and physically.” In particular, she stresses the importance of providing dancers with education on how to prevent and treat injuries so they can dance in a sustainable manner. She had begun working privately with a few students who desired extra assistance outside of their routine classes. She would teach classes out of her apartment or in the students’ homes. When the pandemic hit Seattle, more and more students began asking for private lessons virtually and in person. During this time of teaching, Abby Jayne thought about how many students had been turned away from ballet because they were told they didn’t have the “right body” or didn’t “learn fast enough.” She realized that “everyone is on their own timeline” when it comes to training in ballet.
Adage Ballet Studio is designed to “foster each individual” and help people get to “the highest level of ballet technique for themselves.” Abby Jayne hopes to create a ballet environment that encourages “compassion” and is “nurturing” of its dancers holistically. Her mission is to “instill joy and love and inspire growth” in her students, not just as dancers, but as human beings.
Aspire Kinetic Arts
Aspire Kinetic Arts offers unique programming in both dance and theatre. In the fall, the studio will offer semester classes for “littles” (ages 3-6), pre-teens (ages 7-12), and teens (ages 13-19). The genres Aspire Kinetic Arts will focus on include creative movement, pre-ballet, ballet, pointe, jazz, and tap of varying levels. Aspire also plans to have drop-in classes in ballet, jazz, tap, and fitness, as well as master classes that are open to the public. Aspire Kinetic Arts will also feature workshops on dance and theatre, as well as additional art-related realms, such as costuming, lighting, and self-care as an artist. This summer, Aspire Kinetic Arts will also have a variety of summer programs, including “littles camp,” “performing camp,” a ballet intensive, and a “musical theatre intensive.” The facility itself will consist of three studios which can be easily reconfigured to create a black box performance space.
Director and Co-Founder Erin Crall Scott began dancing at age five, focusing more seriously on ballet around age 11. She has experience training around the country and globe, dancing at the Pacific Northwest Ballet School, Colorado Ballet, and the Hungarian National Dance Academy’s summer intensive. Erin has performed professionally with Cincinnati Ballet, ARC Dance, as a guest artist, and at the Hungarian National Ballet. She has trained in a variety of ballet styles, including Cecchetti, Balanchine, and Vaganova, and has abundant experience with jazz and tap styles as well.
Theatre Program Director and Co-Founder John Crall Scott began dancing around age eight, inspired to tap after watching Gregory Hines perform. He was encouraged to take up ballet training around the age of nine or ten. In high school, John’s love for theatre blossomed and has continued on throughout his life. Being able to learn while working in theatre with various choreographers and directors was the “best education” for him. He has experience performing with a variety of local organizations, such as Village Theatre, Seattle Repertory Theatre, Seattle Opera, and more.
Erin and John have a love for teaching, so opening up a studio had always been a shared dream. They believe that having a place where people can receive excellent training in both dance and theatre will be incredibly useful for performers, as the two art forms overlap quite a bit. Their vision is to provide comprehensive arts education that covers the wide range of roles that go into dance and theatre production, whether it’s being a performer, a costume designer, or a stage manager. Erin and John want Aspire Kinetic Arts to become a community hub for artists, envisioning their black box theater being a space for local artists to put on performances and events.
Aspire Kinetic Arts strives to provide an equitable education to all students, in part by hiring a diverse staff and being respectful to students of all social identities and backgrounds. Erin stresses the significance of educating students on the histories of art forms like ballet, so we can all “appreciate [their] beauty” while understanding their “troublesome legacies.” The pair also plans to launch a nonprofit that will go hand-in-hand with Aspire Kinetic Arts. They will conduct outreach and host performances that will donate portions of proceeds to communities that have less access to live performances. “We’re committed to building an environment that is healthy and supportive,” Erin says.
Body Language Studio
Formerly known as Cornerstone Studio, Body Language Studio has recently opened in the Renton Highlands and offering an abundance of programs. In addition to weekly technique classes for children in ballet, pointe, contemporary/lyrical, hip hop, breaking, and more, the new BLS Select Team and Breaking Crew will compete at local competitions and partake in community performances. BLS is also thrilled to offer teen/adult classes for dancers of all skill levels in a variety of styles, including ballet, hip hop foundations & funk styles, social dancing, and hula.
A unique aspect of Body Language Studio’s offerings will be its breaking program. BLS will host breaking “battles” and frequent dance cyphers, where people can dance freely, socialize, and enjoy music played by a DJ. Body Language is also looking forward to implementing skill-based assessments to provide structure for students as they move up in dance levels and to encourage students to “work towards short-term goals on a regular basis.”
In terms of performances, an annual production of The Nutcracker, a spring recital, and a winter showcase of the BLS Select Team will be staples at Body Language Studio.
Executive Director Lea Aparis has danced since age 3 and has competed nationally in ballet, jazz, tap, hip hop, lyrical, musical theatre, and more. She danced for the Seattle Supersonics Dance Team for three seasons and graduated from the University of Washington with a major in Economics and a minor in Dance. She also has experience judging for local dance competitions and guest performing in local productions. Lea has been teaching for over two decades and has been running Cornerstone Studio for 11 years.
Co-Director Jerome Aparis is a member and co-founder of the renowned breaking crew Massive Monkees. The Massive Monkees have won the 2004 B-Boy World Championship in London, England, and the 2012 R-16 World Championship in Seoul, Korea. The group also finished third overall in MTV’s America’s Best Dance Crew in 2009. Jerome has judged and won awards at numerous b-boy events around the world. He has also performed on the Seattle Supersonics Boom Squad, which is where he and Lea first met.
When Lea took ownership of Cornerstone Studio 11 years ago, she aimed to diversify the studio’s offerings to reach more students, offer representation across the staff, and provide well-rounded training. This desire led her to reach out to Jerome to teach breaking over the summer and it was a hit with the students. Since then, breaking has been a huge part of Cornerstone’s business.
From the moment Jerome and Lea connected, they envisioned how they would merge their passions and “take what they both do so well to the next level.” Having their own studio together is something the couple had always talked about, but the timing had never been completely right. It wasn’t until COVID-19 hit that Lea and Jerome began doing some deep reflection about Cornerstone Studio and analyzing their options moving forward through the challenges of the pandemic. When a space in the Renton Highlands became available, it was as though the stars had finally aligned. Lea and Jerome decided to take a leap to rebrand their business and relocate to a new and improved location.
Body Language Studio looks forward to continuing offering programs that promote diversity, inclusion, and safety in a fresh environment. “We know that the new space will give us the energy, the momentum, the inspiration, the creative spark, and the joy that... everybody else needs,” Lea says. “It’s something that’s even bigger for everyone to look forward to.”
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