Choosing the Best Leotard for your Body Type

There are so many leotard styles available (we covered those specifics in a previous “Studio of the Month” flyer) but this month, we’d like to focus on choosing the best leotard for your body type. Your studio may or may not have a dress code so please be aware that these leotard suggestions may not be appropriate choices for your studio.

Camisole Leotards – especially those with adjustable straps are suitable for still growing “tweens”. If you don’t have to worry about how a leotard fits, you can certainly focus more on your dance steps!

Halter Leotards – are great for dancers with long necks and narrow shoulders.

Princess Seamed Leotards – look great on short torsos as they help to elongate the body and create a sliming vertical line.

Cap Sleeve Leotards – can add width to small shoulders and create a great frame for a dancer’s face.

Three-Quarter Sleeve Leotards or Long Sleeve Leotards – draw attention to a dancer with long arms.

Pinch Front and Fashion Bodice Detailed Leotards – very subtly draw eyes upwards making them perfect for dancers who feel more confident about their upper torso.

Collared and turtleneck leotards – have a more sporty feel to them and tend to be great for dancers with a contemporary edge.

When looking for new leotards, be aware that your regular clothes size will differ from dancewear sizing. Many of the major dancewear companies have their own sizing charts and those charts will differ from style to style within the company. The best way to get the right fit is to try the leotard on. Do a few stretches with your arms raised, noting any gaps in material or slipping of shoulder straps. Squat down, as in a plié, and check for pinching or gaping around the legs. Try several to insure the best fit.

(Originally part of our "Studio of the Month" series - December 2011)

Are you new to pointe?

Thank you to Ballet Strength for sharing these tips. "If you are just starting pointe, you want to check this out.... http://t.co/wmF0J7BS

Do you have any tips to add? We'd love to read them ;o)

Back-to-Dance Attitude Adjustment Checklist

It’s time for back to school and your regular, dance class schedule. Well, to start the new season of dance off on the right foot, here is a checklist to help you get in the right mindset and remain positive. Thank you Dance Full Out for the tips!

http://dancefullout.com/2011/09/dance-attitude-checklist/

Tips for caring for Dance Shoes

As a dancer you know you must take extra care of your body, but did you know that caring for dance shoes is just as important? Dance shoes can be expensive and you want your shoes to last as long as possible. Dance shoes do require care that your regular street shoes don’t. By taking care of your dance shoes, you will help them last longer and you’ll spend less time shopping for new shoes.

Here are some general tips we’ve found to help you care for you dance shoes:

1. Ideally, you should consider buying at two pairs of each type of dance shoe you use. This allows you to alternate wearing the pairs, especially if you dance every day. Your shoes will last longer if you let them dry out and rest every other day. The moisture from sweat will break down the materials of the shoe.

2. Be sure to store your shoes in a separate bag after class or a performance. Don’t throw them in your dance bag, because they can lose their shape. If you have side pockets in your dance bag, especially ones with holes, store the shoes there. That will give the shoes exposure to air which will help them dry quicker after each use, and that will help them last longer.

3. When you’re not using them, store your shoes in a cool, dry place. You can find special pouches filled with materials like cedar chip sachets or cedar daisy wheels to put into dance shoes. These can quickly absorb sweat, reduce odors and help your shoes keep their shape longer.

4. Wear your shoes in the studio only. There are a number of reasons for this ~ Dance shoes are not built for streetwear and wearing them outside will shorten their lifespan. Many dance studios also forbid dancers from wearing street shoes in the studio as part of a health concern; many dance forms require to be practiced in bare feet. Barefoot dancers can get infections from outside germs brought in from dance shoes worn outside. Dirt brought to the studio floor from outside can also ruin the look of new shoes.

5. Don’t let anyone else wear your shoes. In addition to the health risks such as contracting athlete’s foot, your shoes may get stretched out of shape.

6. When you buy a pair specifically for performances, practice a few times to get accustomed to the new shoes and to break them in. Never perform in a new pair of shoes.

7 You can buy special covers for pointe shoes to use in class to keep the satin clean and looking brand new.

These are just a few pointers we’ve found, there are some you might use. If you have a tip you’d like to share, please call, fax or e-mail it to us, we’d love to hear it and will share it with others too! We can all learn from one another!

(Originally part of our "Studio of the Month" flyer series - September 2011)

Are you careful when using your Instant Jet Glue?

Here are some critical health & safety warnings regarding Instate Jet Glue....definitely information to keep handy (e-mail if you'd like us to forward a copy to you!).....

Body size....

Came across this great blog - Regan is right on the money with this one....check it out!~ http://danceswithfat.wordpress.com/2011/06/07/body-size-is-not-a-diagnosis/

Tips to Consider When Buying Dance Shoes

You need dance shoes, you know the type of shoe you need but do you know what to consider when you enter the store to try those shoes on? Here are some tips that will help you get the right shoe and the right fit for the shoe ....

1. First and foremost, it is very important to bring the person who needs the dance shoes with you. Dance shoe sizing is very different from street shoe sizing. To avoid numerous trips back to the store to get the right size, we can best serve you if the dancer is present.

2. Be sure to bring the right socks, stockings, and insoles with you, namely, whatever socks or stockings or insoles you like to wear while dancing. It makes an amazing difference in the fit for carefully-shaped dance shoes.

3. Don't rush - you want shoes that are extremely comfortable, or you'll hate dancing forever. This may take several pairs/styles. Allow for time to get just the right shoe.

4. Walk around in them. Do some dance steps. Sometimes you won't notice a pinch or rub or a bad crease - or the way the shoe falls off at a crucial moment -- until you start moving around. Do various moves that simulate the extremes of what you expect your feet to go through.

5. Try multiple sizes and multiple brands. Dance shoe manufacturers all cut their shoes differently. And their sizes vary a lot from what you'd expect. Try on lots and lots of shoes.

6. Ask for information and advice. Unlike regular shoe stores, dance retailers actually know about shoes and dancers' needs. But in the end, trust your feet.

7. Buy snug or buy loose? Choose dance shoes that fit perfectly or are a little snug - the leather will yield a bit quite soon. But only a little bit. You want to be comfortable from the first step you take, so don't overdo the snugness. Also, the heel should not slip at all, the toe should not pinch at all, and where the leather creases near your toes, there should be no discomfort at all.

You're probably asking, "Couldn't I buy over the internet?" You really, REALL Y should try dance shoes on before you buy them. Buying over the internet can be tricky - those "universal size charts" are not always accurate given the different manufacturers and the different foot types.

Save time and money ... Mary Ann's Dance and More is here to help you find the right shoe and the right fit for that shoe!

(Part of our "Studio of the Month" flyer - June 2011)