Toe pad Roundup

There are so many different types of toe pads out there!  Each type meets different needs determined by foot shape, type of pointe shoe, the dancer’s level, etc.  In this post I will go over many commonly available types of toe pads (including specific brands and products) and explain some of their pros and cons.  (Note: I have tried every toe pad that my dancewear store sells, as well as a few others.  I am still limited by what I have seen, felt, and tried on.  There are surely types of toe pads out there that I have not seen before, but this is a very comprehensive list that should help out any dancer looking for toe pad information.)

Commercially sold toe pads:

Lambswool

These toe pads are made of soft curly wool woven into a piece of thick fabric and shaped like the toe of a sock.  Lambswool toe pads are very soft to the touch.  They generally start off very fluffy, and within a few wears they compact down into a thin barrier to protect toes.  Some lambswool toe pads have gel tips to give dancers an added layer of more resilient protection.  Lambswool toe pads generally come in 3 sizes (S, M, L).  They are quite inexpensive at $5-$12 a pair, but do not last very long before they wear out or get holes in them.  Lambswool pads are also pretty short in the vamp and wings, so if you have long toes or bunions, you may have trouble getting a lambswool pad to cover all the necessary areas. 

“Silk” or fabric with interwoven gel (aka Ouch Pouch)

  

These toe pads are made of a synthetic fabric (sometimes called silk even though it is not really silk) interwoven with gel.  They usually come in two shapes, one that resembles a fortune cookie and covers only the toes, and another with more fabric to cover the bottom of the foot from the toes to the ball (contributes to better bunion coverage). Each shape usually comes in two sizes, small and large.  A few different brands make these toe pads, and each calls the design something different.  The most well know version is the Capezio Bunheads’ Ouch Pouch.  These toe pads work best for moderately tapered feet.  They cost around $15-$20 a pair, and can last a very long time because the fabric takes a long time to wear out.  Ouch Pouches sometimes come in fun colors like blue and purple.  These are super fun and cheery, but if your toe pad sticks out of your shoe at all, your teacher (and the audience, if you are performing) will be looking at your colorful toe pad and not watching your dancing.  I recommend sticking with the light tan color because it will not stand out against light pink pointe shoes and ballet tights even if it does not match your skin tone.

Fabric (sockliner)

Fabric (or sockliner) toe pads are very thin layers of jersey knit fabric.  They are sometimes worn alone to prevent blisters, and sometimes paired with other types of toe pads to make them thicker.  Fabric toe pads are very inexpensive, about $5-$10 a pair, and they last a pretty long time.  They do not provide any padding around the foot, so only dancers who do not need or want toe pads for support or pain reduction should try fabric toe pads.

Fabric + gel

This type of toe pad is made of fabric with a gel overlay.  The fabric is generally very thin, and the gel varies in thickness based on the brand.  Different brands produce different shapes of fabric + gel toe pads, and some are very rounded (good for wide or square feet) while others are more tapered (good for narrow tapered feet).  Dancers who have big toe pain or get lots of blisters but still want a very thin toe pad may like fabric + gel pads.  These toe pads usually cost $12-$20.  They last pretty well, but the gel can begin to peel off in high-wear areas within a few months.

Fabric gel sandwich

This is one of the thickest toe pads available.  This type of pad is the same as fabric + gel, but there is another layer of fabric on top of the gel (forming the sandwich).  Dancers with very narrow tapered feet or those who feel a lot of pain in their shoes benefit most from fabric gel sandwich toe pads.  The pads usually have a moderately tapered shape and generally come in 2 sizes.  As some of the most expensive toe pads ($20 or so), these provide a lot of support for a pretty long time.  The gel can start to wear down after a few months of regular use.

Foam

Foam toe pads are made of a memory foam-like material and shaped the same way as lambswool toe pads.  They also come in a couple different sizes, but are short in the vamp and wings.  Foam toe pads are pretty thick, but can easily wear through in areas of high wear (like the tip of the big toe).  They are pretty inexpensive at only $5-$8 a pair.

Gel (silicone)

Gel toe pads are made of molded silicone material.  They are usually a semi-tapered shape with a relatively low vamp and high wing.  Even very thin gel pads can give bigtime relief from rubbing and pounding pain.  Gel toe pads are on the less expensive end of things at $12-$18 a pair, and they last a pretty long time.  The gel does wear through after about a year of use.  If they do not have perforation, these toe pads can be very non-breathable.  Dusting them with baby powder helps keep them from getting too sticky.

Plastic

This type of toe pad is made of thin layers of plastic with a mushy foam-like gel material trapped between them.  It is meant to distribute padding to areas that do not receive high pressure so that pressure is evened out around the foot.  I can get behind almost every type of toe pad, but not this one.  The effect is rather like having two layers of beach ball with marshmallow inside.  These toe pads are thick, non-breathable, and expensive.

Other  methods of padding:

Paper towel (or similar)

Some (usually professional) dancers do not want to wear toe pads, but need something to stop blisters from forming.  Paper towels wrapped around the toes can do the trick, as can a few other products like Swiffer pads and dryer sheets.  Wrapping paper towels around the feet (and toe pads) before slipping on pointe shoes can help a shoe that has widened out with wear fit more tightly.

Toe caps

These gel caps fit over the big toes to prevent pain.  Some varieties feature gel with a fabric overlay.  (The gel side is always designed to be closest to the skin.)  They are especially useful if a dancer has bruised toenails.  Some people wear them alone in their pointe shoes, and others wear them inside thinner toe pads.  At $5-$10 for a set of 2, toe caps are a good and inexpensive way to add padding to your usual regiment without buying a whole new set of toe pads.  Be aware that regardless of type, the gel usually wears through within a couple of months of regular wear.

Spacers

Spacers are wonderful for dancers with bunions.  Spacers slip between the first and second toe to re-align the big toe joint and reduce pressure on the bunion.  Using spacers can also add width to a very narrow foot, which can make pointe shoes fit better and more snuggly.  Beginning to wear a spacer early in a dancer’s pointe career can prevent bunions from forming, so at about $3 for a set of 2 or $6 for a set of 4, spacers are great investments that keep feet healthy in the long run.

Bunion pads

Bunion pads are like fabric + gel toe pads that only go on the big toe.  They function like a toe cap that also covers the bunion.  This is a great choice for dancers who get big toe pain as well as blisters directly on the bunion.  Bunion pads are a little more expensive at about $13 a pair, but they do a lot to relieve a very specific pain.

Loose lambswool

Loose lambswool is kind of like deconstructed cotton balls.  This white fluff is used to stuff pointe shoes or wrap around toes when a dancer needs just a little extra padding.  Because it doesn’t have creases or edges, lambswool is ideal for adding a little cushion without irritation.  Dancers can also add as much as they need without having to use a pre-determined size or amount.  For about $6, lambswool is an excellent thing to throw in your bag to cure a variety of pointe related pains.

Happy Birthday, Sweetie cat!

Happy birthday Sweetie girl!  My baby girl is 15 today!  She always loves laying on my leotards and dancewear.  

When dressing your son for ballet…

Boys can be a little easier to dress for ballet because they do not have to wear the same clingy nylon tights as girls.  However, finding dancewear for your young son (that he likes and will wear) can be a little more difficult.  It is very important for young boys to follow the studio’s dress code; this instills both an appreciation for the art of ballet and an understanding that rules must be respected and followed.  Follow these tips to make sure the dressing process goes smoothly.

1.  Boys’ dancewear is usually easier to take on and off than girls, but you should still help your son get dressed for class right before you head to the studio. 

3.  Have him go to the bathroom before he gets dressed.  Boys can usually adjust or take off their dancewear off by themselves if they need to go, but it’s still a good idea to visit the toilet before you start dressing.

4.  If your son is required to wear a leotard, this is the item he will need to put on first.  He should not wear underwear under his leotard.  Some dance stores and online retailers sell specific boys’ leotards, and others do not.  “Girls’” or “children’s” leotards in tank and short-sleeved styles are unisex in fit, so it is ok to grab your son’s white or black leotard from a rack that also features pink and purple choices.  (Note: you will have to go to a dancewear store to find these unisex style leotards.  Leotards sold at places like Walmart are very feminine in design as they tend to feature glitter and bows on pink fabric.)

If your son is required to wear a t-shirt and tights or shorts, he should wear tight briefs under his dancewear.  (Older boys and men wear dance belts, which are tight thong-style garments, to keep everything in place.  Dance belts do not generally come in sizes below a boys’ large or men’s small.)  Any relatively tight fitting t-shirt (in the proper color and with no logos except the logo of the ballet school) works well for young boys.  Just make sure it is long enough to tuck in and is not see-through.

5.  After he has on his leotard or shirt and underwear, your son should put on his tights or shorts (make sure you know what the dress code requires; most of the time male ballet students are required to wear one or the other).  The main thing to remember about boys’ dance bottoms is that they should not be loose.  It can be difficult to find small size (below a kids’ 8-10) boys’ dancewear at a reasonable price, so it is often easier to dress your son in items from the girls’ department.  Stores like Target and Walmart sell tight black bike shorts and leggings in the girls’ department for $5-$10 a pair, and these items are perfect for boys’ dancewear.  If your son is sensitive about gender boundaries, you may want to shop without him with you and clip off the tags before you let him try on his dancewear.

If your son is specifically required to wear footed dance tights, you will have to find them at a dancewear store or online.  Boys’ footed dance tights come as small as a children’s’ 4-6, can be purchased in black or white, and usually cost $30 or more.

If he feels self-conscious about wearing tights or tight leggings or shorts, your son can wear a pair of loose basketball-style shorts or sweat pants over his dancewear until you get to the studio.  Older boys and men who wear dance belts should always put on some type of looser bottoms over their tights, but younger boys are ok without unless they are uncomfortable.

6.  If your son is wearing leggings or shorts, he will need to wear socks.  Any thin sock in the proper color will do.  Make sure your son’s socks are not inside out or bunched up at the toes.

7.  DO NOT allow your son to put on his ballet shoes until you get to the studio.  Have him put on regular street shoes (not lace up sneakers if you can help it.). 

8.  Grab his dance bag and make sure the necessities are packed (ballet shoes, water bottle) and the non-necessities are left at home (toys, money, food).  Boys’ dance bags do not have to say “dance” on them or come from the dance store.  Small backpacks or even lunch boxes work well for young kids who don’t have too much gear. 

When dressing your daughter for ballet…

It can seem like a huge hassle to put a leotard and tights on a three-year-old for her 45 minute ballet class.  However, following dress code and wearing traditional ballet attire is extremely important in learning and appreciating the art of dance.  Follow these tips to make sure the dressing process goes smoothly.

1.  Plan to help her get dressed right before you have to go to the studio for class. 

2.  Have her go to the bathroom right before she gets dressed.  Sometimes the snug waistband of ballet tights can make children feel like they have to go to the bathroom.  Using the toilet before getting dressed will make her feel more comfortable and minimize the possibility of any accidents.

3.  Put her tights on first WITH NOTHING UNDERNEATH.  It is unacceptable to wear underwear under ballet tights and leotards.  All girls and ladies’ dance tights have a hygienic gusset (crotch area) that is breathable and will not cause irritation.  (If your tights do not have a hygienic gusset, they are not dance tights and should not be used for ballet.)  To make the tights go on easier, put your hand in the leg of the tight and scrunch up the length of the leg until the foot is right up at the waistband.  Then when your little one puts her foot into the tights, her toes will immediately be right where they are supposed to be and you can easily pull the leg portion over her leg and up to her waist.  Repeat with the other leg.  (Before you do this, make sure the tights are not inside out or backwards.)

4.  Put her leotard on over the tights.  She should not have anything else underneath it (undershirt, etc.).  Make sure the leotard is on the correct way and not backwards (easy mistake to make).  Usually the lower cut part of the leotard goes to the back.  If she is allowed to wear a skirt in class, she can put it on now or wait until you arrive at the studio.

5.  DO NOT put your daughter’s ballet shoes on her until you get to the studio.  She cannot walk around in them outside on the sidewalk or in the parking lot; this ruins the shoes and shows a lot of disrespect for the art of ballet.  It is also not a good idea to put her ballet shoes on her at home and then carry her into the car and into the studio.  (It tends to show that you put your convenience ahead of her learning ballet etiquette). 

6.  Fix your daughter’s hair.  If her hair is long enough, put it in a bun (it doesn’t have to be especially tight or neat if her scalp is sensitive or her hair is unruly).  If her hair is not long enough to bun, do what you can to pull it back in a ponytail or neatly off her face with a headband or clips.

7.  If she is not wearing a ballet skirt, make sure your daughter puts on some form of street clothes 

over her dancewear.  A pair of athletic shorts or sweat pants are a great choice.  If it’s chilly outside, add a sweater or jacket. 

8.  Help her get her street shoes on.  If she is wearing full-footed tights, do not allow her to wear flip flops.  Clogs or other easy-to -slip-on shoes are the best choice.  Avoid shoes with Velcro (or any article of clothing with Velcro, for that matter) because it can easily catch on tights and cause them to run.

9.  Grab your daughter’s dance bag (yes, she needs a dance bag even if she is a toddler), and make sure it has all her necessary items in it (ballet shoes, water bottle, dance skirt if she needs one and is not already wearing it) and not too many distracting/extraneous items (toys, food, money).

Now your little dancer is all ready to head to the studio for a great class!

Happy Valentines Day!

Happy Valentines Day everyone!  Show your love for dance by working extra hard in class.  Indulge in yummy chocolate, but be careful not to overdo it.  Have a few pieces of antioxidant-rich dark chocolate, and spread the love by sharing the rest of your treats with family and friends.

Dancers should learn to sew

Sewing may not seem like a skill that goes hand in hand with dance, but it is actually very important. All dancers who take ballet should know the basics of hand sewing. In the "olden days" (approx. year 2000 and earlier), all ballet shoes (pointe and flat) were purchased unsewn. There were no elastics sewn on the shoes, and some didn't come with elastics either. Dancers had to purchase them separately and sew them on their dance shoes. Today, many flat ballet shoes come pre-sewn with either one or two elastic straps. However, not all do, and sometimes the pre-sewn straps are too tight, too loose, or not in the right place. It is a very useful skill to be able to sew on or alter a shoe's elastics for enhanced looks or comfort.

All dancers who dance en pointe must know the basics of hand sewing in order to sew the ribbons and elastics on their pointe shoes. Sansha pointe shoes come with elastic pre-sewn on one side, but all other brands require dancers to acquire and attach their own ribbon and elastic. It is lazy and irresponsible to expect another person to sew your pointe shoes for you. It is totally acceptable for a mom or other family member to help a young dancer with her first pair or two of pointe shoes, but the dancer should try to do most of the stitching herself. 

Remember that you do not need to learn fancy stitches or do anything other than the bare minimum. Learning this simple skill can really help you be prepared and responsible with well-fitting dance shoes. 

Dancewear and modesty

When I help people shop for dancewear, I am frequently asked if I think this leotard or that pair of shorts is too revealing.  I believe that this is a very personal question that can really only be answered by the person who will be wearing the items (with input from his or her parents and teachers).  Sometimes I am very concerned with modesty, and sometimes I am not.  I am absolutely guilty of stopping by Starbucks in a leo, tights, and bootie shorts, but I also perform vigorous “movement tests” while trying on leotards to make sure nothing slips and shows.  I think it is best to choose dancewear that fits, makes you feel good, and covers you appropriately.  In this post, I will go over some tips to help you find dancewear that you feel comfortable in as well as guidelines for wearing dancewear outside the studio.  These guidelines and tips will be geared toward female dancers with one very important tip for male dancers at the end.

--What defines modesty/immodesty?  Usually dancewear can be considered immodest if it reveals parts of the body that should be covered up.  Obviously all private areas must be covered, but beyond that, different people have different standards for how much of the body needs to be covered.  Different styles of dance also accept different levels of “showing skin.”  In ballet, usually the legs must be covered at least to mid-thigh, and the midriff must be covered, but exposed backs and upper chests are considered acceptable.  In jazz, dancers are more likely to wear bra tops and short shorts that expose the midriff and more of the legs.  In my opinion, all dancers should follow the dress codes of their studios as well as observe common modesty standards including covering all private areas and minimizing the exposure of surrounding areas such as cleavage and “underbutt.”

--Look for dancewear that flatters your body type.  A good place to start (for teen girls and adult women) is looking at items on discoutdance.com.  Look at the models’ bodies and notice the differences between them.  Some are thinner, some are more athletic.  Others have larger busts.  Plus size models are also featured.  Usually models are dressed and photographed in pieces that flatter their body types.  If you are curvy, look at the pieces shown on curvy models.  Take note of the styles (Thicker straps? Higher necklines?), and remember them when you shop for your dancewear. 

Unfortunately, the world is not fair.  There are often many more flattering choices for slim dancers.  Leotards with low V- necklines, high cut legs, and thin straps are usually modest on thin, non-curvy girls and women.  This same style may show a lot of cleavage on a curvier dancer, making it a less modest choice. 

--Be aware of your studio’s dress code requirements, and balance them with your personal comfort level as well as your parents’ standards (if you are under 18).  Some studios do not allow halter leotards, bra tops without a shirt over them, or shorts without tights underneath.  If you are breaking the dress code, you are not dressed modestly enough.  If your studio does allow dancewear like bra tops and bootie shorts on their own, check in with yourself and your parents before you fill your dance wardrobe with more revealing items. 

There are no hard and fast rules for how old a dancer should be when she starts wearing camisole leotards or bootie shorts to class.  Some dancers wear them age 4, others wait until 12.  This is a decision that needs to be made by the studio, the dancer, and the parents.  If you are young, be prepared for your parents to turn down some more grown up items such as halter leos and the like.  Usually your parents just don’t want to see their little girl grow up too fast.  Enjoy being the age you are now.  There will be plenty of time for more stylish dancewear when you get older.  Also, more stylish and grown up dancewear (especially leotards with fancy low backs) in children’s sizes is a lot more expensive than more basic items.  Your parents may be commenting more on the price than the look of an item if they say they don’t like a piece for you.

--Try dancewear on before you buy it (if you can).  Go to the store and try on many different styles of dancewear before you settle on what works best for you.  If you shop online, try to make informed choices and be aware of the online store’s return policy.  (Most require tags to be attached and the items to be in new/resellable condition.)  Try on items as soon as you get them, and be ok with returning items that don’t work out.  Perform “movement tests” when you try on dancewear.  Raise your arms, kick your legs, lean forward and back.  If any garment is too see-through, slips, rides up, or moves around in a way that you don’t like or have to immediately adjust so nothing shows, don’t buy it (or be ready to return it). 

--After you have built up your dancewear collection, maintain your personal standards of modesty when you make outfits and dress for dance class.  If you feel too exposed when you have on a bra top and bootie shorts, you don’t have to pair those items together.  Wear jazz pants with your crop top, and choose a ¾ sleeve t-shirt to offset your short shorts.  As always, make sure you are in dress code and wearing clothing appropriate for the style of dance. 

--You know what you feel good wearing in the studio.  Now you need to consider what to wear over it for the trip to and from.  (If you normally go to the studio wearing your regular clothes and change after you get there, you do not need to worry about this part.)  Unless your dancewear is passable as street clothes, it’s a good idea to put something on over your dancewear.  A good rule of thumb is to cover anything that looks like underwear.  If you dance in a leo and tights, put on a pair of athletic shorts to cover your bottom (the brief-cut of a leotard makes it inappropriate for street wear).  If you dance in a bra top, put a t-shirt over it. Bootie shorts run a fine line between standard athletic wear and underwear in their look, so cover up if you feel too exposed.  If your butt is exposed at all, definitely cover up.

 If it is hot outside, you can stop there.  It’s ok to ride in the car and walk across the parking lot in a leo, tights, and shorts.  If you are going to be making a super-quick stop before or after class (such as at Starbucks or the gas station), it’s up to you if you feel covered up enough.  Most people are minding their own business and won’t have a chance to look at you long enough to make any judgments. 

If it’s cold outside, if you will be going somewhere for a longer period of time after class (like a restaurant), or if you take public transportation to the dance studio, it is necessary to put on more clothing over your dancewear.  Most dance warm-ups like pants and sweaters work well, as do street clothing items like sweat pants and hoodies.

If you are getting ready for a dress rehearsal or performance at a theater, always cover up in weather appropriate warm-ups or street clothes when arriving and leaving.  You don’t have to look fancy, just covered up.  This respects the theater as a place of art.  Also, if your rehearsals and performances are late at night and the theater is in a different neighborhood than you are used to, it can promote your safety to be dressed modestly.  It is 100% wrong to bother or hurt anyone because of what they are wearing, but sometimes people mistake dancewear and heavy stage makeup for a “streetwalker” look. 

--Men’s dancewear comes in fewer different styles and varieties than women’s dancewear, so putting together a modest look is usually very easy as long as all studio guidelines are followed.  If you wear loose pants or shorts to dance, you do not have to do anything to cover up.  If you wear tight shorts, leggings, or dance tights that reveal the outline of your dancebelt, throw on some looser sweat pants or basketball-style shorts over top whenever you are not in the studio.

Using these guidelines along with good judgment and communication will ensure that your dancewear is appropriate and works well for you.