Can I take my child to this ballet?

Many ballets are based on fairy tales and well-known stories. This makes it seem that the performances are appropriate for or even geared toward young children. While many ballets are beautiful and full of princesses and fairies, not all of them end happily ever after.

Most ballets are performed in theaters, which are sometimes not child friendly environments. Seats are set very close together, and some areas are very far away from (or too close to) the stage, which can make seeing the dancers difficult. It is not appropriate to leave your seat, talk, eat, or play during the performance, so some young children or others who cannot respect these rules do not make good audience members. If a child can attend a film at the movie theater with little or no problem, he or she is probably able to be a good audience member. 

A lot of ballets are based on stories that have been picked up by Disney or other movie making companies. When a ballet company puts on "Sleeping Beauty" or "Little Mermaid", do not expect the story to follow the Disney version. The music and costumes will also greatly differ from what is in the animated movie. As a parent, you may want to research the original story upon which the ballet and Disney film are based (some of the originals can be sad or violent). If you don't feel like your child can handle the original story, he or she may not be ready to see the ballet. If you think your child is ok to attend, have a discussion with him or her about what to expect. If the ballet is very different from the Disney version of the story, it is not "wrong". It is very disruptive to the audience and rude to the dances and choreographer if children (or adults) exclaim their disappointment that the ballet is not a total copy of the Disney movie. 

Some ballet companies (usually big companies in big cities) have special daytime performances geared toward young children or people with disabilities. These shows are usually shorter and may have different music, lighting, or endings to make them less sad or scary. If your child would do better with a performance like this, contact the companies in your area and see if they offer children's shows. Even if they don't currently offer such programs, many companies take audience needs and requests into account when planning programs for upcoming seasons. 

It's also ok to go to the ballet as "parents' date night" or "girls' night out".  Don't take your child to an event he or she can't handle. There will be plenty of ballets in the future to enjoy as your son or daughter becomes more mature.  

Appropriate Halloween costumes to wear to dance class

Does your studio allow you (or your children) to wear Halloween costumes to class in the days leading up to the holiday?  If so, here are some guidelines on what to wear to make sure you are safe, comfortable, and able to have a good time.

1.  You may not be able to wear the costume you plan to wear for trick-or-treating.  You may need to pick a different costume that is easier or safer to dance in (or is more appropriate for the family environment of a dance studio).  Costumes based on accessories like tutus, secure hats, or capes/jackets are usually good choices.  You can also choose dancewear in certain colors in order to emulate a character.

2.  Wear your usual dance clothes under your costume.  If you normally wear a leo and tights to ballet or jazz pants and a tank to tap, wear these clothes under your costume (or as part of your costume).  You must wear your usual dance shoes, even if they do not go with your costume.

3.  Be aware that many commercial Halloween costumes are made of non-breathable polyester material.  Wearing them while you dance can make you very hot and uncomfortable.  It is ok to take your costume off if you feel too hot or faint.  Parents, avoid sending your child to dance in full costume if your child has a very heavy, warm costume and/or has health issues like asthma, diabetes, or heart problems.

4.  Avoid costume items that can be tripped over (like cat tails), easily fall off (like unsecured hats), or obscure your vision (like masks).   Do not wear a wig or jewelry.  Also, avoid costumes that are very scary or “adult”/offensive.

5.  Face paint or elaborate makeup tends to melt off when you sweat, so while it is a totally acceptable choice, it may not be the best for staying on.

6.  Need some examples or inspiration? 

-Princess: crown and skirt/tutu

-80’s workout Barbie: leotard over dark tights or leggings, legwarmers, sweatshirt, high side ponytail with scrunchie

-Red riding hood: red cape with hood

- Boo (from Monsters’ INC): hair in pigtails, pink shirt, purple leggings

 -Cat: all you need are ears! (this can easily work for another animal like a dog or a bunny)

- Nerd: suspenders and nerd glasses (works well with jazz pants)

-Peter Pan: green shirt or leotard, hat (easily secured with bobby pins

-Tweedle Dee/Dum (good choice to coordinate with a friend): yellow shirt, red pants, blue bow tie

- Vampire: black and red dancewear, red lipstick, short cape

- Tourist: Hawaiian shirt (if you can, add cargo shorts)

- Superhero: any colored leotard or shirt and bootie shorts, leggings, or pants (match character’s colors), short cape.  Print out the character’s logo and pin it to your chest.

-Cowboy/girl: hat (secure with bobby pins or strap under chin), bandana around neck

-Doctor/nurse/vet: lab coat and/or scrub top

-Clara (from Nutcracker): white or light pink nightgown, hair bow

-Sports star: any jersey

Help! My teacher doesn’t like the pointe shoes I was fit in!

So you were fit in pointe shoes at a dancewear store.  Then you showed them to your teacher (hopefully unworn and unsewn).  Good for you.  That’s something you should always do when you change to a new pointe shoe.  Then your teacher delivered the news:  She doesn’t like them. 

Unfortunately this happens sometimes.  In this post, I will outline what to do if your ballet teacher does not like the pointe shoes you were fit in.

1.  Ask your teacher what about the shoes she does not like and write this information down or store it in your phone.  Sometimes teachers are partial to certain brands, shapes, types of ribbon and elastic, etc.  It is totally ok for teachers to have opinions like this, but as professionals they need to know that their favorites do not necessarily work for everyone.  Ask your teacher if she thinks your pointe shoes are unsafe or harmful for you to wear.  If she says yes, plan on returning them.  If she says no, ask if you can keep this pair for now and try a different option next time.  If you can keep this pair, make sure you remember what your teacher doesn’t like about them so it can be corrected in your next pair.

2.  If you need to return your shoes, check the store’s return policy.  Each policy varies, but usually pointe shoes can be returned in original condition with the box and receipt within a few days of purchase. (If you drove from out of town for your fitting, call the store and ask what they would like you to do in terms of a return.  Many locally owned stores are forgiving and may extend the date on the return policy so you have time to make another trip.)  Most fitters are willing to re-fit a shoe that a teacher has disapproved, but remember that fitters are human and may feel hurt that their fitting wasn’t “good enough.”  Be kind when you are explaining that you need a refit, and show the fitter the information you got from your teacher about what needs to be changed. 

3.  If the fitter has any difficulty with the refit (either personal/attitude or with physically finding a better shoe), try to call your teacher during the fitting.  You can talk to her or have the fitter talk to her so that everyone understands what is going on.  You can also ask to speak to the store manager, owner, or a more experienced fitter (if there is one).  If there are difficulties, remember that as the dancer it is not your fault.  Do not settle for a shoe that does not work for you.

4.  If the fitter is still unable to find a better shoe, re-schedule your fitting for a time when your teacher can come with you and actually see the shoes on your feet.  If you leave a fitting without a shoe, most stores charge a fitting fee but will refund it later if you come back and purchase a shoe.  Be prepared for this; it is the store’s way of paying employees for their time spent fitting.

5.  Hopefully you will find a shoe when you have your fitting with your teacher.  If things are still not going well with this fitting, work with the fitter and your teacher to find the most “okay” shoe for you right now, and be prepared to look at other options such as taking a weekend trip to the next town to get fit elsewhere.

6.  Once you find a shoe that you and your teacher both like, make sure you know exactly what it is (write down the brand, model, size, width, and all specifications so you can find it in stores or online).  If you go through puberty, gain or lose weight, or become pregnant, expect your feet to change.  You will probably need to change pointe shoes at least 2 or 3 times over the course of your time as a ballet student.  Continue to work closely with your teachers and fitters to always find the best shoe for you.

7.  If your teacher seems unreasonably picky about your pointe shoes and puts you through a fitting ordeal multiple times even when you and the fitter are happy with your shoes and feel confident that you are safe, consider working with a different teacher or at a different studio.  Some teachers are “stuck in the past” and think that everyone needs to be in a Capezio Pavlova when Capezio Pavlovas are not ideal shoes for all dancers.  This kind of inflexible thinking is not professional, and it does not help dancers work their hardest to become professionals themselves (which, after all, is what dance teachers are supposed to do). 

8.  If a fitter repeatedly pushes a shoe on you that both you and your teacher don’t like, don’t work with that fitter anymore.  Fitters usually receive in depth training on pointe shoe safety and fitting, but sometimes that is overshadowed by sales training.  Your safety and satisfaction should be the fitter’s main goals.  Unfortunately, bad fitters are out there, just like bad teachers.

Holiday travel tips for dancers

Travelling this holiday season?  In this post I will go over some tips to keep you in top dance form during your winter vacation.

1.  If you are driving to your destination, frequently move your legs and feet while sitting in the car (if you are the driver, of course you will need to be careful).  Stop every 2-3 hours to walk around outside.  Take the time to stretch a little (standing up) and pop any joints that feel stiff. 

2.  If you are flying, you should also be sure to move around frequently.  It is absolutely fine to stand up and walk down the aisle every hour or so (as long as you are polite, don’t worry about inconveniencing your neighbors, as a dancer you must take care of your body and do what you can to prevent blood clots).  The plane’s bathroom is a good place to do simple standing stretches like clasping your arms above your head and leaning side to side. 

3.  For all travelers, make sure to drink plenty of water and other healthy fluids like 100% juice and tea.  Avoid drinking too much soda (1 is ok, but stop there).  Try to eat healthy snacks.  Pack your own if you can, or do your best to choose the most wholesome options of what is available.  Many fast food restaurants have salads or grilled chicken sandwiches.  Starbucks has oatmeal, granola bars, juice, and sandwiches.  At the vending machine or convenience store, look for trail mix or beef jerky instead of chips and candy.  Eating and drinking well will help ward off motion sickness as well as the “blah” feeling that comes when dancers are inactive for long periods of time.

4.  No matter your method of travel, do not lift heavy luggage incorrectly.  If you can’t lift something properly by yourself, ask for help before you hurt yourself.  Use your legs, not your back, when putting suitcases in the trunk.  Use rolling suitcases when possible. Flight attendants or fellow travelers can assist you when putting items in overhead bins.

5.  Once you arrive at your destination, try to maintain your usual diet, hygiene, and sleep routines.  It’s ok to have a couple of decadent meals or a late night or two, but try to celebrate in moderation.  Indulging too much will only set you back when you get home.

6.  Keep up your exercise.  Sightseeing on foot can take the place of your usual cardio.  Keep yourself in dance form by doing a few stretches and barre or similar exercises each night before bed.  If you are staying at your destination for a week or more, see if you can take any open dance classes at a local studio (many have drop in rates and “first class free” deals).

7.  If you have time, stop by a dancewear store in the city you are visiting.  If you are going somewhere like New York City, make a point to go to the Capezio flagship store and the Yumiko boutique.  Almost all cities have local dancewear stores, and they will probably have products different from what you have seen at home.  If you do pointe and are in the market for a new shoe, it can be refreshing to get a fitting with a new fitter at a different store.

8.  Finally, don’t forget to have fun and enjoy yourself on vacation.

Help! The heels of my dance shoes keep slipping off!

Slipping heels can be a common problem in the dance world.  Fixing it is usually simple enough, but the best methods to keep heels on vary depending on the kind of shoe you are wearing.  In this post, I will outline the most efficient methods for keeping your heels on for a variety of different dance shoes.

--Pointe shoes, flat ballet shoes, and jazz shoes: First, make sure your shoe is not too big or too small (either will cause heel slippage).  If your shoe is the wrong size, get re-fit.  It it’s ok, try pulling the drawstring if your shoe has one.  If your shoe has no drawstring or the slippage doesn’t improve, you will need to do something to increase the friction between your shoe and your foot or tights. 

Try putting rosin on the heel of your foot, heel of your tights, and inside the heel of your shoe.  You only need a little bit, so just take a little on your fingers and rub it on the area you want to rosin up.  If your studio or theater does not allow rosin, you can spray hairspray on the heels of your tights (or feet) before putting on your pointe shoes. 

Another good method is sticking waterproof Nexcare medical tape to the heels of your tights and the heels of your shoes.  The tape is foamy in texture, so when two pieces of it touch (regardless of whether or not the adhesive side is up), they want to stick together rather than rub past each other.

--Hard enclosed shoes like tap shoes, character shoes, and men’s oxford ballroom shoes: Again, make sure your shoe is the right size.  Many dancers become uncomfortable when they can feel the end of the shoe with their toes, so they go a size up.  Remember that gently feeling the end of a dance shoe shoe with your toes is a GOOD thing; it means that the shoe is snug and supportive.  The shoe is only too small if your toes feel crunched up or painful.  Wearing a shoe that is too big will cause the foot to slide forward so your toes will crunch up even more, and the heel will slip. 

If you have a very narrow foot, see if the shoe you are wearing comes in a narrow width.  Sometimes narrows can be ordered even if the dancewear store doesn’t usually carry them.  Certain brands also tend to run narrow or wide.  Bloch and Capezio run more narrow, while Sansha and So Danca run more wide.

If the shoe fits properly and the heel still slips, consider what you are wearing inside the shoe.  If you are wearing tights or trouser socks, the thin nylon material may be taking away any friction that would help keep the heel in place.  Try wearing the shoes with nothing on your feet or with cotton or wool socks. 

If this still doesn’t fix the problem, try attaching a heel grip to the inside of the shoe.  This device is a small fabric or gel pad that is adhered to the inside of the heel of a shoe to minimize heel slip.  You can usually buy heel grips at shoe, dancewear, or department stores for about $5-$10.  Because heel grips are adhered to the inside of shoes (with either pre-applied adhesive or fabric glue), they can ruin the lining of a shoe if they are applied then removed.  Try other methods of reducing slip before resorting to heel grips.

--Open toe and/or strappy Latin/ballroom shoes:  First thing’s first: make sure the shoes fit.  Your heel should be all the way against the back of the shoe, and your toes should be at the end of the front of the shoe with ¼ inch or less extra space.  If the shoe is too big, it will probably slip at the heel, and it will be unstable to dance on (which increases the risk of injury).  If your foot is very narrow, try to find a shoe that comes in narrow widths or is from a brand that runs narrower.

If the shoe fits and the heel still slips, try using a shoe strap (available at most dancewear stores for $2-$6).  This clear plastic adjustable strap is meant to wrap around the arch of the shoe and fasten on top.  It holds the shoe tightly on your foot so it moves around less. 

            If you don’t want to use a shoe strap or can’t find one, try using the waterproof Nexcare     medical tape method.  This is especially effective if your shoes are very lightweight and you wear them with tights or fishnets.

Summer Intensive packing list

For those of you headed off to ballet intensives this summer, starting the packing process can be daunting, especially if you have never been to an intensive before.  Most programs send a list of dress code requirements and dancewear items necessary for the classes you will attend.  However, it can be hard to determine how many of each item are needed.  There is also a whole host of other things that you need, but aren't explicitly stated in the program's list.  In this post, I give a comprehensive list of everything a dancer needs for a 5 week ballet program.

1.  Pointe shoes (if already en pointe).  Plan on taking 5 pairs.  If you have been en pointe for less than 6 months prior to the intensive, you can get away with as few as 3 pairs.  If you wear a shoe with a short lifespan, like Freed, you may need more (possibly up to one pair per day if you are very advanced).  It's better to be prepared and have more pairs than you need.  Check with your local dancewear store before you leave for your intensive; some stores can ship your shoes to your address at the intensive if you run out before the program is over.  If your intensive is somewhere like New York City, you will probably have access to dancewear stores there where you can find your shoe if you need more (but don't count on this option; try to bring as many as you can).

2.  Pointe shoe accessories.  Take at least 2 pairs of toe pads and 2 sets of spacers or any other padding you use.  Take a whole roll of your favorite toe tape, and a new box of band-aids (expect blisters).  Don't forget a stitch kit and extra ribbon and elastic, just in case.  Pointe shoe glue is also a must.

3.  Ballet slippers.  Take at least 2 pairs.  You will wear them out quickly with dancing several hours a day every day.  Male dancers take at least 4 pairs.  If you are an advanced female dancer, you may have all of your classes en pointe and not need ballet slippers very often.  To be safe, still take two pairs.  You may end up wearing your flats for warm up only, but it's better than being left with holey shoes or no shoes just in case your instructor decides it's time to work on a contemporary piece or something else not en pointe.

4.  Other dance shoes.  Your program will specify if you need jazz shoes, character shoes, or any other dance footwear.  If your program includes modern class, consider taking your favorite form of modern footwear.  Take one pair each of any other dance shoes you need.

5.  Street shoes.  This depends slightly on the weather of the city where you have your intensive.  Take one pair of sneakers (to wear sightseeing or exercising), one pair of casual sandals or slides (for walking to the studio, etc.), one pair of waterproof flip flops (for the shower), and one pair of dressy shoes (if your program has any formal events, like going to see a Broadway show).  Make sure all the shoes you take are comfortable.  Wear them a few times before traveling to make sure they fit and don't hurt your feet.  If you are flying to your intensive, wear comfortable shoes on the plane (Toms shoes are a good choice; they are comfy, slip on and off easily, and don't cut in if your feet swell).

6.  Tights.  Take at least one pair of tights per day of class per week, and one extra.  This will probably be seven pairs.  Plan on doing laundry once a week.  Make sure your tights comply with the program's dress code (for ladies, usually pink, for men, black).  You may take pairs of tights that are not brand new, but leave the holey ones at home.  Male dancers may substitute jazz pants, leggings, capris, or shorts if the program allows.

7.  Leotards.  Again, take at least one per day of class per week and one extra.  This will probably be about 7.  Make sure they comply with the dress code requirements of the program, and plan on laundry weekly.  Added to that, you need to take any "specialty" leos that the program requires, like a white tank for a certain class or a special leo for the end of program show.   If you have a total of 20 leotards or fewer, consider taking all of them.  That way, you will have plenty of choices and may have to do less laundry.  Male dancers may substitute dance shirts.

8.  Warm-ups.  This is really based on your preference for wearing warm ups and what the program allows.  Unfortunately, you may not find out what the program (or individual teachers within the program) allows until after you get there.  If you like to wear warm ups, plan on taking one or two items of each type (legwarmers, shorts, pants, shrugs).

9.  Skirts.  This also depends on your preference and what the program allows.  If you want to wear a skirt sometimes, bring three.  One black chiffon wrap, one white chiffon wrap, and a fun patterned or colored wrap or pull on.  Your program will specify if you need any other skirts, like black character skirts.

10.  Your regular dance bag (and everything in it).  This is what you will take from class to class.  It should also contain everything that you regularly use before and during class, like therabands and foot rollers.  You will want this bag as your carryon or personal item if you are flying (but check with TSA guidelines as to whether your nail clippers and other random items are "weapons" as you may have to put them in your checked bag).

11.  Street clothes.  You will need a casual outfit for every day of the week, plus one or two fancier outfits.  If you plan on hitting the gym, bring a few gym outfits too.  If you swim, you will need swimwear.  Remember that you can (and should) do laundry weekly, so don't feel the need to overpack.  Check the usual weather for the city you are going to, and make sure your clothes match the general climate.  Don't forget undergarments and socks.  You should also have a jacket (consider bringing a soft hoodie and a waterproof rain jacket), as cold and rain happen, even in warm/dry climates.

12.  Pajamas.  Take two sets of pajamas.  If you usually wear slippers, don't forget those too.  You can get some thin "packable" slippers to make it easier on your bag.

13.  Pillows, blankets, or stuffed animals.  Summer intensives that board their students will provide pillows, sheets, and blankets.  However, these items are usually not high quality.  If you feel more comfortable with your own items, you will have to pack them.  I recommend taking your own pillowcase, one thin/ easily packable throw blanket, and a small stuffed animal.

14.  Hygiene, cosmetics, and first aid items.  Some programs provide towels, others do not.  You may need to take your own towel.  Make sure you take soap, shampoo, conditioner, other hair products, brushes and combs, all skincare you normally use (being in a new place with a different climate can make skin "freak out"), tooth brush, tooth paste, extra contacts and solution if you use them, etc.

If you wear makeup or nail polish, bring a few (emphasis on "few") products, as well as makeup and nail polish remover.  It can be super fun to do nails with your new friends during the evenings in your dorm rooms.  If you usually wear makeup to ballet class, bring the products you use for your simple class look (but don't go beyond concealer, tinted moisturizer, blush, lipstick, mascara, and eyeliner).  There is no need for heavy or fancy products, even if you have outings or formal events.

 Remember all of your prescription medications as well as all over the counter medications or vitamins that you regularly use.  It's a good idea to have some "emergency" medications like gas-x or imodium.  If you are prone to heat rash or eczema, take a soothing lotion.  You will need sunscreen, even if it's just for your sightseeing day.  If you will be swimming outdoors or doing things outside multiple days, you may need more than one tube of sunscreen.  You may also need laundry detergent.  I recommend the kind that comes in pre-measured capsules for ease of use and storage.

(Note: If you are flying to your intensive, you may want to leave your toiletries and such at home and simply buy new products at a drugstore once you reach your intensive.  This will free up room in your bag, but may be difficult to achieve, especially if you are traveling without your parents.  If you are driving to an intensive a few hours away, it can be easier to just bring your things from home so you don't have to worry about shopping.  Decide early in your packing which option works best for you.  Whatever you choose, do not forget your prescription medication and copies of your prescriptions so you can get them emergency-refilled if necessary while you are at the intensive.)

15.  Hair things.  You will need plenty of hair accessories (hair ties, hair nets, bobby pins, etc.).  Fun clips and flowers are good too.

16.  Entertainment.  Your program is designed to keep you engaged, but you will probably have some free time.  It's a good idea to take a book to read on your way to bed.  Don't forget your phone so you can stay in touch with parents and friends back home.  Make sure your charger makes it way into your bag too.  If you want, you can take an item like a laptop or tablet, but weigh the benefits against the risks of it getting lost or stolen.

17.  Snacks and treats.  If you are a fan of a certain kind of granola bar or a stick of gum after class, make sure you take some with you from home.  The intensive will have snacks, but they probably won't have all of your usual picks.  If you have a favorite water bottle, take that too.  You will need to stay hydrated.

18.  A backpack, tote bag, or purse.  On your sightseeing day, you will need something to hold your stuff.  In addition to this, you should have your wallet and ID if you have one.  You may pick up some extra stuff (like custom dancewear from the intensive), and you may need extra packing space for your trip home.

19.  Small gifts for your new friends.  You will make tons of new friends at the program, and it can be fun to give them a little token at the end of the summer.  You can find little things like key chains from your home town at convenience stores.  You may consider also taking Thank-you notes so you can write notes for your teachers.



If you are flying to the city where your intensive is held, try to put as many of your essentials as possible into your carryon bag.  You will not be able to fit everything, but put at least one pair of pointe shoes, one pair of flat shoes, two pairs of tights, and a couple of leotards into the bag.  This will ensure that if your checked bag gets lost, you will still be able to participate in the intensive for a few days while your checked bag is found or you replace your supplies.

If you have any other intensive musts, leave a comment down below!  

Sizing and Fitting updates: Wendy Slipper, Capezio Bradon Collection

Hi all!  I've been busy and under the weather, but now I'm established in my summer routine.  I intend to get you at least one post a week, but I'm setting the bar higher and aiming for two.  I also want to bring you more videos, but some of the items I want to feature are still in the mail (they'll be here soon).  If you have a topic you would like me to address in a post or video, leave a comment!

Body Wrappers Angelo Luzio has had the Wendy ballet slipper on the market for several years.  Considered an update to the tried and true yet shapeless Sansha SA1, the shoe featured thin stiff canvas and individually shaped right and left feet.  When I tried the Wendy slipper about a year and a half ago, I found it boxy, wide, and too low profile on the heel.

I tried on the same style of shoe a few weeks ago at my local dancewear store.  I noticed that the canvas looked slightly brighter pink.  When I felt it, it seemed to be stretchier than the canvas on the Wendy from last year.  When I tried on the shoe, the vamp was noticeably lower, the heel was higher, and the last seemed narrower and more tapered around the toes.  I felt as if every complaint I had about the old Wendy had been corrected.  The shoe instantly went from an un-favorite to a true fave.  I bought a pair and confidently wore them in my school's spring concert.  If you have narrow or very tapered feet and previously wrote the Wendy off as wrong for you, I encourage you to give it another try.  I think Body Wrappers has done an excellent job updating their popular product.

Capezio recently introduced the Bradon collection, a set of leotards designed by Bradon McDonald on Project Runway.  The collection features 3 leos, a long sleeved shorts unitard, and a skirt.  Most of the pieces have closely placed strips of raw-edged fabric on the bodices that create stripe or chevron designs in the same color as the body of the piece.  These leos and other pieces are attractive, fashionable, and quite pricy compared to other items in the Capezio line (The leos are $50-75 and the skirt is around $25).  

Capezio generally runs fairly true to size in all products, but these particular leos and unitard run absolutely huge.  They are very, very long in the torso and slightly wide as well.  All dancers interested in these pieces should look at one size down, possibly two sizes if you have a short torso or are not curvy at all.  Additionally, the raw edges of the detail look as if they could easily unravel if care is not taken when washing.  I think this collection is very beautiful, but I feel that the price is not a good deal for the quality, and the sizing makes it very difficult for most dancers to find a good fit.