May 2017 Favorites: Pointe edition

May Favorites: Pointe Edition
I've mentioned some of my pointe favorites here and there over the years, but I haven't laid them all out to discuss what I like about each product.  Remember that all feet are different and all dancers have different needs, so what I like best may not work for you at all.  I am always experimenting with different pointe shoes, toe pads, etc. (I'm working in a new brand now), but what I'm listing here includes my long-time ride or die pointe faves.

Shoes

Grishko 2007 Pro

Even though I've tried numerous different brands, Grishko is my favorite.  I bounce a little bit among Nova, DreamPointe, and 2007 (regular), but the vast majority of the shoes I've used in the past year are 2007 pro.  They differ from the regular 2007s in the length of the vamp (just slightly lower) and the construction of the box (a leather-like material is layered beneath the satin to make the shoe quieter and less slippery).  I tend to get pain across the tops of my toes (not the tips, the knuckles and nails) if they move around inside the box, and this tends to happen if the box is too wide or narrow.  Because my toes are quite tapered, my metatarsals are medium width, and my heel is very narrow, it's challenging to find a shoe that fits all parts of my foot.  I like the 2007 Pro's relatively short vamp, since it allows only my toes to be contained in the tapered box while my wider metatarsals are less constricted.  This is one of Grishko's harder-to-find models, but you usually find it at discountdance.com and bestpointe.com.

Toe Pads

Pillows for Pointe Super Gellowes (customized with Perfect Fit Pointe insert materials)

Like with most of my pointe supplies, I've used Super Gellowes for years.  They are made of clear gel sandwiched between two layers of soft cotton fabric.  These are some of the thicker toe pads out there, but they work well for me since my toes are very tapered and bony.  I used to use gel spacers since I have slight bunions, but about a year and a half ago I switched to Perfect Fit Pointe inserts to better support my feet (in addition to bunions on both sides of my feet, my second toe is longest, which causes some alignment issues).  See my full review of Perfect Fit Pointe inserts here, or check them out at perfectfitpointe.com.  Super Gellows can be found at discountdance.com and at some local dancewear stores.

Ribbon

Body Wrappers Angelo Luzio S-T-R-E-T-C-H Ribbon

I've used elasticized ribbon for a long time, and I've tried multiple brands.  The option from Body Wrappers is my favorite because the entire length of the ribbon is stretchy, not just a little piece.  Because of this, it's easier to cut the ribbons and sew shoes without carefully measuring where the stretchy piece will end up when the ribbons are tied.  I like the color of these ribbons as well.  They're a matte light peach, which matches my tights well and doesn't need to be pancaked with calamine lotion when I perform.  I also find that these ribbons hold up well without getting too dirty or tattered, so they can be re-used a couple of times.  Find it at discountdance.com and at some local dancewear stores.

Elastic

Russian Pointe elastic

I prefer this elastic because it's so soft.  Back when I wore Russian Pointe shoes, I got a ton of RP elastic fromdiscountdance.com.  (Here's a tip:  If you wear RP shoes and order them from disocuntdance.com, you can get free basic ribbon and elastic.  If you need extra, such as for criss-crossing elastics, you can increase the quantity of the free items when you view the items in your cart.  You will not be charged for them.)  The elastic does tend to stretch out after a while, but I can still re-use it at least once before it goes dead.  Find it at discountdance.com.

Tape

Nexcare Waterproof Tape

This peach-colored foam tape is great for two things: protecting skin from blisters and keeping the heels of shoes from slipping off.  Because the tape is soft and slightly squishy, it increases friction between the shoe and the skin, which in turn keeps the shoe fabric from moving and slipping, which in turn keeps the skin from getting abraded.  I usually place small pieces on my pinky-toe-side bunions and on my heels each time I put on my pointe shoes.  It makes my feet so much happier!  Find this tape at most grocery or drug stores.

Plastic Band-Aids

I tend to get bruised toenails and pain in the nail bed on my big toes if I'm en pointe for a long time (think marathon Nutcracker rehearsals).  I like to use Band-Aids to prevent the pain.  The gauze piece on Band-Aids is the perfect amount of padding without adding bulk.  I prefer plastic Band-Aids (such as printed children's ones) because they don't bend and break down as easily as fabric or foam options.

The Basics: Is ballet the same as dance?

I got a question the other day from the dad of a young girl.  He asked, "Ballet and dance-are they the same thing?"  It may seem like the most basic concept, but when I stop and think about it, today's conceptions of ballet and dance don't always line up.  I'll unpack this question-and hopefully answer it-in this post.
When people (generally non-dancers) think about ballet in this day and age, a few things tend to come to mind.  Images gathered from sources like the movie Black Swan and old-time theatrical productions of The Nutcracker prevail.  Ballerinas are tiny young girls that wear pink.  Ballet is stuffy, boring, immature, and the pastime of the wealthy.

On the contrary, when non-dancers think about dance, a different variety of images come up.  Aerobic club dancing, social ballroom and wedding dances, competition routines from Dance Moms, and Beyoncé's concert performances all come up.  Dancers are cool, athletic, and impressive.

By definition, ballet is a form of dance.  Those who practice ballet move their bodies in specific and carefully choreographed movements in time to music.  Ballet steps are called by specific names (most of them in French), and most classical ballet attire has a French or Russian influence.

What I find particularly interesting is how ballet is largely absent from popular culture portrayals of dance.  Shows like Dance Moms and So You Think You Can Dance have cast members and contestants participating in a variety of styles, but most of them are relatively newer varieties like contemporary, jazz, lyrical, tap, and hip-hop.  Ballet is shown only occasionally in comparison.  That's not to say it's never shown, but when it is, I think ballet is not highlighted as especially entertaining or impressive (even though it is!).  Because casual viewers of such programs may not see any ballet, I think it's reasonable for them to consider ballet separate from the umbrella of dance that they understand.

The separation from ballet and other dance styles may also come from the way classes are described.  Something advertised as dance fitness is likely to be a combination of aerobics and something like hip-hop or salsa, not ballet.  (There are ballet fitness classes out there, but they are usually called barre.)  Children's fundamental classes are sometimes called things like creative dance, and these classes are usually more about moving around and following directions than learning a particular syllabus (although they commonly use steps and terms from several styles including ballet, jazz, modern, tap, and hip-hop).

This probably goes without saying, but most stereotypes about ballet are false.  Kathryn Morgan did a fantastic video de-bunking several common ballet myths (check it out here).  In addition to everything Katie says, know that it's much more common to see a highly disciplined, mature, hard-working, workout-gear-wearing ballet student than an immature, weak-willed girl all in pink.  Ballet is a bit more expensive to fund than education in other dance styles (mostly due to the cost of pointe shoes), but in virtually all other aspects, the process of professional ballet training is quite similar to training in all other dance styles (and most sports, for that matter).

So, to answer the original question, yes, ballet is dance.  However, when something is described as dance on a TV show or fitness class advertisement, it is probably not ballet based.  This does not make ballet above or below any other type of dance; it's merely one of many panels that make up the huge, multi-colored dance umbrella.

Recipe: all-over health drink

I used to drink Gatorade daily to ward off muscle cramps.  I'm eager to nix anything with added sugar from my diet, so I decided to start experimenting with ingredients to create a better-for-you daily recovery beverage.  As an added bonus, the cost of the ingredients is less per 16-oz serving than a bottle of Gatorade.  Sometimes the drink can start to taste a little "health food store" if you add too much of certain ingredients, so I've added options to sweeten it up if you like.

Start with a 16-oz bottle with a screw-off cap.  If you use a bottle with a spout or straw, sometimes ingredients get stuck and it's difficult to wash.

-Add 8 oz of natural grapefruit, orange, or pineapple juice
-Add 1 tbsp natural apple cider vinegar
-If you want to add sweetness and counteract the acid flavor, add a natural sweetener like 1 tsp stevia or maple syrup
-Add powdered ginger--I use 3 to 5 shakes from the spice container (add more or less to taste)
-Add powdered turmeric--I use 1 to 3 shakes from the spice container (add more or less to taste, but start with less if you're not familiar with the flavor)
-Add 1 tbsp black chia seeds (you can omit this if you don't want "floaters")
-Fill bottle the rest of the way with water or brewed tea

Shake well and refrigerate for a few hours or overnight. (This makes the chia seeds soft.  If you didn't use chia, you don't need to refrigerate.)  I prepare my drink (and my packed lunch) in evening for the next day.

Here's a run-down of the health benefits of each ingredient:

-citrus juice contains tons of vitamin C, and it helps break up lactic acid in sore muscles
-apple cider vinegar aids digestion, boosts the immune system, and is a natural antibiotic--good to clear up skin issues and kill sore throats
-ginger aids digestion
-turmeric is high in antioxidants, which makes it great for clear skin and overall health
-chia contains healthy omega-3s (good for your heart) as well as fiber and protein

Coppelia Ballet Summary

Coppelia is a very classical ballet.  It falls in the same category with Nutcracker, Swan Lake, and Sleeping Beauty as a fairy tale-like story with a recognizable score.  Numerous pieces of music and variations from the show are popular for recitals and ballet competitions.  The ballet is based on some short stories by E.T.A Hoffman (the same person who wrote the story behind The Nutcracker).  Even though all companies portray a slightly different version, the general story and characters remain consistent.  In this post, I'll go over the basic storyline.

Coppelia is quite unique in that it's a pure comedy.  The main conflict in the story is misunderstanding; there are no real identifiable villains.  While the story is not well-known (and therefore less popular than things like Sleeping Beauty), Coppelia is very entertaining and family-appropriate.

The main characters in the ballet are Svanhilda (sometimes spelled Swanhilda), a young woman; Franz, her fiancé; Dr. Coppelius, a mysterious toymaker; and Coppelia, a magical doll.  The story takes place in a small German town, and the rest of the cast generally represents people (and things-more on that later) that reside in the town.

Act I:

In some versions, the act begins with a prologue showing Dr. Coppelius, a peculiar man who makes inventions, including magical dolls, in his workshop.  Dr. Coppelius is working on his newest project, a life-sized doll that looks like a lovely girl.  Some re-tellings of the story will insinuate that Coppelius made the doll for his own companionship.  Others may show Coppelius making the doll in the image of Svanhilda because he is secretly in love with her.  In this version, Coppelius may be cast as seedy or slightly villainous.  In most other versions, Coppelius is odd, but harmless.  Note that this scene is often omitted, so don't be surprised if you don't see it.

The real story begins with Svanhilda and Franz.  The young couple intend to get married.  In some versions of the story, the town is celebrating because the church tower/clock tower just got a new bell, and every couple that gets married for a certain period of time following the bell installation will win a cash prize.  This introduces a time limit for the events that will follow, and often involves a group of corps dancers who represent a clock and the passage of time.  Versions that do not put emphasis on the bell tower usually have just town residents in the corps de ballet.
While Svanhilda and Franz are in the town square, they notice a mysterious girl sitting on the porch (sometimes on the balcony) of a house. (In some versions, Coppelius brings the mystery girl--his newest doll-- out into the town square for villagers to see.) Franz is intrigued, and he feels drawn toward this girl.  Even though he is in love with and engaged to Svanhilda, he thinks he may be falling in love with the mysterious girl.

Svanhilda notices Franz's wandering attention, and she tries to remind him of how much they love each other.  Town residents (farmers, peasant girls, etc.) dance with the couple, and a group of Svanhilda's friends tease Franz about getting cold feet.  In some versions, Svanhilda tries to find out if Franz truly loves her using superstitious methods like shaking a piece of wheat beside her head and Franz's head.  Despite everyone's efforts, Franz is still obsessed with the mystery girl, and Svahnilda is devastated.

Act II:

Svanhilda, her friends, and Franz determine the mystery girls' association with Dr. Coppelius.  In some versions, various characters corner Coppelius, beat him up, or steal his keys.  In other portrayals, Svanhilda and her friends skip right to the breaking in part.  They enter Dr. Coppelius's house with intentions to find out who the mystery girl is and keep her away from Franz.

When Svanhilda and friends enter the house, they find themselves in a huge workshop filled with dolls, and the mystery girl is there.  She is also a doll-her name is Coppeila, and she is Dr. Coppelius's prized creation.  Svanhilda's friends want to destroy Coppelia, but something goes wrong in the workshop and all the dolls come to life!  The dolls are often portrayed by the corps de ballet, and they perform very fun robot-like choreography.  There's a huge kerfuffle, and as this ensues, Dr. Coppelius and Franz both show up at the scene, and Svanhilda gets an idea.

Franz asks Coppelius for permission to marry Coppelia.  Coppelius understands that Franz is meant to marry Svanhilda, so he's reluctant to give his permission outright (or, if Coppelius is more seedy, he may be working out a plot to get Franz to fall for Coppeila so Coppelius himself can marry Svanhilda).  He puts Franz into a hypnotic state (sometimes by casting a spell or providing a potion or alcoholic beverage).  Meanwhile, Svanhilda searches around the workshop and finds some clothes that look like Coppelia's.  Svanhilda dresses in the outfit and creeps out with the rest of the dolls.

Once Franz is completely confused, he notices Svanhilda.  He doesn't quite recognize her, and he dances between her and Coppelia, unsure of what to do.  Coppelius tries to offer some wisdom (or more confusion), but poor Franz is in no state to understand anything that's happening.

Act III:

It's the next day, the day on which Svanhilda and Franz are supposed to be married.  The townsfolk are excited for the marriage, but wary since Franz's confusion is not yet resolved.  Different groups of townspeople perform various dances as they wait for the couple to appear.  If the version of the ballet is clock-centric, the corps de ballet will perform the famous Waltz of the Hours variation, which shows that the couple is almost out of time.  Eventually Franz shows up alone, and then Dr. Coppelius arrives with what appears to be two dolls in wedding dresses.  Coppelius tells Franz to follow his heart and choose a bride.

Franz is unsure of which bride to choose, but with some goading from the crowd, finally makes a selection.  He has chosen Svanhilda, his true soulmate, who will provide him with much more than the beautiful but empty Coppelia.  The town residents dance together and show joy for the young couple's happy marriage.

Save or Splurge?

 Dance (in this case, ballet) can be an expensive activity.  As you rise to higher levels, there are numerous expenses required to maintain training and equipment.  Some shortcuts exist to save money on your hobby.  Some of these deals work out well in the long run, and others are not worth it.  In this guide, I'll present some opportunities to save and splurge on your dance-related purchases, and I'll provide my experience-based opinions on when it's better to save or splurge in different situations.

1.       Leotards:  fancy style or basic camisole

Fancy fashion leotards featuring mesh, lace,  and strappy designs often cost $40 or more for adult sizes.  Basic camisoles usually come in around $20.  

If your dress code allows you to wear any style you like, it's tempting to fill your wardrobe with tons of fancy styles.  It can be nice to wear something different than the other students in your class; it's an easy way to stand out without being to "out there."  Looking great for class is an easy way to boost confidence.  There's nothing wrong with having a few pretty leotards, but they can be a drain on your wallet, especially if you dance every day and need a lot of dancewear.   Some fancy elements (especially lace) are extremely difficult to wash and are prone to tearing or disintegrating.  This, coupled with the fact that fashion trends often come and go quickly, means that your fancy styles don't tend to last as long as plainer ones. 

Basic camisole leotards from high quality brands like Bloch are usually well made and sturdy.  They may not be the most gorgeous styles, but they are universally flattering and versatile.  Most cami styles made of cotton or nylon wash easily, and they can last several years without wearing out. 

I recommend stocking your dancewear wardrobe with basic camisole leotards.  It's great to have one or two fancy ones in your closet for occasions like auditions, but you just don't need one every day.  Save money by purchasing basics yourself and asking for fancy leotards for occasions like birthdays. 

2.       Tights: mesh backseam tights or economy convertible tights

Mesh backseam convertible tights generally cost $17 or more.  Economy convertible tights can cost as little as $5 and usually cap around $10.

Dancers can go through a lot of tights.  Everything from the velcro on your jacket to your fingernails to your washing machine can cause them to tear and run.  It's rare for a pair to last a full year, regardless of style.

Mesh backseam convertible tights are made of knit nylon material that is soft, but shows an obvious woven texture.  This material does run and tear, but the weave makes for stronger fabric that doesn't pull quite as easily.  It is also possible to sew up tears in mesh tights with general ease. 

Economy convertible tights are usually made of very thin silky fabric that catches on any sharp or prickly surface and tears easily.  These tights can be super comfy, but most brands' economy tights don't hold up to multiple classes.  Once the fabric runs, the tears tend to spread.  They can be sealed with nail polish, but this makes a prickly spot on the fabric. 

Even though mesh backseam convertible tights can cost over 3 times more economy tights, they are the much better choice.  Dancers who are careful with their tights can have a pair of mesh backseam convertible tights for a full 9-month dance season before they wear out, while economy tights rarely last more than a few weeks.  I recommend shelling out the cash and getting a few nice pairs of mesh backseam tights.  It will save money in the long run.  Prolong the life of your tights by keeping them away from things like zippers and velcro, never putting them in the dryer, and promptly stitching up any runs.

3.       Pointe: pointe shoes or pointe shoe glue

New pointe shoes run around $75 a pair.  A bottle of pointe shoe glue is $7-15.

Advanced dancers can wear out pointe shoes very quickly.  It can seem like you just sewed a new pair, and now they're on the squishy side.  Going right to a new pair gives you a chance to start fresh.  This is great if you broke in your last pair a little funny.  New shoes usually feel super supportive and can improve balance.

Gluing your shoes re-hardens the shank and box without changing the shape.  If your shoes are broken in, they will retain their "broken in" shape even when hardened with glue.  Shoes can last about 4 hours longer after they are glued, so depending on how often you do pointe, this can make your shoes last up to a month longer. 

I always glue my worn pointe shoes before starting to wear a new pair.  During heavy-use seasons like Nutcracker, gluing my shoes can half the number of pairs of shoes I purchase.  I recommend experienced dancers turn to pointe shoe glue before breaking in a new pair. 

If you are beginner (on your first or second pair of shoes), you don't like the way your shoes broke in, or you need to change size or style of shoes, it's better to get a new pair.  You should always ask your teacher if you are not sure if you should glue your shoes. 

4.       Ribbon/Elastic: buy it new or re-use

Ribbon and elastic can cost as much as $9 for the amount needed to sew one pair of pointe shoes.

Pointe shoes are expensive on their own, and ribbon and elastic add extra expenses.  There is no way to go without ribbon and elastic, but some dancers try to save money by re-using old ribbon and elastic when they sew new pointe shoes. 

New ribbon and elastic are usually clean and smooth.  When sewn onto new pointe shoes, this creates a super sleek look, which is optimal for the stage.  The pieces must be cut to length and sewn onto the pointe shoes.  This gives the dancer a lot of control to help create a custom fit. 

If you re-use your ribbons, it's important to use a seam ripper to remove them from  your old shoes.  Don't just cut the pieces off with scissors, this will result in pieces that are too short.  If you feel like you need to adjust the length of your ribbons and elastics, you can only cut them shorter.  You cannot make them looser if you are re-using.  Sometimes re-used ribbons can look dingy compared to fresh new shoes.  This usually isn't a big deal for class, but it can be for shows and auditions. 

I like to re-use my ribbons one or two times before throwing them out.  They usually begin to look bedraggled after being used for two or three pairs of shoes.  If you can be careful with your ribbons and elastics, remove them properly, and are ok with them being slightly dirty, then re-using them is a great way to save money.  Think of it like this:  for every (about) 9 sets of ribbon and elastic you re-use, you have saved the price of one pair of pointe shoes.  It may take a year or more to save that many, but every little bit counts when you are putting money away for pointes.  For shows and auditions, go ahead and put fresh ribbons and elastics on your shoes.  It creates a sleeker line if everything is clean.

5.       Summer Intensive: travel or stay local

Summer intensives associated with large professional schools generally run about $1,000 a week for 6+ hours of daily class and activities, plus travel, audition fees, and room and board.  Local programs associated with dance studios or small companies run in the $300-$500 a week range for 4-6 hours of daily training (no room and board, and limited travel and audition expenses).

It can be a tough choice whether or not to travel for your summer training.  Every dancer's training needs are different, and careful consideration with your parents and teachers will help you make the best choice.

If you attend a large pre-professional program such as the SAB course in New York City or programs with Joffrey, PNB, CPYB, or another big-name program, you will have tons of amazing experiences.  However, it will cost a lot of money and take up a lot of your summer.  You will have to travel to the course's location and live in a dormitory for the duration of the program (unless you already live nearby).  If you are looking to attend a pre-professional ballet school full time, this is a great experience to get you ready.  It will also help you get "seen" by program directors who have a hand in placing you in year round programs or hiring you into companies. 

Local summer programs usually take place at dance studios, and classes are taught by a combination of regular studio staff and travelling professional  dancers (many from big name companies).  These programs are great if you are looking to improve your technique, but aren't set on attending a dance school full time.  Depending on the program, you can get almost as much training as you would at a big name intensive, but without the specific pre-professional elements.  You will also save a lot of money on travel expenses if you choose a local intensive.  If you don't have to travel, you will have more time to participate in other activities. 

If you are looking to attend a dance school for the rest of your high school years and immediately enter into a career as a professional dancer, it may be most beneficial to you to attend a big name summer course.  The investment may make your career.  I recommend this option to dancers ages 14 and up with serious professional ambitions.

If you are not looking to attend a dance school full time, or if you are under 13, it may be more beneficial to you to save money and attend a local program.  You will still get good training, and you will have time to explore other interests if you wish.  I recommend this option to advanced recreational dancers and dancers yet to reach high school.

If money is the main obstacle keeping you from attending an intensive outside your area, try to attend local programs.  If you have professional aspirations, put aside the money you are saving on your summer intensives for an audition tour post-graduation. 

6.       Supplemental Training: private lessons or DIY.

Private lessons can cost anywhere from $25 to $100+ per hour.  You can practice alone for free at home or for the price of studio rental ($20-$50 per hour for a small studio, depending on location).

Supplemental training is important for serious dance students.  Private lessons and extra practice can help you improve if you are behind for your age or need to work on certain  skills. 

Private lessons are great if you need to learn a new skill or are at a loss at how to get to the next level on your own.  Teachers at local studios are usually most accessible and affordable, but you can also seek out lessons from professional dancers and exclusive private instructors.  Private teachers can challenge you and help you improve when your regular classes aren't doing it for you.  They are beneficial for the most advanced students in class, as well as beginners looking to advance. 

Self-practice requires discipline.  You must motivate yourself to practice, and it can be difficult if you have a busy schedule.  Sometimes just doing some barre exercises on the days you don't have class can keep you fresh and motivated.  You can find ballet class workout videos on YouTube if you need some direction, or you can make up combinations for yourself (super helpful for budding teachers).  Practicing alone is also very helpful if you have just learned a new skill.  Working it out without the pressure to move with the class can help you improve that skill and integrate it into your dancing.

I recommend that dance students with professional ambitions ages 14 and up make an effort to practice outside of class.  If price is an obstacle, practicing at home is a good option.  Find a dance class video on the internet and use a kitchen chair as a barre.  If you need a higher level of training than is offered in class, regular private lessons can help a lot, especially if the teacher is a pro or former pro who can offer tips to help you land your first company position.

I also recommend private lessons to dancers ages 8 and up who are beginners or behind for their ages and wish to advance quickly in order to join their age level's class.  There is a saying that goes "it takes 12 years to train a professional dancer."  This time frame can be substantially accelerated if the dancer is mature, serious, and takes  more classes per week than others of the same age or level.  Dedicated students who begin dancing as young teens can catch up with their dancing-since-age-three peers within a couple of years if they work hard in class and supplement with private lessons. 

7.       Diet: Whole Foods or Wal-Mart Supercenter

Healthy groceries for one person for one week cost around $60 at Whole Foods and around $40 at Wal-Mart Supercenter. 

Whole Foods carries a massive selection of healthy choices.  You can easily find staples as well as treats that are made with lots of natural  and limited "bad for you" ingredients.  At Wal-Mart, you can find many of the same products that are sold at Whole Foods, including organic produce, Naked Juice, Annie's snacks, and many others.  However, these choices are mixed in with unhealthy choices at Wal-Mart.  It takes more time and effort to do healthy shopping here.

In this case, I recommend doing your regular weekly shopping at Wal-Mart.  If you can schedule your grocery shopping at a slower time of day, it's totally worth it to spend the time to save the cash.  In cases when you need something quickly and don't have time to search for it, Whole Foods can be the better choice.