7 Dance Bag Essentials for Every Dancer

For any professional, there is nothing worse than forgetting the bare necessities at home. For example, just imagine an electrician coming to your house without the right sized screw driver. His visit would be completely pointless. Similarly, when you’re a dancer, there are some things you cannot perform without. Here is a list of essential items you must pack in your dance bag to ensure that you are properly prepared for all practices and performances:

1. Dance Shoes

This goes without saying – dance shoes are probably the most important element of your dance supplies. Make sure you pack different dance shoes for all the styles of dance you may be asked to perform. Some dancers also carry different shoes for practice versus performance. 

2. Extra Clothing

With all the movement and stretches a dancer is required to do, it is important for him/her to carry with themselves and extra pair of clothing – for example, tights, leotard and warmers – in case of a tear, stain, runs, or even excessive sweating. Warm clothes are also important for a dancer's muscles when leaving the studio and facing potential cold air.

3. Hair Accessories

Dancers, no matter male or female, should have a neat, swept back hairstyle to allow for proper spotting. In order to maintain your hair style, make sure you pack a brush, comb, hair tie, hairspray, hair pins and whatever else is necessary for styling. Apart from your own needs, a colleague might break their own hair tie and for a dancer, this is an emergency. Packing a couple of extra ones will always prove to be helpful. 

4. Towel

Whatever the forecast is, and whichever season it is, packing yourself a towel is important. You will sweat, and profusely, in this case. When working with a partner, it is especially necessary to constantly wipe off sweat and remain dry. It cannot only be unpleasant, but also your body becomes slippery which may it difficult for your partner to hold, which can lead to serious injuries.

5. Deodorant

Similar to number 4, keeping a supply of deodorant on hand to combat sweat (as well as odor) is highly essential for all dancers. 

6. Anti-Septic Wipes

Dancing can involve falls and injuries from time to time. For minor cuts and scrapes, and anti-septic wipe will come in quite handy to avoid an infection. Aside from this, if you want to quickly clean your dirty hands, an antiseptic wipe will definitely come in handy.

7. Band Aids

A wide variety of shapes and sizes will definitely be useful in case of minor injuries. Some cuts take a long time to stop bleeding, and in such cases a quick application of a band aid will do the trick. 

Feel free to pack anything else that you might personally need to get you through the day. Most dancers bring snacks and plenty of water to stay hydrated. Finally, if you have asthma, don’t forget your inhaler, or any other medications you might need. 

Benefits of Performing in a Dance Recital

Dance Recitals are often considered to be the highlight of a performer’s dance season. For beginners, the thought of a large audience, costumes, makeup and the stage itself may seem overwhelming, but participating in a yearly recital can be one of the most incredible and unforgettable  experiences a dancer may have.

Here are five benefits dancers often get from participating in dance recitals:

1. A Boost in Confidence 

Recitals give the dancer an opportunity to overcome their fear and shyness of performing in front of people. It also gives dancers a chance to display all their dedication, hard work, and progress they have made in the past year. When children get up on stage and are applauded and appreciated, they often feel a huge boost in confidence. This confidence will follow them throughout their schoolwork and in many other aspects of life as well. 

2. Promotes Teamwork

Most of the performances are group-based and when working with their partners, dancers have to work together and synchronize their movements to one other for the performance. This takes a lot of effort and helps build teamwork skills. This teamwork skill will help them be more considerate and understanding, and will definitely be an asset throughout their lives.

3. Helps Form Goals

Taking part in a recital gives dancers something to look forward to, and something to aim for. Each practice session brings them one step closer to achieving their goal. And once they have successfully done this, dancers become confident enough to set the bar a little higher for the next goal. Setting goals in life is another extremely important lesson to learn. 

4. Teaches New Skills

Recitals help dancers sharpen their memorizing and retaining capabilities, along with learning new skills like moving with rhythm and working with different techniques. Dancing also promotes a child’s motor skills and mind-body coordination. Furthermore, they also learn new terminology and develop a basic understanding of stage directing. 

5. Creates Great Memories

Recitals help children create some amazing memories. They will make new friends, have fun, and feel appreciated. Families often use dance recitals as an opportunity to celebrate their children’s achievement, while the dancing itself instills a deep passion for the performers. Dance recital costumes can become a keepsake, and  recital pictures can be framed and put into scrapbooks or photo albums.

No matter which way you look at it, dance recitals provide children with so many amazing qualities and skills which will support them throughout their school, career, and personal life. Discipline and unity are also very important traits children are familiarized with while attending dance classes, and it is the perfect way for parents to help their children to open up to the world.

3 Life Skills You Might Not Realize Dance Can Teach Your Child

There are some benefits that are easy to see when it comes to investing in dance lessons for your child, physical activity being an obvious one. Social skills are another benefit that may come to mind. Your child can learn to work in a group as well as handle constructive criticism. While dance is a great form of physical exercise that strengthens bones and the cardiovascular system, it can also teach your child some invaluable life skills that will be highly beneficial later in life.

1) Dedication

Dance is an activity that can teach children that practicing at home and following through leads to a successful performance. This cycle can help your child associate dedication with a feeling of accomplishment. Furthermore, dance can help children create healthy work habits such as showing up on time, following through on projects, and collaborating with others. 

2) Discipline

Sometimes a busy dance schedule may interfere with other activities, but children will learn a sense of discipline in that they will have to prioritize things. Dance also keeps children mentally disciplined while in class, as they must patiently keep trying to master a new difficult step until it is correct. Discipline is also necessary for completing the physical conditioning required for dance.

3) Accountability

When it comes to dance, if your child isn’t prepared he or she will quickly learn that this impacts not just themselves, but others as well. Dance will teach children to be accountable for themselves in terms of practicing, memorizing routines, and bringing the correct costumes and accessories for a performance. Since dance is often a team effort, it is important that all members of a group are prepared and polished. Dance is a great way to instill these positive behaviors at a child’s developmental age.

7 Tips for Surviving Your Child’s First Dance Recital

The long awaited moment is finally here! Seeing your child on stage dancing his or her heart out can be a wonderful moment, however the chaos that surrounds a dance recital can put a damper on the event for even the most seasoned dance parents. Here a few tips to ensure that you’re expertly prepared and able to fully appreciate the experience with your child.

BEFORE THE RECITAL

Keep those flyers. All the flyers and handouts your dance class will provide for you will be chock full of important information. Staying organized will is the first step in order to have a stress-free experience. It’s a good idea to keep a folder with all of the important dance related notes that have been handed out.

Get the costume ready. Have your child try the costume on in advance before the recital and try out a few moves in it. This is the perfect time to test for fit as well as function so that if any adjustments or safety pins are necessary, you will have plenty of time to apply them.

Makeup trial run. For young dancers, the act of putting on and wearing makeup can be quite foreign. Doing a test run of the makeup beforehand can help prevent any meltdowns the day of the recital.

THE DAY OF THE RECITAL

Pack activities for down time. Cards, coloring books, or similar activities can be great ways to keep your child busy during downtime without endangering his or her costume. Your dance studio will likely inform you of their policy on snacks and activities allowed in the waiting area.

Bring an emergency kit. This can be your catch-all bag for anything and everything you might need during the show. Baby wipes, makeup, safety pins, hairspray, clear nail polish (for tight runs), bobby pins, hair elastics etc. will prove to be extremely helpful on the big day.

Arrive early. Give yourself time to get your dancer ready and deal with any unforeseen parking or seating issues. It’s best to make sure that dancers aren’t under any excess stress.

Enjoy yourself! Kids won’t be kids forever so enjoy the moment you’ve prepared all year for! When they are grown up it’ll be fun to look back at a memorable experience.

Dancing For a Cause

Dance is an activity that teaches grace, rhythm, balance, strength, and more. It engages the brain as well as develops muscle memory. There are many reasons why someone should consider incorporating dance into their daily life, however, when dance is talked about it’s usually talked about in this mindset – for the individual. Dance doesn’t just have to be an activity for the dancer. 

There are numerous dance organizations that are reaching out and doing their part to support worthy causes and charities. Here is just the tip of the iceberg:

1) Broadway Cares

Broadway Cares is a non-profit organization that has raised more than $285 million in funding for essential services for people living with AIDS and other illnesses by leveraging the talents of the theatre community. Broadway Cares has supported The Actors Fund, the HIV/AIDS Initiative, the Phyllis Newman Women’s Health Initiative, the Al Hirschfeld Free Health Clinic, and more. 

2) Dancers Against Cancer

Another non-profit organization, Dancers Against Cancer are fighting to raise awareness and support of individuals living with cancer. They hold benefit shows to raise money and use it to directly support dancers and dance instructors affected by cancer.

3) Broadway Dance Center: Various Programs

Unlike the last two organizations, Broadway Dance Center supports a whole host of charitable events and organizations. One of the most exciting opportunities perhaps is their partnership with Giving Africa, a charity that builds schools in Africa to help eradicate poverty.

Are you a dancer who wishes to go above and beyond to help others? There are many more dance related charities to research. Find the one that suits your preferences and be the change you’d like to see in the world!

Choosing the Right College Dance Program

Many devoted students of dance are making the decision to continue the study of dance at a collegiate level. High school students who are interested should do some soul searching and ask themselves many questions before taking a leap of faith and selecting a college or university dance program. Dancers, ask yourselves the following things to get yourself on the right track for your future in dance:

1) What is your end goal once college is finished? Would you like to dance for a professional company, become a choreographer, or own a dance studio? Do you see yourself being an instructor at a studio, or even a professor at a university? Different dance programs offer different opportunities. Research which schools have the tools you are looking for.

2) Where do you want to live? Do you want to attend college in-state, or are you willing to make the move out of state to pursue your dreams? Many dancers flock to cities famous for dance such as New York City or Los Angeles however there may be an amazing dance program at a college near you! Teachers at your home dance studio can be a great resource for insight on schools that could be closer to your home town than you may realize.

3) What style would you like to specialize in? Are you a strong a contemporary dancer who’d like to fine tune your creative talents? Are you seeking a program that is versatile in which you can study an array of styles including tap, hip hop, and African jazz? Different schools are known for different strengths, so it’s a good idea to look into what each program focuses on.

4) Do you want to join a competitive dance team? Not every school has a dance team that competes however most have one if not multiple opportunities to perform. From university companies, to collegiate dance teams, to intramural dance programs, be sure to research all of your options.

As dance becomes more and more popular among young people, the opportunities continue to accrue.  There are so many amazing places dance can take you, so just be sure to seek out what will be the right fit for you! The sky is the limit, dancers.