Back-to-dance Shopping Checklist

Back-to-dance shopping, whether it's done online or in store, can be overwhelming.  Stores are crowded, everything is on sale, and there are so many different options for each product.  To help sort through the madness, here's a list of questions to consider before adding an item to your cart.

1.       Do I need it?

Sometimes the thrill of a good sale can get in the way of logic.  Sure, another leotard for under $20 is great.  But do you already have a closet full of leotards?  Do you really need another one?  New jazz shoes make for a spiffy start to the season, but are last years' still a good fit and not too beat up?  It's ok to admit that you want something, but don't need it.  Pass on the things you don't need so you have more cash to spend on the things you do.

2.      Is it allowed?

Accessories are awesome!  Skirts and bun covers make dance outfits extra cute.  But are these items allowed at your dance school?  An over-helpful sales clerk can push you toward adding these things to your basket, but if you or your child won't be able to use them, you definitely don't need to buy them.

3.      Does it work for my needs?

Everyone has a unique body and individual approach to dance.  You might have wide feet or a curvy tummy or extra long legs.  Some dancers need super soft pointe shoes while others need super hard.  Just because an item looks good on or works well for someone else does not mean it will work for you.  Try on all the clothing and shoes you can, see if they work for you, and purchase only the best fits.  It's ok to come away empty handed or with products on order if the store doesn't have the perfect item in stock.

4.      Is it good quality and good value?

Look at the quality of the product and compare it with the price.  Nice leather shoes from an established dance brand are often a better choice than cheaper "pleather" ones because they last longer before wearing down.  If you have time, it's not a bad idea to shop around and ensure you are getting the best price for the product.  There is nothing wrong with leaving a store to purchase the same product elsewhere (just be kind about it).

5.      Do I love it?

No matter the item, you should love it enough to use it or wear it.  For some things, like class uniforms, you may not get a choice in cut or color.  However, you have the final say on your size.  Make sure you love everything you purchase for the upcoming season so you can start class with confidence in the look, fit, and feel of your dancewear.

Healthy Slushie Recipe for 7-11 day

It's July 11th, also known as 7-11 day in the U.S.  (If you're not from here, 7-11 is a chain of gas stations famous for selling junk food and slushies.)  If you're experiencing a hot summer, a slushie is a great refreshing treat.  However, the ones at 7-11 are packed with sugar, food coloring, and who-knows-what chemical preservatives.  Here's a simple recipe for a healthy slushie you can make at home:

1 to 1 ½ cups frozen fruit, slightly thawed (I like raspberries the best)

2 cups seltzer water

Add ingredients to a high-speed blender and blend until the fruit is fairly liquefied.  It's as easy as that to make a tasty, carbonated, refined sugar-free frozen drink to quench your thirst.

Good Hair Post-Bun

        If you have an obligation after a ballet class or performance, and you want to wear your hair down, it can be hard to get long lovely locks after having them twisted in a bun.  If you don't have the chance to go home and freshen up before heading back out, here are some tips to have good hair post-bun.  I regularly use them for post-opening night parties.  (Note: unfortunately these tips will not work for very curly or tightly coiled hair).

        1. Spritz dry hair with a little water in a spray bottle before bunning.  This will help achieve a smooth look with less hairspray.

        2. Use a ribbon-type hair tie to form the base of your ponytail.  It will still make a slight bump in your hair, but it won't be nearly as noticeable as the bump that comes from a rounded hair elastic.  Making a low bun (if you can) will also reduce the prominence of the bump.

        3. Wrap your bun loosely if you can.  This will help reduce the overall curliness of your hair when you take it down.

        4. Use a hair net and bobby pins to take care of flyaways on the bun.  This will enable you to use less hairspray.

        5. Use clips or bobby pins for flyaways around your head (if you can).  This is more appropriate for class than the stage.  This way, you won't have to use hairspray at all.  If you can't use clips or pins, use only the lightest spritz of hairspray and smooth hair down with your fingers.

        6. When you take your hair down, use a plastic or metal bristled brush to brush through it.  This will break up hairspray and reduce bun-curls, but won't flatten your hair to your head or poof it out.  Don't over-brush.

        7. If your hair feels too flat at the top and more voluminous on the bottom, try adding a thin headband to balance the look.