Tiny tips: hairspray as a stain remover

Hairspray is an amazing backstage tool for all dancers. Not only does it keep hair, pointe shoe ribbons, and other costume pieces in place, but it also quickly removes stains. If you get a pesky splotch of lipstick on your costume just moments before your call, don't fret. Spray the spot with a generous helping of hairspray and quickly scrub it with a paper towel or makeup wipe. The alcohol in the hairspray will break down the stain and make it much less noticeable. 

Back from a blogging break...announcements and more dancing!

Those of you who know me personally know that I had a big event yesterday.  I graduated from college with honors (summa cum laude)!  My degree is in communication and cultural studies.  I will be attending a communication and journalism graduate program at the same university, and it begins in August.  This summer I will focus on moving to a new house, resting (my chronic ankle injury), and honing my technique for auditions for the season (which will also happen in August).  

Before I can do that, I have a small performance of Excerpts from Don Quixote Act II: The Dream coming up next weekend!  

I will make time to post here at least once a week.  Expect some new dancewear info (sizing, style, etc.), at least one new pointe shoe review video, and other fun things to come.  If you have a topic or question you'd like to see me address, please leave a comment with your suggestion.  I love giving advice where you need it most!

Happy Easter (a little late)

Hi all--

Sorry I have been away for a few days.  I have family in town to visit, I am rehearsing for my ballet school's spring show (Excerpts from Don Quixote), and I am trying to finish up my classes so I can graduate from college!

I do not have the time to write out a full post this week, but I did do another photo shoot a couple of weeks ago.  Enjoy some pics this week, and hopefully I will have more to show soon!

Tiny Tips: blisters

Blisters are painful and super inconvenient.  Usually blisters pop up when you are wearing a new pair of shoes that aren't broke in yet.  For class, apply a first aid drying powder to blisters, then cover them with band-aids or tape.  Try not to pop or drain them; they will eventually heal themselves.

If you have a big performance with long numbers (especially pointe variations) and your blister is very large or painful, you can drain it by gently puncturing it with a sanitized needle and very carefully pressing on it to release some of the liquid.  Try not to remove the skin from the blister; that will just make it hurt more.  Apply some drying powder, then add a band-aid or tape.

After you are finished dancing for the day, apply a square of 2nd skin (available from some drugstores or amazon.com) to the blister.  This will help the blister feel cool, stop hurting, and heal more quickly.

Item review: Grishko knit jumper

When the weather is cool and the studio temperature is fluctuating between warm and cold it can be good to have a variety of warmups to choose from.  I got this item back in the fall, but it is working very well for early spring rehearsals too.  I got this jumper from Discount Dance.  The item number is GRSC104.  I got it in the Dusty Rose color (because that was the only color available--but I like pink, too).  I had heard that this item runs small, so I choose size medium.  

When I first put on the jumper, it came to a couple of inches above my ankles (like in the photo).  I thought ordering a larger size would take care of that, but it didn't.  However, after a few hours of wearing the jumper around the house (walking around, doing normal things), it stretched out enough to reach my ankles.  

The fabric is billed as "silktex" and is composed of cotton, silk, and spandex.  I thought the fabric would feel silky, but it really doesn't.  It feels more like a smooth, soft terry cloth.The fabric is knit in a very thin layer, which is good adding warmth (for how thin it is, this jumper sure is warm) without extra bulk.  However, it seems like it could tear if the dancer is not careful.

The top of this jumper is straight across, and it is the same height all the way around.  I like this because it covers my back.  It keeps me warm, and it's also good for floor work (it keeps me from getting "floor" on my skin; it also keeps me from getting sweat, lotion, etc. on the floor and causing slick spots).  

When I wear the top up, I do feel like I look a tad goofy.  With the slightly flared legs, I feel like I have on a 1970's jumpsuit.  I'm ok with looking goofy at home or in the studio.  When I wear the jumper after class, I fold the top down.  

Overall, I think I'd give this jumper a 7 out of 10.  The comfort is great, the quality is fair, and the fashion is good!

Do you have a warm up jumper?  Tell what you like or don't like about it in the comments!

Tiny Tips: dancing with emotion

When you have a part in a show, your dance probably expresses emotion and helps advance the story of the piece or production.  Check with your choreographer to make sure you know what emotion you're portraying, then try to act it out every time you practice the piece.  Download the music for the piece on your phone or iPod, then listen to it and practice "being" that emotion with your face and body.  Right before showtime, think of something that makes you feel the emotion you need to "be" in the piece.  If you're dance is happy, think about a party.  If it's sad, think about a funeral.  If you need to show deep or sad emotions throughout the production, cheer yourself up afterward with a sweet treat and time with your friends.

How are pointe shoes made? (video resources)

This is a documentary short film produced by Grishko about how Grishko pointe shoes and performance tutus are made.

This video shows Angelo Luzio pointe shoes.  The video is geared more toward science minded folks than dancers, but the info is accurate and fascinating.

This last video shows the personalized process of producing a Freed of London custom pointe shoe.