Giving students, teachers, and parents an edge in dance education
Tristan learned the hard way that it was time for a new pair of tap shoes even though he had grown very fond of a certain pair. Know that a new pair of tap shoes are not only important for correcting current problems, but are necessary in preventing a smorgasbord of potentially painful ailments. Here are telltale signs of deterioration, some tips for care and maintenance to prolong the use of your shoes, and a note on refurbishing.
In this series Tristan (our TAPography columnist) helps you find the ideal tap shoes, let you know when it’s time to buy a new pair, and give hands on reviews of the top shoes in the industry.Bloch, SoDanca, Capezio, Leo’s…whose shoe will come out on top? STAY TUNED!
I’ll bet you’re crafty. And some projects are just too cute to pass up! You’ll find some fabulous ways to upcycle old tights, reuse dead pointe shoes, and repurpose t-shirts, sweaters, and even CDs in this Earth Day article. Be sure to add your projects and ideas to the comments, too!
The 411 on The Bar Method as founder, Burr Leonard chats with me about this unique full-body fitness program, its relationship to dance and with dancers, and of course, Black Swan (which they celebrated during a promotional partnership in March). Also, our own Lauren Warnecke tries a class in Chicago and lets you know exactly what she thinks.
Our giveaway today comes from Balletband. Balletband is a heavy duty latex resistive stretching band specifically designed for dancers offering a hands-free alternative to traditional stretching techniques. Looping the band around one foot and the opposite shoulder, dancers can stretch and strengthen their extension in arabesque, à la seconde, or croisé. The band’s resistance also effectively works the legs and turnout in a seated straddle position.
Cynthia King is the director of Cynthia King Dance Studio in Brooklyn, NY. Her love for animals originated in the connection she had with her dog as a young child and her passion for animal rights began with literature on the subject. Since 1967 she has eaten only a plant-based diet but consistently faced the challenge of recommending ballet slippers to her students as even canvas slippers use animal skin for the soles. It became her mission to provide an affordable alternative to leather-soled slippers. Find out more about Ms. King and Cynthia King Vegan Ballet Slippers.
If you are a parent with an aspiring dancer, nothing is more exciting for both of you than getting all the necessary apparel, including a first or new pair of ballet shoes. However, for little feet, it is very important to get the right shoes at the right price. Consider these 5 points before you buy ballet slippers for a young student.
Need ideas for dance teacher gifts? Look no further. Healthy edibles, art from the heart, teacher tees, and lots more.
Whether you are a dance student or dance teacher, you can have fun with your class attire and incorporate your own style with what’s in this season. Here are some of the biggest trends from Fall 2010 New York Fashion Week and how you can take them from the runway to the studio.
Buy Organic, Recycled, and Eco-Friendly Products. From the snacks you offer, to the paper towels you use, to the cleaning products you put on your floors, there are plenty of options for going green. There are six more, really excellent (and really easy), suggestions for going green in 12 Steps To A More Eco-Friendly Dance Studio
Spring Fever Giveaway 2011: SURPRISE!
Our final giveaway comes from… Dance Advantage w/ a little help from a friend. Two readers will win a copy of The Dancer’s Way by Linda H. Hamilton (a comprehensive dancer’s companion); Richard Maddock’s As Creation Unfolds: Part Three (an instrumental album for relaxation or choreography), and a micro-fiber sleeveless t-shirt featuring the DA logo (great for class). A third, grand prize winner will get all this plus a pair of the popular MUK LUKs to keep the feet and ankles warm between classes.