Happy Halloween!

Happy Halloween, everyone!  I was Angelina Ballerina at work today, and I decided not to change into a different costume to pass out candy to the little ones.  I am going to a Halloween party tomorrow night, and I am going to wear my peacock costume (with some very fun and fancy peacock makeup to go with).  Stay tuned for pics!

So it turns out that Whoopi was Black Swan on "The View" this morning.  She dressed in an all-black feathery number, and she was wearing her pristine pink Capezio Tiffany pointe shoes.  Whoopi smartly stayed firmly on flat during her time in costume.  Several young dancers from the School of American Ballet escorted Whoopi onto the set to further the Swan Lake feel.  They looked like a perfectly choreographed corps de ballet before the (large, conspicuous) principal Black Swan took the stage.

Pointe shoe safety

If any of you follow Capezio on Instagram, you undoubtedly saw this pic of Whoopi Goldberg wobbling up on a pair of pointe shoes.  Supposedly the shoes are for her Halloween costume, which will be revealed on tomorrow's Halloween episode of "The View" on ABC.  

I was quite taken aback when I saw this photo.  Whoopi is clearly not able to support herself en pointe, and her technique is far from balletic.  Her knees are bent and her feet are completely in parallel.  Any ballet teacher would certainly say that she could use some more time in class before she earns her pointe shoes.  If Whoopi attempted to dance en pointe (or even stand en pointe without support), she could get really badly injured.  

I am really disappointed in Whoopi for making this choice.  I find it disrespectful to dancers who have worked hard to earn their pointe shoes.  I hope that Whoopi is cautious tomorrow when she wears her pointe shoes with her costume.  Because she was fit by a professional from Capezio, I am sure that someone explained the hazards of pointe shoes to her.  I am also slightly comforted by the fact that Whoopi is a TV host and will probably be sitting down for most of her time in costume (assuming that the costume is just for the show).  The Capezio Tiffany is also a very soft and pretty comfortable shoe, so it is good for beginners (though usually beginners who are already well trained in proper ballet technique).

This picture is a good opportunity to remind us that pointe can be a very dangerous business.  Never, ever wear pointe shoes unless a qualified ballet teacher has given you permission to do so.  Dancers who train in pre-pointe classes do hours upon hours of exercises that strengthen and align the hips, knees, ankles, and feet.  They even do exercises to work the tiny muscles in the toes.  It usually takes at least two years of intense training to be ready for pointe.  

Sprained ankles are common even among advanced and professional ballet dancers, so imagine the kind of injuries that could befall an individual who just threw on a pair of pointe shoes.  That person could damage ankles, knees, and hips, or she could fall and break a bone or sustain a concussion.  Looking cool en pointe is not worth the high risk of injury.  

If you want to look authentic in your ballet costume, go for real ballet technique shoes.  They are just a "real" as pointe shoes (trust me, professionals wear them a lot, sometimes even more than pointe shoes), and they are a lot more safe and comfortable.  

If you really want to dance en pointe, start taking serious ballet classes.  Ballet studios all over the world offer classes at all levels for all ages.  If pointe is your goal, talk to your dance teacher about how you can achieve it.  Even adult beginners can make it to pointe if they work hard enough. 

Once your teacher tells you that you are ready for pointe, head to a dancewear store for a professional fitting.  When you're just starting out, only dance en pointe in class with your teacher present.  This will make sure you are learning proper techniques that will help you avoid getting injured!

Any specific pointe shoe questions?  Leave a comment below!

How many pairs of dance shoes do I need? (plus how to store them)

When I am helping first-time dance moms pick out items for their little ones, I usually recommend getting two leotards and two pairs of tights.  When we get to the shoes, some of the parents assume they need two pairs of each kind of those, too.

How many pairs of dance shoes does a dancer need?  The simple answer is that it varies a lot with age, level, and style.  In this post I will explain the basics of who needs how many pairs of what kind for what purpose at what time, as well as how to store them.

For very young dancers and everyone new to dance,  only one pair of shoes for each style is needed.  If the little one is taking ballet, he or she only needs one pair of ballet shoes.  If the dancer is taking ballet, tap, and jazz, then he or she will need one pair of ballet shoes, one pair of tap shoes, and one pair of jazz shoes.

Some styles of dance, like Irish dance, require more than one kind of shoe (a hard shoe and a soft shoe) even though they are for only one style of dance. Dancers and parents will be advised of this when they sign up for class.

Every pair of shoes that a dancer regularly uses in class should be stored in an individual shoe bag inside the dancer's dance bag.  This helps the shoes be easy to find and keeps mates from getting lost.  Use mesh shoe bags or make bags from fabric scraps.  It's important that the bags are either see-through or that they all look different so the dancer can easily tell which bag holds which pair of shoes.

If there is a recital coming up, young dancers should have a new pair of shoes (especially if the old shoes are dirty or scuffed up).  It is best to come to the dance store for a fitting about a week before the show to make sure that the recital shoe is the right size for a growing foot.  Make sure the little one wears the recital shoe to one or two classes and dress rehearsal before the performance.  This makes sure the shoes are broken in so the child can feel comfortable and show his or her best technique.

Note: Ballroom dance is a very special case, as the types of shoes required vary a lot based on level and whether or not the dancer performs/competes.  Beginners need only a generic practice shoe, and advanced dancers need different shoes for practice and performance in standard and latin styles.  (Look for a whole post dedicated to ballroom shoes later).

Note: Modern/contemporary/lyrical dance is also a special case, as sometimes it requires one of a variety of footwear options, and sometimes dancers dance barefoot.  (Look for another post about modern dance footwear later.)

For older children and teens who compete or perform frequently, it's a good idea to have designated "class" and "performance" shoes in each style.  That way, there is always a relatively clean and new looking pair of shoes ready to go for each performance.  Keep the "class" shoes in their individual shoe bags in the dancer's dance bag.  Store the performance shoes in their original boxes in a closet.  When it's time to take them to a performance, either take them in the boxes or transfer them to different shoe bags.  (It can be a good idea to have a specific "performance" dance bag as well.  This makes sure the dancer doesn't have extraneous items at a performance and necessary performance items don't get lost at class).

Some competition teams require dancers to have multiple variations of the same shoe (like a black jazz shoe and a tan jazz shoe) ready for performance in order to match different costumes and dance themes.  In this case, the dancer needs to have both colors of jazz shoes ready in the "performance" stash.

For growing kids, keep an eye on the size of the performance shoes.  If the dancer needs a bigger size, the "class" pair and "performance" pairs all need to be replaced.

When a ballet dancer starts pointe, she will need to have her ballet technique shoes and pointe shoes in class.  Because pointe shoes must have an exact fit and wear out quickly, they may need to be replaced more often than the flat shoes.  For performance, it's important for a dancer to wear a broken in pair of pointe shoes that fits properly.  Schedule a pointe shoe fitting at the dancewear store a few weeks before the performance so the student can get the correct size and have time to break in and get used to the shoe before the big day.

Always store worn pointe shoes in a mesh bag so they can air out and dry (they get a little damp from sweat during class) before they are worn the next time.  If the dancer dances en pointe every day, it can be a good idea to have two pairs of shoes to alternate (especially if you live in a very humid climate) just to make sure they dry completely.  Store unused pointe shoes in the box or bag they came in.

Advanced and professional dancers who are done growing will want to build a collection of "performance" shoes to fit all possibilities within their dominant style, as well as maintain a few "class" options.  For example, a female ballet dancer ought to have a pair each of pink technique shoes, skin colored technique shoes, black technique shoes, white technique shoes, black character shoes (possibly tan character shoes too), and several pairs of pointe shoes for performance, as well as pink, white, or tan technique shoes and several pairs of pointe shoes for class.  These shoes are all replaced on a basis of need, since, thankfully, they don't all have to be replaced for growth.  All "performance" shoes should be stored in their original boxes and taken out only when needed.  This will help keep them organized.

Sometimes even more types of shoes will be required for a specific performance, like the company I dance with required some dancers to have purple flat shoes for a part in "The Wizard of Oz" a few years ago.  Advanced dancers should never throw out shoes unless they are unwearable.  Hold on to special performance shoes just in case they can be used again.  If a shoe has been dyed or altered (like putting glitter on it), write on the outside of the box what has been done to it (like "purple flat shoe" or "blinged out jazz shoe") so it can be easily found among the other "performance" shoes.

I know this guide is a little complicated, but all of this will become old hat as the dancer moves up in age and level.  If you have a question or want to share anything about your dance shoes, please leave a comment!

Tiny Tips: breaking in new shoes

This method works to break in all dance shoes without high heels.  This includes ballet technique shoes, pointe shoes, jazz shoes, oxford and mary-jane tap shoes, and Irish soft and hard shoes.  At home, put on your brand new shoes (wear your normal socks, tights, or padding inside them), then put on a pair of thick socks or warm up booties.  Walk around your house like normal (on flat) until your feet are warm, then do some gentle tread throughs and rise onto demi pointe while holding on to a chair, counter, etc.  This will help break in your shoes so you're all ready for class!

For dancers with darker skin tones

It can seem like there aren't many options out there for dancers with darker skin tones when it comes to tights, briefs, and nude leotards and bras.  Unfortunately, the classical dance world is built on a paler standard when it comes to performance wear.  There are some options out there, and in this post I will tell you about some specific products that come in a wider range of skin tone shades, as well as how to modify items to best fit your needs.

**Note: I am a pale girl myself, but I do know a lot about a lot of brands and styles of dancewear.  I have plenty of my own struggles finding dancewear to fit my shorter legs and smaller feet, so I am well aware of and sympathetic to the difficulties in finding dancewear that works for every individual, unique person.

Capezio's Ultra-Soft Convertible tights (1816) come in three darker skin tones.

       
                Cocoa                                                Mocha                                            Suntan


Body Wrappers' Convertible tights (A31) come in two darker skin tones (sorry the pics are tiny, it's just the color that's important).

Mocha and Suntan, respectively.

If you can't find a good match from any of those, try looking at http://www.shadesofdance.org/products_a.php.  This is an online retailer that makes convertible tights and bodytights in a variety of skin tones catered to African-American dancers.  I do not know the quality of the tights, but they come in seven different brown shades ranging from light to very dark.

lightly toasted almond, toasted almond, caramel, nutmeg, cinnamon, mocha, and espresso, respectively.

Nude leotards(and bras and briefs) in any color but light tan are very few and far between.  Your best bet to have one in a good shade for you (and in a timely manner) is to dye one yourself.  You an get a light tan nude leo, bra, or brief from any online dance retailer or from your local dancewear store.  Use regular fabric dye (according to the package directions)or strong black coffee (submerge the fabric and leave it alone, checking on it regularly until it becomes dark enough, then rinse and dry)to re-color the leotard.

For modesty inserts in costumes, canvas flat ballet shoes, and satin pointe shoes, use a brown fabric marker close to your skin tone to color the fabric.  You can also use pancake face makeup, but the process is a little messier.

Comment below with any questions or experiences you want to share!

Balancing dance and school

If you are a serious dancer in middle school, high school, or college, you have probably experienced the difficulties of fitting in homework, dance class, and rehearsal after you finish your day at school.  It can sometimes feel impossible to get everything done, especially when you add eating, sleeping, and social time to the mix.  Here are some tips and ideas to help you manage your schedule.

1.  Make a schedule for yourself.  Get an agenda book or large calendar and start marking down your commitments.  If school is from 8am to 2pm, write that down.  Dance class is at 4:30?  Write that down too.  Rehearsal on Saturday morning?  Write it in your agenda.  Fill in your schedule as far into the future as you can.  Remember to designate holidays, days with no school or dance, and social commitments as well.

After you've done that, look for the areas of your schedule that are blank.  Do you have chunks of time on weekday afternoons?  Is Sunday completely free?  Some of that time should be designated to homework.  Gauge how many hours of homework you have a day (or week), and make sure you designate enough time to get all your stuff done.  If you are working toward a dance career, make sure you also designate some of your free time to practicing.

2.  If your schedule doesn't give you enough time to fit it all in, try making more time.  Can you get an hour of homework done in the morning before school?  Is it possible to knock out some reading while you commute to dance?  Do you have breaks between class and rehearsal when you can work?  Think about all the little bits of time that are available and use them to your advantage.

If you are in middle or high school and your school requires elective or PE credits, see if you can count your dance to meet these credits.  If your school agrees, you leave school early instead of going to an elective or PE class.  Use your additional time to get your homework done and rest before you head to dance class.

If you are in college (and dancing with a non-professional school or local company), you are probably used to changing your schedule every semester.  Try to arrange your schedule so your academic classes are all in the morning.  That way, you'll have time to attend dance classes in the afternoon.

3.  If all else fails, look at your priorities.  If you're only in middle school, your career life may feel like it's a long way away.  However, it cases where something has to give, you must think of what you want (and what your parents will support) for the long run.  If you can't arrange your schedule to accommodate your current school and dance schedules, you may have to radically change the way you do one or the other.

If you do dance as a hobby, you may have to cut down on dance classes in order to do your best in school.  Consider taking one fewer class per week or changing to a different studio with a more relaxed way of doing things.  Don't think too much about how your current dance teachers and friends will feel.  You need to do what's best for you.

If you want a career in dance, you can't afford to cut dance classes.  Your dance training is basically your job training.  That said, you do still need to go to school and get your high school diploma.  Talk to your parents, dance teachers, and school teachers and guidance counselors about the best options for you.  In general, your options include taking easier classes at your current school (like regular levels instead of advanced or honors), attending an alternative school that may allow you to take online classes at your own pace, homeschooling, or attending a dance school.  This last option is the most extreme, as it may force you to move away from your hometown.  Again, talk to the people close to you to help figure out your best options.

If you are in college while you are pursuing a career in dance (as in you have a paying job with a company), you have some options to help you put dance first.  Many colleges offer night classes, which you can attend after you spend your day training with the company.  You can take online classes too.  Most colleges will allow you take as little as one class per semester as a part time student.  If your commitment to the company really makes it difficult to work on your degree, put it on hold.  You can always go back to college later when it fits better with what's going on in your life. (Just be aware that if you are on scholarship, you may not be able to put your scholarship funds on hold for later.  Also, if you are attending a non-accredited college, the credits will not transfer to another institution should you decide to pick things back up somewhere else.)

Do you manage your dance and school schedules in an effective manner?  Leave a comment!

Item review: Capezio dance briefs/trunks

The Capezio brief (CTB111) is a staple to many ballet and ballroom dancers.  These relatively high waisted briefs (also called trunks) have a low cut legline to provide modesty under costumes.  Dancers who wear romantic tutus or any kind of skirt on the stage slip on these briefs over their tights or bare legs just in case the skirt flips up.

The briefs come in a variety of colors including black, white, light tan, royal, purple, red, and ballet pink.  The only colors that are noticeably missing are green, yellow, and skin color matches for darker tones.

The briefs are made of the same thick nylon/spandex material as Capezio's synthetic leotards.  They run true to size, and are supposed to fit very tightly so there is no gapping or sagging.  

While certainly not the most attractive, these briefs certainly do their job of providing modesty.  The seams on the legs are a little scratchy, so the can feel a tad uncomfortable if they are not worn over tights.

Overall I give the briefs an 8 out of 10.  The two-point deduction comes from being relatively unattractive and uncomfortable without tights.  The function is excellent, though.

Dance skirt style guidelines

There are many styles of dance skirts out there, and many of them are used for multiple styles of dance.  In this post, I will go trough the styles that I am familiar with, describe them, and tell which styles of dance primarily use them.

Wrap skirt
Wrap skirts are generally made of light, slightly transparent chiffon fabric (also called georgette).  These skirts are one long rectangular piece of fabric sewn onto a ribbon or binding, which wraps around the waist and ties.  The skirts come in a variety of lengths ranging from barely covering the bottom to mid-thigh.  Wrap skirts are most common in ballet.








Pull-on skirt
Pull-on skirts are made of a variety of fabrics, including chiffon, jersey cotton, and nylon/spandex.  Some pull on skirts are "faux wraps" (they look like wrap skirts, but with waistband instead of a tie), and others are solid fabric like the one shown.  Pull-on skirts come in various lengths, but to avoid blending into other styles, I define them as falling above the knee.  Pull-on skirts are common in ballet and jazz, and sometimes in styles like Irish dance and tap.






Rehearsal skirt
This skirt is a chiffon wrap or pull on skirt that falls slightly below the knee.  This style is usually worn in rehearsals for ballets where the dancers will be wearing some kind of longer skirt or tutu when it comes time for the stage.  Sometimes taller or curvier adult ballet students will wear rehearsal skirts for class.  This style of skirt is usually just for ballet.









Teaching skirt

As the name suggests, this style is usually worn by teachers.  The skirt is usually a wrap (sometimes a pull-on) that is made of heavier opaque fabric and hits right at the knee.  Ballet teachers favor this style, but teachers of other genres like tap sometimes wear them as well.









Character skirt (aka circle skirt)

A character skirt (or circle skirt) can be worn for numerous styles where a knee length or nearly ankle length skirt is called for (this style usually comes in two lengths, 25 and 35 inches, which hit at the knee and ankle, respectively).  In ballet, dancers wear these skirts for rehearsals when they will be wearing long dresses on stage (like party girls in the Nutcracker).  Jazz, tap, and broadway dancers do the same thing.  Beginning flamenco dancers often use ankle length circle skirts in their classes as well.  Additionally, long circle skirts can be worn for standard ballroom classes.  Knee length ones can be used for rhythm dances like swing.




Latin skirt


For latin ballroom, shorter ruffled skirts are more appropriate.  The ruffles fan out during turns for a flirty vibe.  This style of skirt can also transition to jazz and burlesque styles.











Flamenco skirt

 For serious flamenco dancers, a traditional flamenco skirt is a must.  These skirts are more bell-shaped than the circle skirt.  They have a fitted top and flared bottom.  Flamenco skirts also usually have ruffles on the bottom for a fancy touch that flies between the dancer's feet when she unleashes her fast footwork.








Look for a whole post about tutus later.  I know a lot about them!

What kind of dance skirts do you wear?  Leave a comment!

Dancewear Organization

Keeping your dancewear neat and organized is really important, especially if you have classes in multiple styles of dance.  You need to know where to find every leo, tight, and accessory so you will be ready for every class.  

In this post, I will show you how I keep my dance stuff organized.  This is by no means the only way to do this; it's just a method that works well for me.

I keep my dance things in two places.  I have my dance bags, which I keep in my bedroom.  I also have my more generalized dancewear (including my leos, tights, warm-ups, skirts, accessories, etc.), which I keep in my closet.  

Here is a picture of how I keep my dance bags.  

The sea-foam and brown one is my ballet/modern bag; you saw it in the "What's in my dance bag?" video.  The contents of that a bag are pretty much the same since the last time you saw it.  

The slightly crumpled up brown bag under the stool is my ballroom dance bag.  Currently it holds one pair of ballroom heels, one pair of jazz shoes, some footie socks, gel spots, and a travel sized body spray.  

The long blue thing leaning against the stool is my yoga mat in its neat travel bag.  The red thing on the floor is my balance board.  (Just for fun, the black and neon green thing in the lower left corner is a tool box full of legos).  

Here's a look inside my closet.  The rest of my dancewear usually lives in here.

Starting with the left side, the hanging items are my leotards.  They are arranged by color from light to dark.  

Below the leotards on the shelf is a large jewelry tray that contains "stuff."  I have lots of spare pointe shoe accessories like toe pads and gel spacers arranged in there, as well as pointe shoe glue, body glue, baby powder, extra clear straps (for bras, bodytights,  and nude leotards), and some tennis balls to roll my muscles.  

In the center is a cardboard dresser.  The top drawer contains bras, dance briefs, bootie shorts, and longer spandex shorts.  The second drawer has ballet skirts, knit shorts, and legwarmers.  The third drawer has tights, and the fourth drawer has warm up pants.

On the right side, the hanging items are ballet sweaters, modern dance tops, ballroom dance tops, and ballroom skirts (in that order).

Below those hanging items is a large white canvas bin.  This bin has held a variety of things over the years, but right now it has unopened dancewear that I am saving for Nutcracker.  I have some tights, flat shoes, and pointe shoes collected in there for now.

In the foreground on the right side is a wall hook where I have hung several hoodies and jackets.  I will often grab one of them and throw it on over my dancewear to keep extra warm, especially as the weather transitions to winter.

I hope this little mini-tour gave you some ideas of how you can organize your dancewear wardrobe.  If you have a question about organization or want to tell how you organize your things, please leave a comment!

Tiny Tips: softening a tutu

Is your rehearsal tutu a little too stiff?  Hang it in the bathroom while you take a hot steamy shower.  The steam will help soften the layers of tulle so it flows and bounces better.  

Dancewear trend: warm up booties

This slipper-like boot from Bloch is all the rage as the weather cools down.  Dancers of all styles know it's important to have warm, supple feet before hitting the studio or the stage.  The swishy polyester outer, nylon inner lining, and fluffy poly filling work together to keep the feet toasty in the same way a down quilt works to keep you warm in bed.

Warm up booties can be worn over bare feet, socks, or any dance shoes without heels (including pointe shoes).  In addition to keeping the feet warm, they protect the shoes and the floor from damage like scratches and scrapes.

In general, these boots come in red, purple, dark blue, and gray.  Some special edition colors like the light pink shown above are available, but they won't be around for long.  The warm up booties retail for between $36 and $45 for adult sizes (sometimes children's sizes are available too, they start at $31).

If you can't shell out that much for a warm-up bootie, thick socks or boot-like house slippers can work too.  They provide warmth and coverage in the same manner.  However, fabric socks and slippers don't last as long as the polyester boots.

Branch out--take other styles

Are you a seasoned ballet dancer who has never taken another style?  Are you a ballroom star who has rarely danced without a partner?  Or are you a street trained hip-hop legend who has never seen a barre?

If you are currently taking only one style of dance, taking another style can greatly benefit your training.  Even if you want to be a pro in your "home" style, branching out will do you good.

Ever heard the term "Ballet is the root of all dance?"  It's not necessarily true, but ballet classes strengthen the body in a way that is beneficial to all styles.  Even the most basic barre class can strengthen the core and leg muscles.  If you do a street style like hip-hop or krump, just getting into the studio and learning new combinations and choreography in any style will strengthen you all around.

If you are on a ballet-only track, taking a more expressive style like modern or hip-hop can help you move your muscles in new and different ways.  If you tend to be a "stiff" dancer (like me), taking classes in a style that is more based on emotional movement can work wonders in adding emotion to your ballet.

If you are a ballet, jazz, or modern dancer and you want to work specifically on faster footwork, try taking tap.  If you want higher jumps, try Irish dance, which is completely built on a foundation of lower body work.  To get in touch with your upper body, posture, and arm movements, take some ballroom classes.  Your carriage will improve almost immediately.

If you are looking for a dance friendly fitness class to use for cross-training, take a look at Zumba or LaBlast, both of which are based on latin ballroom movements done without a partner in an aerobics-like environment.  If that's not for you, jazzercise is still around and still has a strong following.  There is always everyone's favorite fallback, Pilates, which will absolutely strengthen the core muscles.

Do you take classes in a secondary style?  Leave a comment below!

How to make pointe shoes last longer

If you're a seasoned pointe dancer, you're probably used to seeing your shoes go from shiny to dead and dull.  If it feels like you are constantly going through shoes and you'd like them to last longer, take a look at some of my tips.

1.  See what shank strengths you can get for your preferred shoe.  If your shoe comes in a shank harder than the one you usually buy, try to get the harder shank next time you buy shoes.

2.  If you cannot get a harder shank, try applying glue to your pointe shoes where they wear out the fastest.  Use a liquid glue formulated for pointe shoes such as Jet glue or Daniels' pointe shoe glue.  You can apply the glue to the inside and outside of the shank where it breaks in your arch, as well as to the box (from the inside).  Make sure to let your shoes dry for at least 12 hours after gluing before you wear them.  

Some dancers also use this method to revitalize dead shoes: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.  Swirl a floor polish like Mop and Glow inside the pointe shoes, the pour out the excess.  Place the shoes on a baking sheet covered in foil, and place them in the oven.  Turn the oven off, and let the shoes sit in the oven 8 hours or overnight.  The polish will re-harden the box and shank of the shoes, but it stains the satin a yellowish color and makes them super stiff.  This method is not exact, and it will take experimenting to find the perfect amount of polish.  Practice this method on an old pair of shoes you don't need before you try it with the pair you are wearing.  

3.  Make sure you let your pointe shoes dry completely after you wear them in class.  Your feet sweat and make your shoes damp.  If they don't get a chance to dry out, they will break down much quicker.  Get a mesh bag to put your shoes in after class.  This will allow air to circulate around your shoes.  Never put your toe pads inside your shoes for storage, this will just trap sweat and make it impossible for the shoes and pads to dry.  If you live in a very humid climate, you may need to leave your shoes to dry for a long time (24 hours or more) before they are completely dry.  Put crumpled newspaper in your shoes to help absorb moisture.  If you dance on pointe every day, you may need more than one pair of shoes to use at a time so you can let one dry while you dance on the other.

4.  Always wear tights over your feet and toe pads inside your pointe shoes.  This keeps the sweat from your foot from making direct contact with the inside of your shoe.  

5.  Use a wire brush to brush soles of your shoes if they are suede.  This will help keep dirt and gunk from making the shoes too slippery.  

6.  If the satin on the tips of your shoes becomes frayed quickly, you can cut it off (either as it frays or beforehand).  Just use sharp sewing scissors to trim the fabric.  You can use an exacto knife or box cutter to score the fabric if you are cutting it off an unused shoe (be careful!).  You can also darn the shoes with thick thread to keep the satin from wearing away at all.  There are plenty of online tutorials, none of which seem that great.  This one seems the most in-depth:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GRF3Fjb8Edc . (Sorry, I don't have a tutorial; I don't darn my shoes).  Your teachers may also have good advice about how to darn shoes.  Additionally, you can sew or glue moleskin (available at drugstores and some dancewear stores) to the platform of your shoe to get the same effect.

Do you have any great tips about how to make pointe shoes last longer?  Lave a comment!

Tiny Tips: how to pop your hip

Feel like you need to pop your hip?  No need to do crazy gymnastics to get the joint to pop.  Simply sit with your legs in a butterfly position with your feet together, and slowly lay down onto your back without moving your legs.  That should do the trick.  If you haven't felt a release yet, carefully raise and lower your legs while still in the butterfly position a few times.  This should get your joint feeling a little happier!

What is the best kind of dance tights?

I get this question a lot.  The answer, as usual, is "it depends."  What you are looking for in a tight really makes a difference in what tights are best for you.

If you are looking for economy, you will probably find the cheapest tights to be the best for you.  Theatricals by discountdance.com has a good selection of footed, footless, and convertible tights that cost under $10 per pair.  However, these tights run more easily than other brands because they more cheaply made.

If you are looking for a strong tight that does not run easily, you may want to try either a mesh tight or a tight with a high spandex content.  Mesh tights usually only come with a backseam and in ballet pink and convertible options, but the fabric they are made of feels much stronger than regular nylon/spandex tights.  If you need a different color or no backseam, try Capezio tights.  They have a 14% spandex content, which makes them stretchier than other brands and therefore less likely to catch on things and run.  (Note: Some brands and styles of tights get fewer runs than others, but no tight is run-proof.)

If you need a tight that comes in a large variety of skin tones that includes darker shades, try Capezio convertible tights (C1816).  They have three deep brown shades, as well as a few other tan colors ranging from pale to darker.  

If you need a plus-size tight, try Body Wrappers tights.  Their full footed variety comes in sizes up to a 4X.  The colors and styles are more limited, but the sizing should work out better.


Any other questions about tights?  Leave a comment below!

Tiny Tips: "easy" class

Don't fear taking a class below your level, whether it be every once in a while (like as a make-up class) or a regular part of your schedule.  Taking an "easy" class can give you an opportunity to really focus on perfecting your technique in a low-pressure environment.  Don't show off by adding flourishes; do the combinations exactly as the teacher demonstrates.  This shows respect, maturity, and self control gained through a higher level of training.

Item review: Body Wrappers Angelo Luizio "Wendy" ballet technique shoes

**Note: This review is for the OLD fit (2014 and before).  There is a NEW fit; see updated review here.**

The Wendy slipper, also known as the BW246A is a heavy-weight canvas split sole ballet technique shoe.  The shoe has an adjustable elastic drawstring and is individually crafted with a right and left foot (most ballet shoes don't have a right and left).

The Wendy comes in light ballet pink (pictured), as well as "Jazzy Tan" (a light suntan color), white, and black.  The shoe is suitable for male and female dancers.  The shoe does come in whole and half sizes.  The sizing on the shoe is children's standard sizing up to size 4, and men's standard sizing up to size 12.  To accommodate women's street sizes 5 and up, subtract 2 sizes for a tight professional fit.  Subtract 1 or 1.5 sizes for a looser fit.

The suede pads on the sole of the shoe are large and relatively flat, so they are easy to balance on.  The shoe itself is not lined, so there is no sock lining to worry about.  This does make the seams on the inside of the shoe visible, and sometimes they can be felt with the foot.

The construction of this shoe seems to favor a square foot with wide metatarsals and a narrower heel. (The shoe is constructed with a high vamp and low cut heel).  This is a common foot type, so the Wendy works on a lot of people (it's a great shoe for men).  This shoe absolutely doesn't work on everyone.  I have a narrower foot with tapered toes, so the front toe box area of the shoe looks a little baggy.  The sleek low cut heel looks great on my foot, but it doesn't feel secure.

I got my Wendy slippers in black in size 3.5 for a performance.  The shoes felt comfortable and worked well, but they were slightly baggy on my toes and I had to apply costume glue to my heels for peace of mind that they would not slip off midway through the performance.

A few years ago, this shoe was touted as such a good fit that it didn't need elastic.  The shoe was sold in a box with 4 pieces of elastic included, but not sewn on.  Now, the shoes come pre-sewn with criss-crossed elastic.  The elastic is the same color as the shoe.  If you go to a dancewear store, you may or may not get a pre-sewn shoe, depending on when that particular shoe made it to the store.

Overall, I would give this shoe a 6 out of 10.  It looks fabulous (on certain types of feet), it is quite comfortable, and it seems very durable.  However, it just isn't constructed for my foot and really does not work for me.

Tiny Tips: strong passé technique

Want a nicer-looking passé? Make sure your hips are aligned, then bring your working leg up.  Focus on dragging your toes, not heaving your quad.  When your working leg gets above the knee on your supporting leg, keep lifting it using the "turnout" muscles and inner thigh muscles of your working leg.  This will ensure that your hips stay aligned as your working leg moves higher.

All about Yumiko (plus my Yumiko leotard collection)

I know this is a long video, but it is packed with information.  I explain some things about the Yumiko brand, as well as how to order Yumiko dancewear.  Next I show you my collection of Yumiko leotards, and finally I share a few words about sizing.

Do you have Yumiko leotards?  Tell me about them in the comments!
Any questions about sizing, ordering, or styles?  Ask in the comments and I will try to answer.

What are bodytights?

For some dancers, especially those on competition teams, bodytights are old hat.  However, I've noticed that many ballet students have never heard of bodytights.  I'll take you through what this item is, as well as some of the benefits of using it.

Bodytights, also called bodystockings, are dance tights that come up and cover the chest and low back instead of ending at a dancer's waist.  Depending on the brand, bodytights have either clear plastic or fabric camisole straps that hold the garment up.  All bodytights have convertible feet, so they can be worn as footed or footless.  Bodytights come in some of the colors that regular dance tights come in: light pink, skin tones, and black.

I like wearing bodytights under tank and sleeved leotards that do not have shelf bra linings.  The tights coming up over my chest provide the support I usually get in leos with built in bras.  The bodytights are also very smoothing.  They do not cut off at the waist, so there is no visible waistline under leotards.  I've talked to some dancers who have a little more in the tummy area, and they like the way bodytights smooth their torsos and help hold everything in.

Like all dance tights, bodytights are slightly sheer, so they do not provide complete modesty.  However, if you are doing a performance with quick costume changes and don't want to worry about multiple garments like bras, etc., give bodytights a try.  They will also protect your torso from itchy costume pieces.

If you wear a lot of camisole or low backed leotards in class, the straps and low back areas of the bodytights may show.  This is not always an awful thing, but it's something to keep in mind if you want to try wearing bodytights.

The two most ubiquitous brands of bodytights are Body Wrappers and Capezio.  Body Wrappers varieties usually have the clear plastic straps, which are adjustable and can be removed.  Capezio bodytights usually have the sewn on fabric straps in the same color as the bodytights.  I prefer the fabric straps because I find them softer and more secure.

To find out more, try searching these two style numbers: Body Wrappers A91, Capezio 1818.


If you wear bodytights, leave a comment about what you like or don't like about them!

Dancewear to show your style

Feel like your usual dancewear doesn't show your street style?  Get ready to revolutionize your dance wardrobe.  I've put together some looks to fit some popular styles: classic, glam, sporty, and rocker.  Every look starts with a leotard base (you can absolutely sub your class uniform leo for the ones I'm showing) and can be tailored with warm-ups and accessories.  All these items are available from discountdance.com!

 Classic Style

The classic style uses basic colors like black, pink, blue, and white.  This look is soft and sophisticated.

Items: Svetlana 3/4 sleeve leotard (Mariia), chiffon wrap skirt (Capezio), 36" stirrup legwarmers (Body Wrappers), Carmen wrap sweater (Wear Moi), 2" rhinestone wave bobby pins (Go Girl!), Mademoiselle nail polish (Essie)


Rocker Style

The rocker style utilizes mostly black and red.  This look also incorporates leather, lace, and animal prints!

Items: Faux leather Magdalene high neck leotard (Bloch), short lace skirt (Natalie), zebra legwarmers (Dasha), cropped knit sweater (Natalie), booties (Bloch), cosmic black glitter nail polish (China Glaze)


Glam Style

This look features bright pinks, purples, and blues, as well as more subdued accents.  Stylish cutouts and fun sparkle bring everything together.

Items: Halter leotard (Bloch), pull on skirt (Mirella),  Idra skinny full length multi color legwarmers (Wear Moi), knit sweater (Grishko), 17MM Swarovski crystal earrings (Dasha), Sparkle-icious nail polish (OPI)


Sporty Style

The sporty style includes athletic cuts.  The colors are mostly neutral gray and black with some bright accents.

Items: Racer back tank leotard (Natalie), full circle roll down waist skirt (Body Wrappers), bright stirrup legwarmers (Sansha), 3/4 sleeve sweatshirt (Natalie), ripstop dance short (Body Wrappers), playa del platinum nail polish (Essie)

Which look is your favorite?  Do you have a different style that 's all your own?  Leave a comment!

Tiny Tips: save your packaging

When you buy dancewear, shoes and tights come in boxes and packages, and clothing comes with tags.  The packaging and tags usually have information about the item (like size, color, and style number) written on them.  If you save these bits of packaging, you will always know the specific details of your favorite leotard, shoe, etc.  Knowing this info makes it a whole lot easier to either order the item online or find it in a dancewear store when you need a new one.  Now you have a good excuse to be a pack rat! 

Common pointe shoe complaints

Pointe is not a comfortable process, nor is it meant to be.  That said, serious pain and other difficulties should not be the norm.  If you feel a lot of pain or you have an issue with your pointe shoes, something about the shoe needs to be changed.  In this post, I will outline some of the most common complaints I have experienced and heard about from other dancers, as well as why they happen, and some possible solutions.  Always visit a dancewear store for a fitting when you want to try a new pointe shoe.

Refer back to my "Anatomy of a pointe shoe" video for more info about the specific parts of a pointe shoe: http://thedancewearguru.blogspot.com/2014/09/anatomy-of-pointe-shoe.html

1.  The tip of my big toe hurts when I go en pointe.  There is a fine line between feeling the floor and "mushing" the floor.  You should be able to use your big toe to feel where the end of the shoe is (sometimes this is mildly uncomfortable, especially to a beginning pointe dancer).  However, you should not feel like the entire weight of your body is smashing your big toe and causing big-time pain.  If this is happening, you may be "sinking" in the shoe, which means that the box of the pointe shoe is not supporting your foot, usually because it is too wide.  At your next fitting, you can think about trying a narrower shoe or a shoe with a more tapered box.  To help the problem in your current shoe, add a gel toe cap over your big toe to protect it.  You can also try a thicker toe pad to take up a little more space.

2.  I'm getting bunions and/or my bunions hurt.  Bunions occur on either side of the foot when the toes are squeezed inward into a tapered shape.  All pointe shoes squeeze the toes together, but tapered boxes tend to do more damage.  If your foot is more square, you can try a shoe with a more square box.  Add toe spacers to your usual padding routine.  These gel pieces go between the toes (usually the big toe and second toe) to keep them from being squished together too much once your foot is inside the pointe shoe.  After dance, wear wider shoes like crocs to give your feet room to relax and decompress.  Avoid super high heels and pointy-toed shoes of all kinds (it's ok to wear them for a short amount of time on special occasions, but no more than that).

3.  I'm getting blisters.  Blisters happen when your skin is being rubbed by an area of your shoe.  Usually this happens when a shoe is too loose (causes blisters on the toes), but it can sometimes happen when the shoe is too tight (causes blisters on the heel).  If the shoe is new, try a different size at your next fitting.  If the shoe is dead, it's probably time for a new shoe.  (Dead shoes have usually stretched out from their original size and shape, but the arches have broken in, which makes the heel fit closer to the dancer's foot.)  For now, put some tape (medical tape works well, as does masking tape or toe tape sold at dancewear stores) on the spots where you get blisters.  If the box is too loose, try a thicker toe pad as well.

4.  The heel of the shoe is cutting into my heel.  This can happen when the shoe is too small or the drawstring is pulled too tight.  If the drawstring is pulled too tight, untie it and make it looser.  If the shoe feels too small, try a larger size.  If the shoe fits perfectly except for the heel cutting in, try stretching the satin around the heel by wetting it slightly with water and then wearing the damp shoe while you do eleves and roll-throughs.

5.  My shoes die really quickly.  If this is happening, the shoe may not be strong enough to withstand the wear the dancer is putting on it.  If your shoe comes in a harder shank, try to get the harder shank instead.  It should take more time to break in.  If you are currently using the hardest shank, try adding jet glue or other pointe shoe glue to the places on the shoe that wear out the quickest (usually the shank and the box).  Always let your shoes dry for 12 to 24 hours after glueing before dancing in them.  You should also let you shoes dry for 24 hours (give or take a few) after dancing in them to make sure they are completely dry from the sweat of your foot.  If your schedule doesn't accommodate that, try getting two pairs of shoes and alternating them.  Both pairs should last longer.

6.  I can't get onto full pointe.  There are several reasons why this may happen.  Your shoes may have too hard a shank, too high a wing, or too high a vamp.  They may also be dead and too soft to support you.  Or your ankles may not be flexible enough to allow you the range of motion necessary to reach full pointe.  If you are a beginner, talk to your teacher about strengthening exercises and using methods to break in your shoe quickly.  At your next fitting, try some different shoes with different attributes and see if that helps the problem.  If your shoe is dead, it's time for a new pair.

7.  My feet just don't feel good... Yes, I know.  I get it.  Some of this is just that pointe is a painful process.  After you've been up on your toes for an hour, don't expect to walk out of the studio pain-free and feeling great.  If you have persistent pain that makes you less than excited for pointe class and you can't pin it down to a specific problem, try some of these options:
--Try a different toe pad.  Thicker pads will give more cushion.  Don't underestimate trying a thinner toe pad; sometimes generalized pain can come from having too much "stuff" in the shoe.
--Try a different model or brand of shoe at you next fitting.  The only real way to find your best pointe shoe is through extensive trial and error.
--Take care of your feet.  Cut toenails regularly, let callouses form naturally (Don't remove them!), soak your feet in an epsom salt solution to soothe sore muscles, and work the muscles in your feet with exercise bands and massage balls.
--If all else fails, try a Gaynor Minden pointe shoe.  These "high tech" shoes are considered the most comfortable and longest lasting pointe shoes on the market, even though they do not work the foot in the same ways as traditional pointe shoes.  Find out more about Gaynor Minden pointe shoes here: http://dancer.com/parentfaq.php (scroll about halfway down the page to get to the good info).

If you have any other specific complaints, leave a comment and I will try to answer questions and provide suggestions.

Healthy hair tips

No matter what style of dance you do, there is no doubt that you spend a lot of time with your hair tightly pulled back.  I am used to the tightly twisted ballet bun, and even though it is beautiful, wearing this severe style can damage the hair and scalp.  I'll give you a few tips for keeping your hair healthy without giving up your dancer style.

1.  Don't heat style your hair, if you can help it.  Embrace your natural texture or use a no heat way to achieve your desired texture.  To get waves in straight hair, spray damp hair with leave in conditioner, then turn your head upside down and scrunch your hair.  To get wavy hair straighter, use a boar's hair brush to smooth slightly damp hair.

2.  If you dye your hair, use natural or semi-permanent dyes that do not damage hair as much.

3.  Shower every day, especially if you have dance class every day.  However, try to wash your hair only every other day to avoid drying it out.  On non-washing days, rinse your hair well and apply conditioner.

4.  Don't use small plastic hair elastics or hair ties with metal pieces on them.  Both of these types of hair ties pull out hairs when they get tangled.  Instead go for fabric covered elastics or ribbon-style ties like these.

5.  Wear your hair down or loosely styled when you are not in dance class.  This puts less stress on your hair.

6.  If your studio allows you to wear different styles than the classic high bun, change your dance hairstyle frequently.  Wear a high bun one day, a low side bun the next, and a french twist the day after that.  This way your hair will not get stuck in a rut or get stressed in the same places every day.

7.  For class, use bobby pins or clips to take care of fluffies instead of hairspray and gel.  Sprays and gels can dry out your hair.

8.  If your hair is straight and/or thin, you may not need to use gels and hairsprays on your hair for performances.  Instead, put leave in conditioner in your hair before you style it in your performance style.  For extra hold, use a sea salt spray.  You can get salt spray at a grocery or beauty supply store, or you can make your own by dissolving a couple of tablespoons of salt in warm water and putting this mixture in a small spray bottle.

9.  If your hair is thick and/or curly, you may need to use gels and hairsprays for performances.  Look for brands that are made with natural ingredients and wash out easily.  Use only the amount you need, and be sure to wash your hair with clarifying shampoo after the performance.

Share your best healthy hair tips in the comments!

Tiny Tips: dance shoes are not street shoes

Never, ever wear your dance shoes as street shoes.  (If you have purchased a shoe marketed as a dance shoe but are using it solely as a street shoe, that's a different story.)  As a dancer, it is disrespectful to your dance teachers and the person who purchased the shoes to wear them outside the studio.  Don't even wear your dance shoes in the dance studio parking lot--exposing them to any surface other than a hard smooth floor can damage them.  It's best to carry your dance shoes in a shoe bag inside your dance bag.  You can change into them right before class.

Respectful and authentic dancer Halloween costumes

Halloween is coming soon, and dancer costumes are always popular.  In this post, I will explain some do's and don'ts to bear in mind when putting together a dancer costume.

*Note: I will be considering women's and girls' ballet, flamenco, and hip-hop costumes.  They tend to very recognizable and popular.  Some costume stores sell ready made costumes in "Ballerina," "Spanish Dancer," and "B-Girl" themes.  I do not recommend these items because they do not look authentic, and most store bought costumes are poor quality and cheap-looking.

For ballet costumes, most people stick with a pink theme.  Sometimes adults will go for white or black to get a "Black Swan" look.  The basic parts of the look are a leotard, skirt or tutu, tights, and ballet shoes.

For little kids, it's very easy to go to a dancewear store or even a large retail store like Walmart and pick up a basic leo and tights.  You can definitely find basic pull-on/faux wrap skirts at these places too.  For a fuller tutu, try a dancewear store first, but be prepared to turn to the internet (like discountdance.com).  I do not recommend getting tutus from costume stores, as they are usually poor quality and do not look like real ballet tutus.

For adults, you will have to go to a dancewear store or shop online for your items.  Adult leotards usually run from $15 up to $100+ based on how fancy they are.  For a costume, I recommend finding a plain cheap camisole strap leotard and decorating it with some glitter fabric paint or sequins for a more "stage" look.  Authentic pancake tutus run around $50 from most retailers.  You may try Ebay or another online source for a used option that may be cheaper.  Again, I'd avoid the sparse tutus from costume stores, as they just don't look realistic.

When it comes to ballet shoes, consider your desired look first.  It is usually  not a god idea to wear your dance shoes outside because it ruins the soles.  If you can buy a pair just for this costume (and they will never be worn in a dance studio), real ballet flat shoes are the most authentic looking (and comfy).  For a cheaper option, you can look for the low quality pleather ballet shoes at Payless.  If you can find a pair of ballet flats (street shoes) that look like actual ballet slippers, they may be a good option too (but they look less authentic).  DO NOT under any circumstances try to purchase pointe shoes as part of your costume.  If you are not trained in ballet and pointe, you could be seriously injured.  It is also seriously disrespectful to hard working ballet dancers for you to throw on their special shoes without their extensive training.  Pointe shoes also cost $50-$100 a pair.  If you desire a pointe shoe look, you can get a pair of regular ballet technique shoes (about $20) and sew on ribbons in a manner similar to the way ballet dancers sew the ribbons on their pointe shoes.  (There are tons of YouTube tutorials on how to do this.  The workers at dancewear stores are usually happy to help you too.)

If you want a "class" look, do neutral makeup in pink and nude tones.  For a "performance" look, go for stage makeup.  Here's a link to a stage makeup tutorial on my YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0yMoYjPoTKo&list=UUQ50C2eMawJg4vhrvFuzeMQ

Flamenco costumes are sassy and easy to put together.  Head to your local dancewear store to get your supplies.  For both adults and children, you will need a leotard (short or long sleeves), a long skirt (either circle or flamenco/ruffle), 2 inch heels with ankle straps, and some accessories.  The color scheme is usually black and red.

I recommend getting a basic black leotard, then dressing it up a little with some red lace or fabric ruffles on the cuffs or collar..  You can create these accents with some remnants from a fabric store.  You can go through a similar process with a skirt.  Purchase a simple black circle skirt from the dancewear store and dress it up with some fabric ruffles.  You can also just go for the flamenco skirt, but they are usually more expensive ($50+).  

Usually flamenco dancers wear special shoes with nails tapped into the toe and heel (this makes them loud like tap shoes).  You can buy flamenco shoes, but they can get pretty torn up if worn outside.  I recommend getting a 2- inch character shoe, which is a basic pump with an ankle strap and hard leather sole.  These shoes have the same look a a flamenco shoe, but the soles are ok for outdoor wear.  Character shoes are still a $40-$50 investment, so if you need something even cheaper, just find any pump with a sturdy heel and pin, sew, or glue on an elastic strap at the ankle.  

Your accessories can usually be found at dancewear stores, large retailers, or even costume stores.  Finish up your look with fishnet tights, a fan or castanets, a choker and/or large stud earrings, and a huge hair flower.  Try red lipstick too.  And don't forget to say "Ole!"

Hip-hop costumes are super fun because they are more open-ended.  Most hip-hop dancers wear chunky dance sneakers or short combat boots, pants, a top, and headwear like a hat or bandanna.  Most of these items can be found anywhere, from dancewear stores to Walmart.  

Don't feel the need to buy specific dance sneakers just for a costume.  Do head to payless or another cheap shoe store to find an authentic looking shoe.  Actual athletic shoes like Nikes and sneakers like Converse don't look quite right.  

For the tops and bottoms, follow this rule.  One should be baggy, the other should not.  If you go for baggy pants like sweats or harem pants (look for them at a dancewear store or online at discountdance.com), choose a tighter top like a crop top.  If you choose tighter pants like metallic leggings, go for a baggier sweatshirt.  

Your headwear can be a bandana, trucker hat, beanie, or eve a fedora.  Just make sure it complements the rest of your outfit.  Try to add metallic and neon accents; they are super stylish.

Unless you are trained in hip-hop, don't unleash any crazy moves like break dancing or head spins.  You could hurt yourself.

If you are going to be something else for Halloween (like a super hero) and you need an item like a leotard or tights, don't be afraid to go to your local dancewear store to find it.  The staff should be happy to help you find what you are looking for.  If you are not a dancer, make sure you are respectful when you go into the dancewear store.  Try not to make any rude comments about the items you see.  Yes, male ballet dancers wear tights, and leotards are wardrobe staples for many female dancers.  Even if these items are unusual to you, they are very usual in the dance world.

I hope you got some fun ideas for your Halloween costume.  What do you plan to be this year?  Leave a comment below!