March 2017 Favorites

Here's what I've been loving in March.

Dancewear:

Mirella M201LD Camisole Leotard

March is the month when my ballet school begins preparing for the end-of-the-year performance in May.  In addition to learning copious amounts of choreography, we spend a lot of time on costuming.  When I know I'll be trying on tons of costume pieces in various sizes and colors, it's best to wear a smooth camisole leotard in a subdued color like black or navy.  I love this Mirella leo because it has no detailing, and it adds no bulk when worn under costumes. (Available from discountdance.com)

Streetwear:

Goose Organic Women's Organic Cotton Raglan Pullover

You've probably gotten the picture by now...I love sweatshirts.  I like wearing them at home, and they're great for wearing over leotards on my way to and from the studio.  Raglan styles fit me well because the shoulder is less defined (I have extremely broad shoulders).  The neckline is open enough to come on and off without messing up my hair, and the pullover is the perfect weight for early spring.  It keeps me warm in a cool breeze, but it's not too sweltering in the studio. (Available from gooseorganic.com)

Skincare:

Derma E Hydrating Night Cream

After years of being afraid of using oils on my skin, I'm slowly easing into using high quality products that contain natural oils.  This night cream contains macadamia oil and jojoba oils in addition to soothing ingredients like aloe vera, hyaluronic acid, and green tea extract.  The cream is super tick and creates a bit of a white cast on skin, but I only use it at night right before bed.  When I wake up, my skin is completely hydrated and glowing.  (Available from dermae.com and at some Ulta stores)

Haircare:

Uma Intensely Nourishing Hair Oil

This hair oil is insanely pricy, but it is extremely effective.  I received a deluxe sample, and I'm considering taking the plunge to get the full size when my sample runs out.  One to three drops applied to damp hair result in insanely smooth, shiny, and great-smelling locks.  I wash my hair at night, and the citrus/herbal/floral scent puts me in a relaxed mood.  I've used several types of oil on my hair in the past, and I've never had one be as effective as this one.  (Available from umaoils.com)

Food:

Aloe Vera Juice

I've heard about the health benefits of aloe vera juice for ages, but I always assumed it tasted bad (maybe soapy like mentholated aloe vera sunburn gel).  I finally picked up a bottle, and was surprised to find that it actually tastes really good (like lemonade mixed with white grape juice).  Aloe vera juice is great for reducing inflammation in the body, which can lead to decreased skin redness, better digestion, less joint pain, and a stronger immune system.  This is a great drink for dancers and athletes to add to their healthy diets.  Some brands contain relatively large amounts of added sugar, so choose brands carefully and don't overindulge.  

Muscle Remedies Roundup

Sore muscles are common, and most dancers have tried and true routines for dealing with the discomfort.  However, if you are new to dance or are participating in a new style or level that leaves you more sore than usual, this guide can help you understand common remedies and choose what might work to help you feel better.

(Note: I am discussing the muscle soreness that often accompanies intense or new exercise.  Many of these remedies can also be used to treat chronic or old injuries.  New injuries or severe pains always warrant a trip to the doctor.  Always follow a doctor's advice on how to treat an injury.  I am not a doctor or medical professional.  I am an experienced dancer, and everything I'm saying is based on personal experience and research.)

Heat--Overused muscles tend to hurt more when they are cold, so applying heat promotes relaxation and can decrease pain.  If you are participating in a dance activity, perform gentle exercises and wear warm clothing to warm up your body.  In the evening or during your time off, soak in warm bath or cuddle up with a heating pad on the sore area.  (Note:  This remedy is for soreness only.  Injuries like sprains that result in pain and swelling are better treated with ice.  Always consult a doctor if you are not sure what to do.)

Epsom Salt--Epsom salt is magnesium sulfate, a chemical compound that promotes muscle health among other things.  It can be purchased in crystalline form as a bath salt or in liquid form as bubble bath.  Pouring some Epsom salt in your warm bath can really help relax muscles and relieve soreness. 

Massage/rolling out--Though it might sound painful, applying pressure to a sore muscle can help it feel better.  You can get a professional massage from a therapist or masseuse, or you can use your own hands or a massage tool to do it yourself.  Many dancers carry foam rollers, tennis balls, and other items to work on sore spots.  Foam rollers work well for backs, tennis and various other balls are good for feet and gluteal muscles, and massage sticks or handled rollers are best for legs.  Remember that you may need to apply deep pressure to get results, and it can get uncomfortable.  Massage should not cause severe pain, though, and you should always stop and consult a doctor if this is the case.

Topical Medication--There are many choices out there for topical pain relievers, and they come in various forms like creams and patches.  In general, these products produce a hot-then-cold sensation that relaxes muscles to reduce pain.  Creams tend to be most versatile (they can be used almost anywhere on the body), but results don't last too long, and they can be greasy or sticky.  Patches (which look like huge band-aids that have the topical medication in the adhesive that sticks to skin) are cleaner and better for longer periods of relief, but they often don't stick well to curved parts of the body or areas with hair (they usually work best on the back, thigh, or calf).

Oral Medication--Taking a dose of an oral pain reliever like Ibuprofen or Aleve can diminish your pain and help you feel better.  Different pain relievers contain different chemical formulas and are dispensed in different dosages, so it might take some time and doctor's advice to see what works best for you.  I recommend taking one dose of your preferred pain reliever as soon as you begin to feel sore (usually the night or morning after you do the new/difficult exercise), then trying other remedies if the pain continues.  Pain meds are there to help you get through soreness, but you should not depend on them to feel like your normal self. 

Acupuncture or Trigger Point--Sometimes soreness doesn't go away for a long time.  This may be because it has developed into a muscle spasm (the muscle has become stuck in the sore position and can't release).  Sometimes puncturing the muscle with a thin needle can give it the signal to relax.  It sounds scary, but it only hurts a tiny bit, and it can provide instantaneous relief.   A practitioner of Oriental medicine can perform acupuncture at a clinic, or a medical doctor or nurse can give you trigger point injections.  In either case, a slim needle will be inserted into the muscle to help it relax (in trigger point injections, a small amount of numbing medication is also introduced into the sore area).  These treatments can be expensive, and they should only be sought out if your soreness is severe and doesn't dissipate with other remedies. 

Bullet Pointe Skirt Review

Bullet Pointe is a relatively new and uniquely stylish brand of dance apparel.  The brand has a gritty and effortless appeal that speaks to the reality of dancer life.  I purchased two Bullet Pointe skirts a few months ago, and they have become major staples in my ballet wardrobe.  

Bullet Pointe's skirts are the pull-on variety, and they are cut with a higher front and a lower back.  This, along with the relatively thick waistband and smoothly fluid fabric, make the skirt gloriously flattering on all body types.  I am very slim, but slightly pear shaped, and I love how this skirt skims over my hips without digging in at the waist.  The skirts come in sizes XXS through L, and the size chart helpfully provides waist, front, and back measurements in inches.  

In addition to the variety of sizes, Bullet Pointe offers a huge array of colors from neutral to rainbow bright.  I selected the Dream shade above as well as a more subdued charcoal grey.  The I love how Dream complements my black leotards while the charcoal is a perfect partner for my colored leos.  

There are only a couple of small downsides to Bullet Pointe skirts.  They wrinkle easily, so they don't look exactly polished when pulled from the depths of a dance bag.  Also, they are a little slippery and don't stay in place during intense choreography and partnering.  It's common to start a variation with the skirt on properly and finish with it turned around backwards.

At $30 a piece, the skirts aren't exactly cheap, but they aren't exorbitant either.  Bullet Pointe offers free shipping on all orders, which is a definite plus.

I adore my Bullet Pointe skirts, and I give them an enthusiastic 9 out of 10 stars.  The quality and style are wonderful, the price seems fair to me, and the negatives don't detract much from my use of the product.

Things to consider before ordering a Yumiko leotard

Ordering an expensive custom leotard is a big occasion, especially if it's your first one.  It's a magical experience to take the new leotard out of the package and try it on.  In this post, I want to share some observations about Yumikos so you can design a leotard that suits you perfectly.  There's nothing worse than trying on your new leotard and discovering that it doesn't fit well, and I hope this post can help keep that from happening to you.

Sonoya

Laura

1.       Racerback, high back, and cross-back styles (Laura, Erica, Alex, Sonoya, and Becky) tend to ride up in the back and down in the front.  They may look modest when you're standing still, but the can start to look super low-cut once you are dancing.  These styles also don't provide much coverage in the side boob area.  I recommend that dancers with large busts avoid these styles.

Noe

2.       All halter styles except Sarah also tend to have a low-cut neckline and don't provide much coverage around the sides.  The Noe is a much more secure "mock halter" style that provides a halter-like look with a lot more coverage. 

 

Charlotte

Kate

3.       The Tamara and Kate are extremely open on the sides and back, and they provides very little coverage for side boob and the waist area.  The Charlotte and Kiki have very large cutouts in the back that wrap completely to the sides.  These four styles are not good for partnering as they leave the waist exposed on the sides (your partner's hands could accidentally slip inside your leo).

Anna with sleeves

Jessica with sleeves

4.       All styles with V, scoop, or square backs (Anna, Marieke, Alicia, and Sofiane.  Veronique to a lesser extent) tend to slip off the shoulders if you add sleeves.  High-back styles like the Larissa, Charlotte, and Jessica are much more secure because they have snaps or fabric across the back that keep the back portion of the leo in place.

5.       Yumiko sleeves are extremely tight.  If you have thick or very muscular arms, it may be difficult for you to get your arms through any sleeves longer than cap or short sleeves.  Sleeveless styles provide a better fit for more dancers.

Larissa in white with full lining

6.       If you get a light color in any fabric, go with a full lining (lining will be pale tan).  Many light colors are slightly see through, and you will be able to see where a shelf lining ends.  If you choose no lining with a light color, you will be able to see everything. 

7.       If you are going with a dark color, I recommend a full lining with techni, nylon, and velvet (lining will be dark or same color as fabric).  These fabrics are still slightly see-through if they are not fully lined.  The microfiber fabric is not see-through, and you can go with no lining for dark colors in this fabric.

8.       Light colors tend to get dingy after a few months of wear and washing, especially white and pale pink.  For a combination that stays looking new after years of use, choose a dark colored body fabric and a bright or dark colored trim.  I like black or dark gray accented with a bright like purple, blue, or hot pink. 

9.       Colors are usually brought out and retired on a seasonal basis.  Some colors are always available (like black), and some may be gone at the end of the season.  Yumiko usually offers color choices form the same general grouping (there will always be a purple, a light blue, a dark blue, etc.), but specific shades come and go, especially pastels and brights.  If there is a color you really like, order a leo in that shade now.  It might not be there later.

10.   For styles that allow you to choose a "duo" or colorblock design, I recommend always going with the duo even if you want your whole leotard to be the same color.  You can choose the same fabric and color for both parts of the duo, and this will result in a neat seam (usually under the bust) that will add sophistication to your design without adding too much color.  It's also very spiffy to choose the same color in velvet for the top and techni or microfiber for the bottom.  If you choose a full lining, you will not be able to feel the seams on the inside of the leo.

Tamara leotard featured in Black Swan.  Notice the back strap is twisted!

11.   The Daniela, Nadja, and Tamara styles feature straps that are connected to each other.  Small loops are sewn into the straps so they can slide.  These styles look great when you're standing still, but they are prone to twisting, tangling, and sliding around when you are moving. 

Veronique

Wendy

Marieke

12.   The most universally flattering styles for dancers of all body types are the Wendy, Marieke, and Veronique (Marieke and Veronique with sleeveless or cap sleeve designs).  These three styles look good on petite, tall, short torso, long torsos, busty, and flat chested dancers.  If you have never ordered a Yumiko before and/or if you aren't sure what styles will suit you, I highly recommend trying one of these.

What's the deal with audition photos?

My most recent headshot, taken July 2016

Are you auditioning for a company or summer course that requests audition photos?  Some smaller programs don't need photos, but larger schools and companies that expect a huge group at the audition usually require dancers to bring a portfolio of audition photos.  The photos will help the directors remember you as they consider who to hire or invite to the program.

Most auditions that ask for photos will want a headshot and a body shot.  For ballet, the body shot must show you in first arabesque.  Other dance styles may ask for a standing body shot or a photo of you in a dance pose. 

You do not have to get professional photos taken, but it is important for you to use high quality images with simple backgrounds so you are the focus.  Your dance school is a great place to take photos if it has plain-colored walls.  Other decent places are at home in front of a plain wall or garage door, or outside in front of a stone or brick building.  Avoid locations with lots of color, trees, cars, or other distractions.  Have a parent or friend take some shots for you with a camera or even a smartphone.

Wear appropriate dancewear for your photos.  For a ballet school portfolio, ladies must wear black leotards, pink tights, and pointe shoes (if en pointe--flat shoes are ok for students not yet en pointe).  Men should wear white shirts, black tights and black or white shoes (white socks are optional with black shoes, but required with white shoes).  If the shots are for a ballet company audition or another style of dance, you can play with your outfit a bit.  However, stick to solid colors and wear mostly black or white. 

For headshots, get a photo from the shoulders up.  It can be head on or at a slight angle if you have a better side.  It's fine to see the straps of a plain leotard or the collar of a solid-colored shirt in your headshots, or ladies can sag their straps off the shoulders and men can pose shirtless for a headshot with no visible clothing (this is usually considered more professional).

Ladies should wear their hair pulled back for headshots and choose minimal hair accessories.  It can be ok to wear one accessory (like a small hair flower) and wear the same one on the day of the audition to draw a connection between you and your picture.

Smile in your photos, but don't crumple up your face.  If you smile too hard, it may not look like your "relaxed" face anymore.  Practice smiling in the mirror to make sure you are happy with how your face looks.  Practice posing as well, and know what poses you need to get pictures of before you have your shoot.

If you usually wear makeup, do light makeup for your photos. (It's also ok to go makeup free if that's your thing.)  Foundation, mascara, blush, and neutral lipstick are enough.  You need to look like yourself.  While it can be fun to glam it up with contour and eyeliner, these makeup items change your look the most.  The goal is for the directors at the audition to see your headshot and immediately be able to make a connection to how you look in real life.

After you have your pictures in digital form, you can enhance them slightly with photo editing software like Microsoft Photo Editor or Adobe Photoshop.  Some enhancing will give you better quality shots, but too much can lead to disaster.  I recommend using the autocorrect feature to correct lighting.  Always correct redeye if it's a problem.  If you wish, you can use a blurring tool to erase things like acne and toe pads sticking out of shoes.  (Note: If the camera you use has a "soft skin" feature, it's totally fine to use it.  This will make any acne or uneven skin texture not show up in the photos.)

Never edit a photo in a way that changes your dance technique (makes your leg higher, etc.) or the way you look (eye color, hair color, etc.).  Again, this goes back to having your photos look like you really look.    Never use a filter on  your photos (such as the filters on Instagram), and don't turn them to black and white unless it is specifically requested.

Print your photos out on glossy photo paper or order prints from a service like the photo center at Walgreens.  Make sure you leave enough time for this-- printers can run out of ink and services can take a few days if they have a lot of orders.

Take photos annually.  It's not professional to present a portfolio that's more than a year old.  Children may need to take photos more often to keep up with their growth, and it's a good idea to get a new set taken if you have a major change to your appearance like changing your hair color. 

Have a few shots ready at all times in case you make a last minute decision to attend an audition.  High quality photos make a big impact in helping you look professional and put together at your auditions! 

Book Review: With Ballet in My Soul

I always find dance books inspiring.  It's fascinating to get a glimpse into another dancer's life and see how it is similar and different to mine.  This book, the autobiography of 96-year-old Eva Maze, is full of amazing accomplishments that remind the reader that nothing can stop a dedicated dancer from pursuing her dreams.

Eva began ballet as a little girl growing up in 1920s Romania, but a serious illness forced her to pause her training.  After fleeing Jewish persecution in pre-WWII Eastern Europe and moving to the United States, Eva resumed her training as a young adult and advanced to a high enough level to train with the greats across the US and Europe and perform character roles in professional productions.  During years of travel for her husband's career with Pan Am, Eva studied numerous dance styles in addition to ballet, including Spanish and Indian dance.

After working in radio broadcast, Eva became interested in dance and performance company management, and she embarked on a multi-decade global journey as a professional impresario. Eva worked with numerous dance and other performance companies touring across Europe and Asia, and even managed the Folklore Festival, a celebration of multicultural dance performances at the 1972 Munich Olympics.  Throughout her career, Eva presented many artists including the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, Het Netherlands Ballet, soloists from American Ballet Theater and Ballet Russe, and even country singers Hank Williams and Johnny Cash.

Eva worked into her 70s, and after spending time in Paris (and living in the same apartment building as Stella McCartney), retired to Sarasota, Florida in 2009.  She still enjoys art and attending as many local performances as she can.

It was absolutely charming to read Eva's story in her own words.  The experience was like talking to an elderly relative.  I loved seeing the events of her life put in perspective with other historical milestones (such as WWII, the Munich Olympics, and the building and subsequent fall of the Berlin Wall).  The book is lovely and replete with photographs and images of posters and the like from Eva's numerous performance tours.  It's certainly a good choice for dance lovers and history lovers alike.

As a relative latecomer to professional dance training myself (though I started ballet as a tot, I didn't decide to pursue advanced training until my later teens), I related to Eva.  I understand what it's like to have a foundation of dance education, but lack experience compared to others at my level.   I also see similarities in our lives of travel.  My father was military, and I moved a lot throughout my childhood, which further fractured my dance training and continuity in my schooling and social connections.  I enjoyed seeing how resilient Eva was during her years near-constant relocation.  She always made the best of her situation, and was able to train in unique dance styles as a result.  I have fond memories of learning traditional Japanese dance during my family's time stationed in Okinawa, and I imagine Eva is equally pleased with her opportunity to study traditional dances during her time in India.

Most importantly, this memoir reminds dancers that even the most extenuating circumstances don't have to kill dreams.  Dedication and hard work can help dancers surpass setbacks from illness, relocation, or minority status.  Eva's story also importantly reinforces the fact that an inability to pursue a career in dance does not preclude a person from pursuing a career in the dance industry.  Management, costuming, and numerous other dance and performance related careers are wonderful options for those who can't dance professionally.

Overall, I found this to be a wonderful read, and I definitely recommend it.  Some subjects (mostly the related history) can get a little heavy, so I think this book is great for ages 12 and up.  It will be available from Moonstone press, and it's due out in the spring.

February 2017 Favorites: Love Yourself Edition

My monthly favorites always feature things I love, but this month I'm featuring things that help me love myself.  I hope some of these items will give you ideas of things to indulge in.

Dancewear

Deco Dancewear short skirt

The classic short pull-on skirt from Deco Dancewear is probably my favorite skirt in my entire dance wardrobe.  It's longer in the back, shorter in the front, and slightly floaty around the hips.  No matter your body shape, skirts cut like this are universally flattering because they provide coverage and the cut makes the legs appear longer.  Different colors and prints are available each season (I have a white skirt with lavender and black floral print), so you'll be sure to find a look you love.  The only small negative is that because these skirts are handmade to order, they take a while to ship and patterns sell out quickly.  However, it's worth it in the long run because the products are amazing.  Also, read the size chart carefully before ordering-many sizes are available to work for different bodies.  Those with a waist size of 24" or smaller will be best suited in a children's size.  (Available from decodancewear.com, but wait a month or two before ordering.  The spring collection's release will result in a ton more choices!)

Clothing

Lively bras

Lively is an online retailer that sells bras and underwear.  I love the mesh trim bralettes for everyday wear.  I have a very small bra size (band size is mostly the issue-my rib cage is about 25 inches arounsd), so it can be hard to find options that are comfortable, cute (alone and under clothes), durable, and supportive.  Lively's products meet all of these requirements, they're fairly priced ($35 each, cheaper if you buy more at a time), and the size charts are easy to follow.  They even include images of models with different bra sizes wearing each style.  I love that Lively is committed to providing comfortable underwear for women with different body types.  There are many styles available, including some with underwire, to flatter every figure.  (Available from wearlively.com)

Makeup

Clinique Almost Lipstick in Black Honey

This lipstick looks scary in the packaging, but it's actually pretty neutral.  It's more like a tinted balm than an actual lipstick; the color is very sheer and is flattering to all skin tones.  This deep purple of the product provides a wash of mauve color and a shiny, moisturizing finish when applied to the lips.  Whether you're headed to an audition, business meeting, or just to school or out for errands, this product will absolutely help you feel naturally beautiful.  Clinique is free of fragrances and other irritants, so even the most sensitive skin should be ok with products from the brand.  (Available at Sephora stores, sephora.com, and some department store makeup counters)

Skincare

J One Jelly Pack Vita sheet mask

I've tried a lot of different sheet masks (I aim to use one each week during "home spa time"), and this one is definitely my favorite.  One mask costs $6, and I see better results with this product than with masks like those from Tatcha and SK-II (which cost $20+ per mask).  Each individual mask packet comes with a sheet mask, which I leave on cleansed skin for about 20 minutes, and a little sample of J One Jelly Pack, which is a clear moisturizing gel, to apply afterward.  I see skin that looks brighter and more moisturized with every use.  (Available at glowrecipe.com)

Food

Odwalla Original Superfood

I've always been a big juice drinker, and green juice is my favorite way to start my morning.  I've tried many varieties (including making my own), but this one is my favorite.  To me, it tastes deliciously like peaches (not like green veg at all).  The ingredients include many fruits, green veggies, and green algae to nourish the body.  Try a glass before breakfast to supercharge with essential micronutrients so you can tackle your day with maximum energy.  (Available at most grocery stores and health food stores.)