Safety Level

Keeping Hydrated & Cool in Dance Class

Keeping Hydrated
In last week’s posts, we talked about what goes on your body.  Just as important is what goes into your body.  When you dance, you sweat.  It’s inevitable.

With sweat comes a loss of fluid and electrolytes that need to replenishing.  In one hour of dancing, you can lose an average of 37 ounces of fluid! (Maybe more if you’re in a Strength and Stretch session!)  When you’re offered a water break – take it!  Once you feel thirsty or your mouth is dry and sticky, you are already dehydrated.

As soon as possible, begin drinking water to replace what you lost in the studio.  This means on average, drink 37 ounces of water within the hour class ended.  Stick to water unless you sweat a lot or had a long class.  Gatorade and other sports drinks have sugar and other ingredients non-professional athletes don’t need.

If you are a do sweat a lot (Ms. Kerry is in this group), try beverages like Smart Water, Pedialyte, or Drip Drop.  They have more electrolytes without all the extras.

Remember that there are other alternatives to drinking water to rehydrate.  Fruits and  veggies are a great way to quench your thirst and your sweet tooth after class.  Blueberries, watermelon, cucumber, and others have 95% or higher water content.  Try adding them to your water for a little flavor!

So remember, during your next break – head for the water fountain or grab your water bottle.  Your body will thank you!

Trip the light fantastic, dancers!

~Ms. Kerry

Dance Dress Code Decoded: The Bun

When time for ballet class rolls around and you start running down your mental checklist of “to-do and to-grab,” one of the easiest things to forget is putting your dancer’s hair in a bun.

History of a Hairstyle  

Modernized Greek Knot

Modernized Greek Knot

Much like a tutu and ballet slippers, the bun is synonymous with a ballerina.  The bun’s origins date all the way back to the Greeks – a low, knotted bun at the nape of the neck.  Today, the style is known as a “Greek knot.”

The bun reemerged in the 1880s during Regency England (think Jane Austen novel movie adaptations) and moved from the bottom of the head up to the back of the head.

During the Victorian era, the bun was extremely popular with many variations.  The “Apollo’s Knot,” a middle-parted, high-sitting bun with ringlets surrounding the face is indicative of the period.

 The most recognizable bun from this period is the aptly named, “Victoria,” a sleek bun with two loops hanging down around the ears.

Gibson Girl

Gibson Girl

The bun later transformed in a loose, more natural look, “the Gibson Girl,” in the 1890s.

The bun began losing its dominance in the 1920s with the emergence of the bob.  The bun remains popular in different iterations like the top knot, “man bun,” and the always classic ballet bun which has never faded since its first appearance.

Why Do I Have To?

A secure bun for ballet or pointe (a ponytail is ok for other disciplines) is required for several of reasons:

  1. A bun allows your teacher to see the line from your head to your neck to your shoulders and your back clearly.
  2. A bun keeps the hair out of your eyes and face which allows you to see the teacher and your reflection in the mirror.
  3. A bun can prevent injury.  Have you ever had a braid to the eye?  Painful!

How Do I Do It?

Don’t be intimidated by the ballet bun!  Gather up a ponytail holder, some bobby pins, a hair net, and some hair spray.  With some practice, you’ll have ballet buns in the bag!  Try this tutorial for a quick how-to.

Ballet Bun

Ballet Bun

Any time you have questions about dress code or getting your hair into a bun, ask the SDC Staff.  We’re always happy to help!

Trip the light fantastic, dancers!

~Ms. Kerry

Dance Dress Code Decoded – Cover-Ups

DDC-CoverUps

We’ve covered why dancers, both boys and girls, have worn the same classic pieces for decades, I wanted to share a few thoughts about two very important items in the SDC policy:

  • Wear a cover-up as you arrive and leave the studio, and
  • Do not wear your dance shoes outside

Why wear a cover-up?  It’s only a few steps from Mom or Dad’s car to the door, right?  There are three reasons to cover up dance clothes:

  1. Etiquette
  2. Respect
  3. Physical fitness

Dance studio etiquette is just as vital as learning the difference between a plié and a passé.  Covering your dance clothes is a tradition passed from teacher to student.  Other forms of exercise like drill team or aerobic classes generally do not teach this tradition just as they do not teach a structured dance class.  In order to stand apart from others who workout at the gym or practice yoga, and preserve dance as a revered art form, dancers must respect the traditions passed to them from their teachers.

TankSweats

Respect for one’s self and the community is another reason to cover up your dance clothes.  If a stop at the grocery store was on the schedule after a swim lesson, would you wear your swimsuit into the store?  You’d have either changed or put on a cover-up because the store wouldn’t be an appropriate place to wear your swimsuit.  The same goes for your dance class attire.  Even though your dancer may be young, it is never too early to teach the habit of putting on a cover-up, just as it is never too early to teach good manners.

The final reason for wearing a cover-up is physical fitness.  If muscles cool down too quickly, it can result in injury.  This is why you’ll find that each class requires some leg covering for dancers, be it tights or jazz pants.

For all students, covering from the shoulders to ankles is recommended.  A light t-shirt and jazz pants or capris are great for the summer.  For colder months, reach for a heavier weight like sweatpants or a hoodie or sweatshirt.

Your SDC t-shirts, sweats, hoodies, and jazz pants make great cover-up options and are great ways to show your SDC Spirit!

Hoodie

Whatever your choice of cover-up, remember, it is about more than just another line on the SDC policy.  Wearing a cover-up is part of dance tradition and instills a sense of etiquette and respect as well as helps prevent injury.

If you have any questions about cover-ups, please feel free to speak to any of the SDC Staff.  We’re always ready to answer any questions!

Trip the light fantastic, dancers!

~Ms. Kerry

Dance Dress Code Decoded – Boys

DDC - Boys

We’ve taken a look at traditional ballet wear for girls in our first “Dance Dress Code Decoded” post, so let’s take a look at some of the pieces that you’ll find boys at SDC wearing.

Did you know that male dancers wear leotards and tights as well?  Most danseurs (male dancers – don’t call them “ballerinos!”) wear standard leotards and tights when they are older and in college or professional companies.  Our danseurs wear a standard basic top and different bottoms depending on the teachers’ recommendation.

The Shirt

Boys Shirt

A simple white or black shirt in cotton or athletic fabric is recommended for young danseurs.  These are slim fitting, just like leotards, to allow dance instructors to ensure proper alignment and positioning.  These shirts can be found at local dance retailers, big box stores, and online retailers.  There are usually two neckline options – rounded and v-neck.

The Bottoms

Leg coverings for danseurs is based on the recommendation of the teacher.  A pair of sweatpants, jazz pants, or slim fit dance pants in black or navy are perfect.  A good rule of thumb on the length is to keep your knees covered – it’s always good to have an extra layer for floor work.  Tights are not needed under any bottoms for danseurs  and underwear may be worn.

 Tight PantsBoys Jazz Pant

 As always, the SDC Staff is available to answer any questions you have about dress code or where to purchase dance clothes for your danseur!

Trip the light fantastic, dancers!

~Ms. Kerry

Dance Dress Code Decoded – Girls

DDC-Girls

When you think of a dancer, what comes to mind?  Is it the shoes that she is wearing or the pink tights?  Is it the leotard?  Perhaps it is the signature hire style of ballerinas, a bun.  Have you ever wondered why a dancer wears these things or why most studios require a standard uniform for dancers?  In this two-part series, we’ll look at the history of these iconic wardrobe items and why Ms. Julie requires them for classes.


 

The Leotard

Black short sleeve leotard

Made famous by Jules Léotard, a French acrobatic performer, the leotard is a unisex, form-fitting, one-piece garment that covers the torso but leaves the legs free.  The first known use of the word “leotard” to describe the garment we know today was in 1886.  From the late 1880s to the 1950s, leotards were used by circus performers, Broadway dancers, and showgirls and most were simple and functional in design.  The 1960s and 1970s brought more colors and styles with the production of nylon and spandex.

 


 

The Tights

Tights

Tights were derived from hose several centuries ago, worn by European nobility, made to fit as snug as possible when riding on horse back.  Many athletes today from horseback riders to cyclists to basketball players wear tights for their ability to provide support to muscles and wick moisture away from the body.  The “ballet pink” of tights allows for additional highlighting of the muscles and helps teachers check for alignment, turnout, and that positions are being properly executed.

You’ll notice on the SDC dress code, that underwear and sports bras should not be worn under leotards and tights.    Underwear tend to bunch up and roll down under leotards, making it difficult to see the body’s lines and sports bras prevent the instructor from seeing the lights of the back and ensuring proper alignment.  Nude dance undergarments are permitted and may be worn for classes or performances.

Leotards and tights should fit snugly and follow the lines of the body.  These classic dance wardrobe pieces are worn by dancers because they allow instructors and later, the dancers themselves to ensure the proper positioning of the body.  This helps reduce the risk of injury to developing bodies.

Any time you have any questions about dance attire, just ask the SDC staff or leave ask in the comments!  We’re always happy to help!

Trip the light fantastic, dancers!

~Ms. Kerry

Why do you dance?

At SCD, we dance because it’s what we love to do.  Why do you dance?  Tell us in the comments!

Check back throughout the week for our first blog series, “Dance Dress Code: Decoded,” to learn more about SDC’s dress code and why dancers wear what they wear!

We Dance

Good Rules of Thumb (or Toe!) for Dance Shoes

One of the most exciting parts of a new dance season, whether it’s your first ballet class or you’ve been with Studio Dance Centre since the beginning, is finding the perfect dance shoes for your feet.

After confirming the type of shoes you need for your class with the SDC dress code where do you go from there?  Keep in mind these pointers while you look for the perfect pair for your dancer!

All dance shoes

  • Buying your first pair?  It’s recommended to go to a local store to be fitted by a professional.
    • If you can’t make it to a store in person, always review the brand’s sizing chart.  Most dance shoes are sized differently from street shoes, running 3-5 sizes small or have European sizes.
  • Try them on – both feet!  Stand in the shoes.  Walk in them.  Plié (bend your knees).  Bourrée (walk around on the balls of your feet).  Jump.  If they don’t feel right or slip off your heels, they’re not the ones for you.
  • They should be snug, but not tight.  It’s important to buy the shoes to fit your feet now, not for a growth spurt you’re expecting.  (See tap shoes for one exception!)
  • Write your name inside your shoes!  It’s so hard to tell them apart without names!
    • Don’t worry, we have a lost and found! 🙂

Ballet

  • Pull the drawstring of the shoe.  Not too tightly.  The shoe should not wrinkle and there should be no gaps between the shoe and your foot.
  • After you purchase the shoes, trim the drawstrings and be sure to tuck them in for class.
    • Keep 1″ – 1.5″ of drawstring!  You might want to loosen your shoes later and if you’ve cut too much, you won’t have much drawstring to work with left!

                      Perfect!                                                                       Keep looking!

                              

                               too big ballet 2


Jazz

  • The arch of your foot should feel supported.
  • Ms. Julie recommends a slip-on jazz shoe, so you don’t have to worry about laces!

                Perfect!                                                                            Keep looking!

Too Big Jazz 1Jazz Shoe R 1

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Tap

  • Check to see if the taps are attached and/or included.
  • The shoe can have a bit of room to grow!  The shoe should be secure on your foot.
  • For younger dancers, instead of tying bows on your shoes, secure your shoes with elastics.  Check out a tutorial here.
  • Check to see if the taps are attached and/or included.
  • The shoe can have a bit of room to grow!  The shoe should be secure on your foot.
  • For younger dancers, instead of tying bows on your shoes, secure your shoes with elastics.  Check out a tutorial here.

Perfect!                                                                       Keep looking

Tap Shoe R 2

The signs of a too tight tap shoe are more difficult to see and that’s why it’s recommended to see a professional.  The shoe has a hard toe and heel cap which make it challenging to feel the end of a dancer’s toe.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Correctly fitted shoes are important for proper foot support and development in a growing dancer.  Just like regularly worn shoes for school or other activities, dance shoes need to be checked for wear and tear and to ensure that they still fit properly.  With growing dancers, it is not uncommon for a pair of shoes to need replacing before the year is out.

If you ever have any questions about what kind of shoe to look for or if you would like the name of a local store, the SDC Staff is always ready to help!

Trip the light fantastic! ~Ms. Kerry

Legend Spotlight: Twyla Tharp

(2006) – ©Ruben Afanador

Twyla Tharp’s name brings to mind a singularly unique style that merges ballet and  modern dance, creating innovative choreography and often lighthearted pieces.  Tharp was born July 1, 1941.

Ms. Tharp has created more than 161 works including 129 dances, 12 television specials, four full-length ballets, six movies, four Broadway shows, and two figure skating routines.  Her works have been honored with a Tony Award, two Emmy Awards, 19 honorary doctorates, and many more.

Twyla Tharp Dance, her company, was founded in 1965.  Her choreography style is best described as, rooted in technical precision and creativity, combined with a wide range of movement from jazz, ballet, boxing, and inventions of her own design.

Interested in learning more about Twyla Tharp or seeing her choreography?  Read more on twylatharp.org or check out her books: Push Comes to Shove, The Creative Habit: Learn it and Use it for Life, The Collaborative Habit: Life Lessons for Working Together.

And the Beat Goes On…

If you’ve visited SDC in the last few weeks, you’ve likely noticed a few new faces around the studio and front desk.  One of those new faces is mine – Kerry Horton (“Ms. Kerry”).  I’m a graduate of The University of Texas-Arlington with a BFA in Theatre Art Design and have around 20 years of dance training.

In addition to having the honor of teaching level one and two ballerinas and danseurs, I will also teach a pre-professional theatrical make-up class this fall.  When I’m not in the studio, you might find me behind the front desk or writing a post for the SDC blog.

This year, you’ll see posts on the blog ranging from the informational (“Why are they called pointe shoes?”) to the inspirational (“There are shortcuts to happiness and dance is one of them”).  The goal of the blog is to share news and knowledge with parents and dancers as well as inspire discussion inside and outside of SDC.

I’d like to sign off on my posts with how my grandfather used to wish me luck before classes and performances.  Instead of “break a leg,” he’d say “trip the light fantastic.”

I’m so happy to have the opportunity to share my love of dance with SDC Families!

Trip the light fantastic, dancers!

~Ms. Kerry

Heart

 

$2 Try-It Classes in June!

Does your child want to try dance? Come visit and join us for $2 Try-It Classes!

What is it?
Try-It Classes are 45-minutes and explore three (yes, three!) different dance styles.  For ages 3-6, children get to try ballet, jazz, and tap.  For ages 7-11, they get to try ballet, jazz, and modern.

When are the classes?
For ages 3-6, classes are offered June 6 from 5:00-5:45pm or June 11 from 10:30-11:15am.
For ages 7-11, classes are offered June 6 from 6:00-6:45pm or June 11 from 11:30am-12:15pm.

How do I sign up?
Click here to complete this easy form to register!

See you soon!