Leotard? Biketard? Unitard? What’s the difference?

Leotard?  Biketard?  Unitard?  What’s the difference?  

In our “Studio of the Month” (SOM) series, we’ve been exploring many different styles of dance apparel.  But recently, when we’ve asked what type of leotard a customer might be looking for, we’ve gotten some confused looks when we ask, “leotard, biketard or unitard?”  So this month, our focus is to clear up the confusion…

A Leotard is a unisex skin-tight one-piece garment that covers the torso but leaves the legs free.  It was made famous by the French acrobatic performer Jules Léotard (1842–1870), about whom the song “The Daring Young Man on the Flying Trapeze” was written.  Ballet leotards come in many different cuts.  The three main variations are the sleeve length, the neckline, and the leg cut.  If you’d like information on those, please let us know and we’ll be happy to forward them to you.

A Biketard is similar to a leotard and typically has short legs that only come to the mid-thigh.  Simply put, it’s a combination of a leotard and shorts.  Though available for adults, they can be seen often on children taking dancing or gymnastics classes.

A Unitard, in contrast to the leotard and biketard, is a body-length, single-piece garment, usually made of stretchy fabrics like Lycra, which closely adheres to the body.  Some have long sleeve while the tank style is more popular.

Resources:  http://www.wisegeek.com

Ballet Shoes: Full Sole or Split Sole? That is the question...

You come into the store looking for a pair of ballet shoes. We ask: “Full sole or split sole?” You are stumped by that question. We thought we’d help explain the difference between the two…

First, a little ballet shoe background: Ballet shoes are often referred to as ballet slippers, which is really a misnomer. There is a big difference between true ballet shoes and those marketed as ballet slippers. Typically ballet slippers, those sold in big box stores, are just that, slippers you’d wear around the house as bedroom slippers. But those sold in specialty/dance stores are the “true” ballet slippers –lightweight shoes designed specifically for ballet dancing.

So what is the difference between full sole and split sole? And which one is right for you? Keep in mind that your school/instructor may have a preference so always refer to your studio/instructor’s requirements when shopping for your ballet shoes or any dance shoe. But what follows is a general “rule of thumb” to help you determine which type if right for you….

The simple construction of a FULL-SOLE BALLET SHOE often makes it a little less expensive than most split-sole shoes. The full-sole covers from the toe to heel. The full sole is a little stiff, so it’s going to be a little bit harder to point; this could be good because it’ll also strengthen your foot. A good shoe for the beginner ballet dancer.

In contrast, the SPLIT-SOLE BALLET SHOE has two pieces of material in the sole: one piece from the arch to the toes, and one piece from the arch to the heel. The seam created where these two pieces connect at the arch of the foot makes the split sole more form-fitting than the full sole. The split sole is very popular because the split accentuates the natural lines of the foot. With the split sole, you can really feel your foot working and you’re doing all the work yourself.

As with any dance shoe, you should always be “fit” to ensure the correct sizing. Sizing does not follow street shoes sizing at all. And it is typically different on nearly every single ballet shoe. For example, your favorite manufacturer’s leather split sole may have different sizing than their canvas split sole. So be sure to visit a specialty/dance store, like ours to ensure the proper fit!

Originally part of our "Studio of the Month" informational flyer - January 2012 (HSPA winner!)

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!).....