"Clouds Drifting" with DWC Ambassador MiYoung Margolis
DWC Ambassador shares her effortless effervescence in “Clouds Drifting.”
DWC Ambassador shares her effortless effervescence in “Clouds Drifting.”
click to shop the look!
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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.
"Calling" with Ambassador Vania Bynum
Check out ambassador Vania Bynum in DWC latest dance film!
Check out ambassador Vania Bynum in DWC latest dance film!
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.
Version of You with Ambassador Caroline Schmidt
Check out ambassador Caroline Schmidt in DWC latest dance film!
Check out ambassador Caroline Schmidt in DWC latest dance film!
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.
How to Create a Dancer Warm Up and Why it is Important
As a young dancer I never really considered the importance of warming up. If you looked across the room before a ballet class I remember seeing dancers sitting in their middle splits, legs on the barre stretching forward and chatting about their weekend plans. When I got to college level dance I discovered my schools recreation center and weight room. It was not until my Anatomy and Physiology class in college that I learned how to strength train and why it is so beneficial in activities like jumping and leaping that was necessary in dance.
By Caroline Schmidt, ACE CPT, DWC Ambassador
pronouns: she/her | pronunciation: kay-row-line sh-midt
As a young dancer I never really considered the importance of warming up. If you looked across the room before a ballet class I remember seeing dancers sitting in their middle splits, legs on the barre stretching forward and chatting about their weekend plans. When I got to college level dance I discovered my schools recreation center and weight room. It was not until my Anatomy and Physiology class in college that I learned how to strength train and why it is so beneficial in activities like jumping and leaping that was necessary in dance. In undergrad I started personal training and discovered a warm up routine that worked for my body. The first most important thing when creating a warm up is to ask yourself what is required of me? In running you need strong legs and core, for rock climbing you need mobility and upper body strength, in swimming you need length and power. My warm up routine is a combination of yoga, running and strength training that I have found over the years!
You might ask: why do I need to warm up? I am a young dancer I can just jump right in to my dancing right? Well, there are many benefits to a good warm up. The most important thing is that it is a gentle way to start preparing your body for what is to come. If you were to do a heavy squat you wouldn’t just jump in to lifting the heaviest weight right? You start with a gentle activation of the muscles to tell them it’s time to work. It is also good for your muscles and your heart to gradually build up to movements. A warm up is also really important to decrease the likelihood of injury. If you go too hard too fast you might tear a muscle or hurt yourself.
Studies have shown the importance of a good warm up and how it can increase your performance in 79% of all aspects being analyzed. This analysis has shown that performance improvements can be seen after completion of adequate warm-up activities, and there is little evidence to suggest that warming-up is detrimental to sports participants. (Fradkin et al, 2010). There has been a large debate regarding if static stretching before activity decreases physical athletic performance. I prefer a dynamic stretching approach which you can see is built into my example warmup program. Dynamic stretching is where you are stretching throughout a range of motion however you aren't just sitting in a position for prolonged period of time. You are active and using your muscles to move through the range. I like this because it is more functional in dance! There are also some detrimental effects to just static stretching especially before you are warm enough including decreasing your ability to produce a strong muscle contraction for powerful movements like jumping and thus decreasing performance (McMillan, 2006).
I like to take a very analytical approach to my warm up. You have your major joints and its a good idea to warm up each major muscle group. Major muscle groups include: glutes/hamstrings, quads/ hip flexors, shins and calves, abdominals, chest pushers and pullers. An exercise for each with a gentle activation will start to remind these muscles it's time to work! I like to start with a whole body connection to get the blood flowing and end with a full body connection moment putting everything together. I also like to do exercises where I am not only stretching but strengthening to start to build the neural connections. This is an example warm up routine that I have found works for my body but may not necessarily for everyone!
My Warm Up Routine:
Step 1: whole body connection movement
- Sun Salutation from standing into plank and hip stretch with worlds greatest stretch
Step 2: chest pushers
- Plank shoulder taps
Step 3: back pullers
- Superman and lat pulls
Step 5: quads/ hip flexors - Bird dogs
Step 4: glutes/hamstrings - Bridges
Step 6: abdominals
- Dead bugs
Step 7: shins and calves
- Squat into a calf raise
Step 8: full body connection moment puting everything together
- Single leg RDL with arm movements (balance incorporated into the movement)
Resources
Fradkin AJ, Zazryn TR, Smoliga JM. Effects of Warming-up on Physical Performance: A Systematic Review With Meta-analysis. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research. 2010;24(1):140-148. doi:https://doi.org/10.1519/jsc.0b013e3181c643a0
Kozai A, Surgenor B, Ma. The Importance of a Good Warm-Up: Are You Warm Enough to Start Dancing?; 2017. https://iadms.org/media/3598/iadms-resource-paper-the-importance-of-a-good-warm-up.pdf
McMillian DJ, Moore JH, Hatler BS, Taylor DC. Dynamic vs. Static-Stretching Warm Up: The Effect on Power and Agility Performance. The Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research. 2006;20(3):492. doi:https://doi.org/10.1519/18205.1
NYSMI | The Importance of Stretching and Warm Up Exercises Before Physical Activity. Accessed August 24, 2023. https://nysportsmedicineinstitute.com/the-importance-of-stretching-and-warm-up-exercises-before- physical-activity/#:~:text=Warming%20up%20exercises%20increase%20blood
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.
Ian Howe on His Journey with Mental Health & Dance
DWC Ambassador, Ian Howe, speaks about his journey through dance during the pandemic. His story is especially interesting as a studio owner! Often we don’t hear from that aspect of the dance industry and it’s refreshing to get a different perspective on the dance world. He also bravely speaks to his difficulties with mental health, anxiety and depression. Ian shares that while things can still be difficult, he is progressing forward and you may be able to relate. Watch the video for the full talk!
“One of the biggest things I needed to learn, is that it’s okay to not be able to do EVERY thing.”
DWC Ambassador, Ian Howe, speaks about his journey through dance during the pandemic. His story is especially interesting as a studio owner! Often we don’t hear from that aspect of the dance industry and it’s refreshing to get a different perspective on the dance world. He also bravely speaks to his difficulties with mental health, anxiety and depression. Ian shares that while things can still be difficult, he is progressing forward and you may be able to relate. Watch the video for the full talk!
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.
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!
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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.
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