December 2016 Favorites: Backstage at the Nutcracker

 Dancewear: Capezio dance briefs

This item is a real must for most advanced female dancers.  These briefs have the same modest (low-legline) cut as Capezio leotards, and they come up high on the waist.  While not super attractive as bikini bottoms, they provide necessary coverage for many romantic tutus and dress-based costumes. I generally wear the briefs in light pink, black, or nude over tights of the same color (color depends on role and costume).  If my skirt flips up on stage, the audience will see an uninterrupted line of tights and briefs, not a wardrobe malfunction.  I find these briefs comfortable, and often end up wearing them as underwear beneath formal attire for post-show parties. (Available from discountdance.com and capezio.com)

Streetwear: Eddie Bauer Microtherm StormDown Jacket

I am always freezing when I'm backstage (partly because my company dances in a historic         theater that does not have insulated walls in the dressing rooms).  Extra layers are a must, but I like to bring as little as possible in my bag, and it's hard to find pieces that can be worn over costumes, dancewear, and streetwear.  Pullovers are hard because they mess up hair, and soft clothing can sometimes leave behind balls of fluff on tights and tulle.  This jacket is perfect because it's a full zip, smooth fabric, and super lightweight (it can fold into it's own pocket for easy packing).  I also love the sporty style, and the down quilting makes it extremely warm.  If you're headed on a skiing holiday after your last Nutcracker show, this is the jacket for you.  (Available at Eddie Bauer stores and on eddiebauer.com).

Makeup:  Too Faced Melted Matte liquid lipstick in Lady Balls

Stage makeup is not my favorite; I always prefer a more natural look.  However, I know that the bold colors and dark lines serve the purpose of highlighting my features for every member of the audience to see.  One of the biggest issues with stage makeup is bright red lipstick.  It seems to be the first thing to rub off (all over my face, usually), and costume changes can easily get messy.  I am also very prone to dry lips, and highly pigmented formulas can make lips even drier.  This liquid lipstick from Too Faced provides opaque color in one coat, and it dries to a matte finish that doesn't rub off easily.  The formula is quite lightweight, so it isn't too drying.  Just a sweep of makeup remover returns my lips to their natural color.  Even though the product is expensive, I think the quality is worth the price.  (Available at Sephora and Ulta stores)

Skincare: Lancome Bi-Facil Double Action Eye Makeup Remover

I don't often use specific makeup remover since I wear light and non-waterproof makeup on a daily basis.  For the stage, though, I wear black eyeliner and thick layers of black mascara.  This makeup remover easily takes off all pigments, including lipstick.  It does not sting my eyes, and it does not leave streaky residue.  I like to remove my stage makeup and do more subdued makeup for the opening night reception, and I like to leave bare-faced if I have no obligations after a show.  Even though it's from a pricy brand, I like this Lancome makeup remover because it's crafted from high quality ingredients that I trust.  (Available at Sephora and sephora.com)

Food:  Propel Fitness Water

I need a lot of fluids when I'm performing, especially when it's aerobic corps roles like snow and flowers.  This fitness water is like Gatorade, but it's completely clear.  This makes it a good choice for backstage since it can't stain anything if it spills.  The electrolytes in the formula keep muscles from cramping, which is very helpful for me.  Propel is available in a variety of fruit flavors (my favorites are orange and grape), so you'll be sure to find one you like.  (Available at most convenience and grocery stores)

Brand Spotlight: Freed (including Chacott)

This British brand is known worldwide as the major supplier of pointe shoes to professional ballet companies.  Freed also produces dancewear for ballet academies across Europe. 

pronunciation	Freed = exactly as written, Chacott = Shuh- kott
website	freedoflondon.com
styles of dance included	ballet, pointe, jazz, hip-hop, ballroom, tap, character
types of items	shoes, bodywear, accessories, warm-ups, streetwear
country of origin	UK
price point	moderate to luxury
quality	very good
availability	Some availability in local dancewear stores in the US and abroad.  Chacott flagship stores in NYC and  other large cities worldwide.  Some items available on discountdance.com.  Full availability on official website.
sizing	pointe shoes: true to size (UK sizing—to convert from US street size, subtract 2 to 2.5).
Jillian’s top pick	Freed Studio II pointe shoes—the shape is generic and comes in 4 widths to accommodate many foot types.  A good introduction to Freed shoes for a budding professional.  (suitable for advanced ballet dancers only)
Jillian’s item to avoid	none to speak of

Dancewear Inspiration: Sugar Plum Fairy

This dancewear inspiration series will give you inspiration to style your dance wardrobe after your favorite ballet characters.  Whether you are looking for inspiration in an upcoming rehearsal or you're  just enjoying dressing up, I hope these looks can inspire you to have fun with your look.

The Sugar Plum Fairy is the most prestigious female role in Nutcracker.  This character is the ruler of the Kingdom of Sweets.  She's also a kind and motherly character.  More mature and seasoned dancers usually portray this role, so this look is a little more spunky and grown up even though it shows Sugar Plum's sweetness.

All about legwarmers

Does the legwarmer display at your local dancewear store give you bad 1980’s aerobics memories?  Do you ever think that dancers should just wear pants if their legs are cold?  In this post, I will give you a low-down on the real purpose of legwarmers in the dance world.

Legwarmers are most popular with ballet dancers, but contemporary/modern/lyrical and jazz dancers often wear them as well.  Legwarmers are a common accent to a dance outfit consisting of a leotard and tights.

The major function of legwarmers is not to be a fashion accessory or even just to keep the body warm.  First and foremost, legwarmers prevent injury.  Joints like ankles and knees can easily get hurt if they are not warmed up and lightly supported.  Most pants are not tight enough or long enough to protect both joints. 

Legwarmers are also supposed to be snug to the body so teachers and choreographers can still see the lines of a dancer’s body.  They often come in basic colors like ballet pink and black so they can be almost unnoticeable against a dancer’s tights. 

Of course, legwarmers have become a fashion accessory in addition to a functional garment.  Bright colors and patterns are common, and many dancers use legwarmers as a bright accent against a more subdued leo-and-tights combo.

If you are a student required to wear a uniform at your dance school, legwarmers may not be allowed.  However, if you have a mild injury to a knee or ankle, many instructors will allow a single legwarmer on the injured area instead of or in addition to a brace.  To be respectful of the dress code, choose a subdued solid color like black, ballet pink, or grey, and always check in with a teacher before wearing a warmer in class.

November Favorites

Dancewear: Bloch Warmup Boots

I've had my candy pink Bloch boots for about 3 years now, and I wear them

mostly at this time of year.  Nutcracker rehearsals really pick up in

November, and during full runs, I often find myself trying hard to keep my

feet and body warm and ready to dance during breaks between my parts.  I

love that these boots can be worn over shoes (flat ballet shoes, jazz shoes,

pointe shoes, etc.).  They are stiff enough to fully protect feet and shoes

(even when dashing across the parking lot to get that thing I left in the

car), but flexible enough to wear while doing warm-up exercises.  (Available

from discountdance.com and blochworld.com in the US)

Streetwear: Zip-up hoodless Polartec jackets

For areas that get chilly in late fall but don't get a lot of snow or

sub-freezing temps (at least until later in winter), zip-up fleece jackets

provide the right amount of warmth both in the studio and on the street.  I

like choosing hoodless designs like these from Eddie Bauer and The North

Face because they are more convenient to wear during dance warm-up. (Ever

tried to do port-de-bras forward or chaine turns while wearing a hoodie?

Inconvenient to say the least.)  Many brands offer similar styles in

different colors and patterns, so you're guaranteed to find one that suits

you.  (Available at most sporting goods and outdoor clothing stores such as

Dick's and REI)

Makeup: CoverGirl Full Lash Bloom

Here's another makeup product that I've been using for a few years, and for

good reason.  If you're anything like me, you like your makeup to look put

together, but not overdone, especially for active rehearsals.  This mascara

(available in brown and black and waterproof and regular options) separates

and lengthens lashes while keeping their natural look.  The formula dries to

a flexible matte finish, so it does not crumble or flake off if you

accidentally rub your eyes.  I highly recommend this reasonably priced

product to everyone from young teen dancers who are interested in starting

to wear light makeup to seasoned makeup-wearers seeking  a more natural

look.  (Available at most grocery and drug stores)

Haircare: Living Proof Night Cap

This hair product is billed as an overnight protector (to keep hair from

getting too tangled while you sleep), but I like to think of it as a miracle

softener and smoother.  I have naturally wavy hair that can easily look dry

and frizzy, but, like most people, I prefer a sleeker look.  I work a

dime-sized amount of Night Cap through my towel-dried hair after I shower,

then brush it with a Tangle Teezer.  Then I gather my hair in a low ponytail

and let it dry overnight.  In the  morning, my hair is shiny and soft with

my natural wavy texture.  (Available at Sephora and Ulta stores and online)

Food: Tea by Republic of Tea

I am a big tea drinker, and I love having different blends in different

situations.  Republic of Tea has a seemingly endless supply of caffeinated,

herbal, and flavored teas sold in sleek round tins (even some decorated with

your favorite characters from Downton Abbey).  The holiday collection is out

now, and whether you prefer black tea or a caffeine-free blend like rooibos,

you'll be sure to find something yummy. Some of my favorites (for all

seasons) are Sweet Vanilla Almond, Blackberry Sage, and Asian Jasmine.

(Full selection available at republicoftea.com, some varieties available at

Whole Foods and Cost Plus World Market stores.)

What kinds of dancewear and makeup do I need for Nutcracker?

If this is your (or your child’s) first year participating in a big stage production, it can be a little daunting to get all of your supplies.  What you will need really depends on what parts you will be dancing, but the truth is that you probably really don’t need quite as much as you think you do, and you can use some of the things that you already have.  The dance company will not expect you to obtain any items that are not readily available at department stores or dancewear stores. 

Here are the basic things that all dancers usually need, but specific varieties vary with gender and role.  Always check with your director about exactly what you need; do not purchase items just because I suggested them.

1.  Tights.  For most roles, male and female dancers will need to bring their own tights in nude, white, black, or pink.  If the role requires a unique color of tights, the company should provide them.  I highly recommend purchasing at least 2 new pairs of tights before opening night.  It is not necessary to wear “fresh out of the package” tights to each show, but they do need to be clean, not torn, and not faded from lots of washing.

2.  Costume underwear.  You will have to bring whatever it is you will be wearing under your costume, if anything.  Many female roles require a bra, dance briefs, or a nude leotard.  Male roles often require a dance belt and a tight fitting t-shirt or tank top.  Dancers are usually free to use items that they already own; you do not have to go buy a new pair of briefs or t-shirt unless nothing that you already own will work.  Once you acquire a nude leotard or pair of ballet pink briefs, that item will continue to work for all of your performances until it wears out or you outgrow it.

3.  Dance shoes.  You will have to bring your own dance shoes to the performance (unless you are performing barefoot or are using specialized footwear provided by the company).  I recommend getting new shoes (flat ballet, pointe, jazz) a few weeks before the performance and breaking them in so they will be clean and formed to your foot during the performance.  Character, ballroom, and tap shoes don’t have to be new, just clean.  If you are required to have a special color of ballet shoes, purchase a white pair and dye them.  If you need a special color of pointe shoes, you can color them with fabric markers (see my article about coloring ballet shoes here: ). 

4.  Hair “stuff.”  This includes all gel, hairspray, bobby pins, clips, hairnets, extensions, and items that you use to get your hair ready for the stage.  If you will be wearing a hat, wig, or special hairpiece, the company will provide it for you.

5.  Makeup.  All performances that take place in a big theater will require stage makeup for all dancers.  Regardless of age and gender, dancers will need some form of foundation, eye shadow, eyeliner, blush, and lipstick.  Additionally, older girls and women will need mascara, false lashes, and bronzer.  The particular type, color, and sometimes brand of the products will be specified by the company.

That is really all that dancers need.  If this is your (or your child’s) first time performing (and expensive pointe shoes are not involved), expect to spend about $100 on tights, costume underwear, dance shoes, and makeup.  For subsequent shows, you only need to refresh tights, some types of shoes, and expired makeup products.  Expect to spend about $50.

Young dancers (under age 12 or so) are usually placed together in tight dressing rooms with little extra space, so it is important that they not bring too many extraneous items.  They can get dropped off at the theater already wearing their tights and costume underwear under their clothes and with their hair and makeup already done (except for lipstick—always apply after getting in costume for less mess).  They will need a small tote containing dance shoes, lipstick, and extra hair things like spray and pins.  A water bottle and a snack are also good things to pack, but not entirely necessary.  Most theaters have water fountains, and companies will usually provide “emergency” light snacks and entertainment like blank paper and colored pencils. 

Teen and adult dancers who perform more numerous and advanced parts often need more supplies, and they are usually placed in more spacious dressing rooms with only a few other dancers.  See my “what to take to the theater with you” article here.