Tiny Tips: blisters

Blisters are painful and super inconvenient.  Usually blisters pop up when you are wearing a new pair of shoes that aren't broke in yet.  For class, apply a first aid drying powder to blisters, then cover them with band-aids or tape.  Try not to pop or drain them; they will eventually heal themselves.

If you have a big performance with long numbers (especially pointe variations) and your blister is very large or painful, you can drain it by gently puncturing it with a sanitized needle and very carefully pressing on it to release some of the liquid.  Try not to remove the skin from the blister; that will just make it hurt more.  Apply some drying powder, then add a band-aid or tape.

After you are finished dancing for the day, apply a square of 2nd skin (available from some drugstores or amazon.com) to the blister.  This will help the blister feel cool, stop hurting, and heal more quickly.

Item review: Grishko knit jumper

When the weather is cool and the studio temperature is fluctuating between warm and cold it can be good to have a variety of warmups to choose from.  I got this item back in the fall, but it is working very well for early spring rehearsals too.  I got this jumper from Discount Dance.  The item number is GRSC104.  I got it in the Dusty Rose color (because that was the only color available--but I like pink, too).  I had heard that this item runs small, so I choose size medium.  

When I first put on the jumper, it came to a couple of inches above my ankles (like in the photo).  I thought ordering a larger size would take care of that, but it didn't.  However, after a few hours of wearing the jumper around the house (walking around, doing normal things), it stretched out enough to reach my ankles.  

The fabric is billed as "silktex" and is composed of cotton, silk, and spandex.  I thought the fabric would feel silky, but it really doesn't.  It feels more like a smooth, soft terry cloth.The fabric is knit in a very thin layer, which is good adding warmth (for how thin it is, this jumper sure is warm) without extra bulk.  However, it seems like it could tear if the dancer is not careful.

The top of this jumper is straight across, and it is the same height all the way around.  I like this because it covers my back.  It keeps me warm, and it's also good for floor work (it keeps me from getting "floor" on my skin; it also keeps me from getting sweat, lotion, etc. on the floor and causing slick spots).  

When I wear the top up, I do feel like I look a tad goofy.  With the slightly flared legs, I feel like I have on a 1970's jumpsuit.  I'm ok with looking goofy at home or in the studio.  When I wear the jumper after class, I fold the top down.  

Overall, I think I'd give this jumper a 7 out of 10.  The comfort is great, the quality is fair, and the fashion is good!

Do you have a warm up jumper?  Tell what you like or don't like about it in the comments!

Tiny Tips: dancing with emotion

When you have a part in a show, your dance probably expresses emotion and helps advance the story of the piece or production.  Check with your choreographer to make sure you know what emotion you're portraying, then try to act it out every time you practice the piece.  Download the music for the piece on your phone or iPod, then listen to it and practice "being" that emotion with your face and body.  Right before showtime, think of something that makes you feel the emotion you need to "be" in the piece.  If you're dance is happy, think about a party.  If it's sad, think about a funeral.  If you need to show deep or sad emotions throughout the production, cheer yourself up afterward with a sweet treat and time with your friends.

How are pointe shoes made? (video resources)

This is a documentary short film produced by Grishko about how Grishko pointe shoes and performance tutus are made.

This video shows Angelo Luzio pointe shoes.  The video is geared more toward science minded folks than dancers, but the info is accurate and fascinating.

This last video shows the personalized process of producing a Freed of London custom pointe shoe.

Tiny Tips: Recipe for "natural sports drink"

All dancers get cramps and sore muscles during long classes and rehearsals.  Drinking water can help, but H2O alone is not always enough.  Active bodies need electrolytes, acids, and minerals to replenish everything lost through sweat.  Here's a simple recipe for my favorite beverage to enjoy during marathon dance sessions.

In a 24-oz bottle or straw cup, combine 12 oz unflavored coconut water, 8 oz water, 2 to 3 tbsp lemon juice, 1 tsp natural sugar (or a comparable amount of stevia or monkfruit sweetener), and (optional) 1 packet of emergen-C or another vitamin drink mix or mineral powder.

This beverage provides the same minerals and electrolytes as drinks like Gatorade, but with more natural ingredients and acids that help break up muscle cramps that can slow you down during rehearsal.

Don't forget to drink plain water too.  Cool your body down with a nice glass of regular water after class or rehearsal is finished.