Winter Warm-Up Wear

Well its that time of year again when the snow starts piling up, the winter wear comes out and the heat is constantly cranked. Let's face it dancers we live in Canada and it's chilly here throughout the winter months. You arrive at the studio all bundled up in your warmest winter boots and coat and then have to take that all off to head into class wearing only a bodysuit and tights! Not exactly fun on a -20 night now is it!

As a teacher I want my students to come to class feeling comfortable and warm (there's nothing worse than freezing for the first 15 minute of class) however I have a hard time in the winter months when my students come to class wearing hoodies and baggy sweat pants. If its a particularly cold night I'll be kind and let it slide for the first exercise but usually after that I'll ask for the loose fitting clothes to come off.

The problem with wearing hoodies, sweat pants and loose fitting tops to class is that your teacher is unable to see your body. This mean they cannot tell if you are using your posture correctly and therefore cannot adequately give you corrections. It's also slightly disrespectful to the art form and can be a distraction in the classroom to you and other students (especially clothing with large logos etc.)

Dancers do not fear there is such a thing as appropriate warm-up wear . Let me share with a you a few great styles that I'm sure your teachers will be happy to let you keep on during barre, jazz warm-up or whatever class you might be taking.

These Irina & Max Warm Up Bootie Boots by Bloch are great for keeping the feet warm in the studio both before going to class and if you're hanging around for awhile waiting between classes and rehearsals. They are comfy and stylish for use at the dance school and come in a variety of colours. 

The Marcy Roll Over Waist Knit Pants are super cozy and warm. These pants are fantastic because they provide full leg coverage for optimal warmth during the coldest winter months, and are snug and fitted so do not pose any problems for the teachers ability to see and give corrections. 

This full body jumpsuit is a classic and wonderful piece of warm-up wear for any Canadian dancer. These suits can be purchased through Dance Direct and a variety of other warm-up suits can be purchased from Capezio & Bloch.

Ballet sweaters will always be around in a variety of colors and variations of the same basic style. You would be able to find something similar to these Bloch sweaters at any dance store and can often find similar styled sweaters at a variety of women's clothing stores. As long as it is fitted and snug it should be acceptable for a ballet or dance class.

Lastly a good pair of leg warmers can go a long way! They are always so cozy to wear to class and are great for keeping feet and ankles warm in the winter months. They can be found in so many different lengths, colors and styles these days so have fun! 

Cute Capezio leg warmers. 

With Christmas just around the corner these items would be great to put on your Christmas wishlist! As with any dace wear please make sure to check with your studio dress code policy before purchasing warm-up wear. Some schools only want sweaters of a certain color (ie. black) so make sure you'll be able to use what you purchase!

Also remember to shop locally and support your neighborhood dance shops- I'm sure you will be able to find similar styled items.

Happy Dancing-

Miss Jordan

What Your Ballet Teacher Is Looking For

I often find myself on constant repeat in the ballet class. I'm always looking for the same things. 

Most ballet teachers are. 

1. Strong Use of Correct Posture: As soon as a dancer becomes aware of how to properly engage the core muscles- closing the rib-cage, pulling up the lower abdominal muscles and lengthening through the obliques the ability to move forward with the learning and execution of ballet steps increases exponentially. Posture is everything in Ballet but is also 100% necessary and Jazz, Contemporary and Lyrical. Understanding how to use your posture correctly will open many doorways in dance. 

2. Dynamic Variation: Not all balletic movement should look the same. Learning how to show the different qualities of movement (slow and smooth versus sharp and quick) will ultimately improve your ability to connect with your audience but also show your teacher that you are developing more maturity as a dancer. 

3. Expression of Music: Dance is an art form. Expression is the goal and tool of artistry. If you can express something to your audience (aka your ballet teacher) you show them something interesting that catches their eye and speaks to them. Expression means sharing a piece of yourself with your viewers, it means telling your audience something, not just executing the movement correctly. 

4. Application of Technique: A dancer in Grade 3 Ballet, Grade 8 Ballet and Advanced Ballet can all show application of technique appropriate to their level. Applying your technique means using the tools the that you have learned throughout everything you do in class. Eg. going through the floor to execute a tendu shouldn't begin and end with Tendus at the barre, it should be carried forth through Battement Jete/Glisse, Grand Battements and Sautes etc. 

5. Positive Attitude: Come to class with a willingness to learn, the energy to work hard, and a readiness to take corrections. It is always so unfortunate when a student chooses to give up on something because they feel their teacher is picking on them, or not giving them enough attention. Ballet (and all dance) is a very personal art form and the student must be willing to dedicate and apply themselves at each class. There will be no improvement or lavish praise without a LOT of hard work. Bringing a positive attitude to class shows the teacher you want to learn and improve.

As I work in a "non professional" dance school I'm not expecting every student to be a prima ballerina. But I still want my students to show me that they want to be in class and that they are working hard, not for me but for their own personal success. One student may be able to pursue a career as a professional dancer while another may just develop a love for the art- but both students are valuable and important. The areas of work that have been suggested can be applied to a variety of levels and dance abilities as well as to recreational, competitive and pre-professional students. If you focus on trying to show your teachers even one of these 5 things you will see improvement in yourself and probably find more joy in your weekly classroom experience too! 

Miss Jordan 

~Live to Dance. Dance to Live.~