dancewear

Dance Conference: Energize – For Dance Studios & Teachers

June 12, 2018 by 4dancers

We love a good dance conference, and we recently heard about this new offering for dance studio owners and teachers that takes place in Chicago in August. Energize provides a space for these professionals to gather, network, get the jump on costumes, and take advantage of a variety of different seminars designed to help them take their businesses to the next level. We talked with Suzanne Gerety of Dance Studio Owner and Revolution Dancewear about the upcoming event and got some great insights we’re happy to pass along to you here…

Suzanne, can you tell readers a bit about yourself and how the idea for Energize came about?

Sure! I’ve been helping dance studio owners start, run and grow their business since we launched Dance Studio Owner back in 2008. I was born into the dance studio life as the daughter of a successful studio owner. Our studio is celebrating it’s 45th season this year. My mom, Kathy Blake and I also are the columnists for Dance Teacher Magazine’s “Ask the Experts”, which we’ve been writing for them since 2011.

In 2013, Dance Studio Owner became part of the Revolution Dancewear family of brands – REV UP Brands – and we are truly grateful to have reached thousands of studio owners world-wide with our mission to help them keep their passion for dance alive as they grow their business. We offer membership to our website and through those resources studio owners can get exactly what they need to find more students, increase student retention, develop loyal faculty, staff and students and overcome any challenge with the business such as problem parents or studio drama.

Energize came about from our entire creative team at Revolution. Since we have been doing events over the years at our headquarters in the Chicago, IL area such as a live fashion show, shopping events, seminars and trainings, it made sense to combine all of those great events into one awesome weekend for studio owners, teachers, and their staff.

Now that we have four versatile brands that help you run your studio successfully it is a great opportunity for our customers to have time with us in person to learn how to get the most out of each resource. Our costume and dancewear flagship brand; Revolution Dancewear, our elite performance line; Tenth House, our Studio Resource; Dance Studio Owner and our online Dancewear and Costume Sales for studio owners to sell to parents; Nimbly.

What is the thing that makes Energize unique from other dance conferences? [Read more…]

Fresh Looks For Dance Class

December 2, 2016 by 4dancers

dancer's face

by Catherine L. Tully

There are days when you take class in your grungiest clothes and pin your hair up quickly, and there are days you want to look more “put together’. While not every day warrants a fancy outfit and hairstyle, let’s face it–sometimes it’s fun to dress up a little bit!

It is in this spirit that we’ve assembled a few different ideas for adding a touch of fresh style to your look for class. From including a simple flourish on your dance skirt to applying your makeup a little differently, these small things can keep you feeling your best, and add a little inspiration on those days you need a little something to make class a bit more fun…

Try out a new hairstyle

Nothing can change your appearance quite like a new hairstyle, but sometimes it can be hard to figure out what works visually and makes sense for that fast pirouette combination in the middle of class!

Re-re Twist hairstyle. Model Lissa Smith.

The “Re-re Twist”

Created by Hubbard Street dancer Emilie Leriche, the Re-re Twist is a fun, pretty hairstyle we featured previously on the blog a while back. It’s fancy, it’s functional, and it’s different! There is a step-by-step tutorial for you on this page.

After all, braids don’t have to be boring.

If you love the look of a traditional ballet bun but want something fresh, take a peek at Pinterest for over 1,000 options ranging from little variations you can pull off on your own to those that may require a co-pilot. You can also check out this post on the Rockettes site that shares a few video tutorials for creative hairstyles.

Dress up your practice clothes

You don’t always have to buy new leotards or skirts to change up your look for class. With just a little bit of time and a tutorial to follow, creating a new look for old clothes can be a simple task that adds a little bit of interest to an otherwise standard item. It doesn’t have to be expensive!

Add a little sparkle

Popping in a few rhinestones can make a plain skirt or leotard a little prettier. You don’t have to add very many to liven up the look–after all you don’t want to get too flashy–but a well-placed dot of sparkle can look lovely. Here’s a tutorial that walks you through how to add rhinestones to lace:

Go ombre

A great way to extend the life of a plain leotard or skirt is to dye it another color. We love this ombre skirt idea, shown in the video below–it’s very different, and fairly simple to do once you understand the basics of dying fabric. (Get some other outfit ideas from BDancewear’s free DIY download.*)

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Change up the makeup

While you may not want to do a full makeup job for class every day, here and there it can feel good to try out a new look, just for kicks. Here are a couple to get you started–

The smokey eye

This is definitely a strong eye makeup look, but it does add quite a bit of drama! Concealer underneath the eye makes it pop, and you can go a little lighter with the coloring if you are looking for something a little less intense.

Simple lip tip

Feel like drawing out your lips a little more without adding a lot of time to your makeup routine? Find out how to emphasize your “cupid’s bow” with this simple lip tip – it takes two seconds!

What do you do to keep your look fresh for class? We’d love to hear any tips you’ve come up with!

*Disclosure – 4dancers accepts compensation from BDancewear as an advertiser on the site.

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Dancewear Review: Jaffic’s “Slouchy” Leg Warmers

December 1, 2016 by 4dancers

Leg warmers

by Catherine L. Tully

Leg warmers are a standard item for most dancers, and the quest to find the perfect pair is an ongoing search. Everyone has different requirements for how they fit and what they look like. When Sara Pickin (and her husband Ryan) reached out to 4dancers to review their version, we were anxious to check them out…

We asked to get one of each style – they offer both a regular and a longer version (Regular – approx. 57 cm / 22″ Extra long – approx. 72 cm / 28″), made from a cotton/polyester blend (90/10%). The cuffs also have elastane in them so they stretch well and retain their shape.

Hand-made is a big sell for me on anything, and these cute leg warmers are no exception. I love the idea that someone actually took the time to create them, and put care into the work. It makes you feel good to put them on! You can tell that thought was put into the design, down to the little stamped card (pictured) that came with hand-written wash instructions.

The leg warmers were comfy, and I liked the slouchy look, as well as the fact that they stayed up better than others I’ve had. They were warm without being bulky, and cute enough that I could wear them to teach or with my cowboy boots out and about. The company name these two have created is “jaffic” – and there are many different color styles to choose from. You can even give them custom measurements if you like and they will make them to fit.

If you’re interested in checking out their work, take a look at their Etsy store and browse around!

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BDancewear Clothing Review

February 6, 2016 by 4dancers

Regular-Dance-Shrug-Lycra-2T — Cotton Shrug

by Catherine L. Tully

The staff over at BDancewear asked if I would like to check out some of their merchandise and write something up for our readers.* When I agreed, they shipped me a nice box of goodies to try out, and I’d like to share some of my favorites with you. But first, I wanted to mention a little bit about the company itself, as I think some background is always nice…

One thing I found fascinating about this business is that they offer items in 200+ different colors. The ability to get a piece you like in a shade you love it pretty impressive. And the pieces are all made in the USA, which to me is another selling point. Add to that the fact that you are supporting a small business when purchasing from them, and it stacks up to be a pretty good deal overall. Especially since the items I sampled were very well made.

By far my favorite item in the package was the pair of high-waisted pants. I got the cotton ones, and they are excellent quality, lasting a very long time. I washed and dried them repeatedly, and since they are a bit on the long side (which I love, because I have long legs and my pants always shrink too much), they stood up to it just fine.

I’ve had many types of pants like this – all name brands – and these held up better than any other one to the wear/tear and wash cycle of a dancer. No splitting seams, no see-through spots, no loose elastic. I’m still wearing them, many months later. The only caveat is they are long, so shorter people may have an issue with the fit. They also make a high-waisted brief that is very comfortable.

I love shrugs, and the ones offered by BDancewear are no exception. Besides keeping my arms warm in a tank top or sleeveless leotard, they look pretty. I find these are one of those “optional” pieces, like a dance skirt, that makes you feel more like a dancer. Decorative/fun pieces. And again, the ability to dial in the fabric and color is a nice touch.

The company sells a full compliment of skirts as well, which can be a good choice for dance school students, or possibly instructor attire. I find the high-low skirts appealing, but there are a variety of choices, including angle skirts, circle skirts and longer skirts. To me these were better suited for the casual student, not as much geared toward the pre-professional or professional dancer. Studios with a color-coded system will find they can get any shade they need here.

In addition to the different colors available, BDancewear also offers a number of fabric choices, including lycra, velvet, cotton, mesh and more. They also stock sports bras, gloves, tank tops, briefs, leotards and other items.

To learn more about the company and take a look at their full range of offerings, visit them on the web at BDancewear.

For additional information on the company and more clothing reviews, visit our friends at Dance Advantage for their take on BDancewear.

*BDancewear has purchased ad space with 4dancers in the past. Review items were sent at no charge. This is not an advertorial.

Dancer Turned Designer – Taylor Morgan’s Story

June 23, 2014 by 4dancers

For a long time now I’ve been thinking about what dancers do when they don’t dance anymore. Many of move on to related careers in the field, such as teaching, managing a studio or administrative positions. But those aren’t the only options available…

4dancers will be sharing some stories here on the site about people who have changed careers within–and outside of–our field. Some will be starting on a second career after a long career as a dancer. Others will find the skills they have learned in dance will open doors for them in a myriad of different ways. We’ll tell some of those stories, and we’ll also share information about organizations that exist to help dancers make these transitions.

Today we have a young lady with us who found a way to blend her two loves – dance and design. She has done both, but now intends to mix the two and use her skill set to create clothing for dancers. Here’s her story, along with a link to her Kickstarter campaign, should you feel inclined to help her out…

Stay tuned for more stories in this new series.

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Hi, I am Taylor Morgan. I have lived two lives. My first life ended when I was about 20 years old, but that’s when my second life began. Am I talking about reincarnation? No, I am talking about my two greatest passions, dance and design, & they are held together by one common thread: attention to detail. Let me explain…

I am a fashion designer in New York City. I graduated from the Fashion Institute of Technology (F.I.T.), one of the most prestigious colleges for fashion design in the nation, and I now work for Tommy Hilfiger as a designer for the men’s woven division. I am not trying to brag. In fact, I am trying to give credit to where it is due… DANCE, my very first love and my “first” life!

You see, I grew up dancing. My little baby body literally grew in my mother’s womb as she taught dance. She owned a thriving dance studio & also started the Phoenix Suns dance team in 1990, 2 years after I was born. Growing up, I had 3 activities to choose from; 1) Dance 2) Watch a dance class 3) Sleep or eat. Lucky for me, I love dance! I trained in all styles, but lyrical emerged as my favorite.

My dream to be a professional dancer was realized shortly after high school, when I moved to L.A. Represented by MSA, I was able to make a living doing what I love for 2 years. I was in a Miley Cyrus music video, I was flown to Las Vegas to dance in Nike’s huge convention, and booked several other memorable dance gigs. It was a dream come true, but at the same time I had an itch that was growing stronger day by day.

That itch started while watching the movie Parent Trap, with Lindsay Lohan, as a 10 year old. The mother, played by Natasha Richardson, was a famous wedding dress designer in London. It looked like such a beautiful life, and from that point on I started to sketch dresses for fun, imagining I was a fashion designer. It wasn’t until I was 19 years old that I realized I truly wanted to scratch the itch for good! I enrolled into fashion school and the rest was history.

How was I able to make the transition from dancing 24/7 to designing clothes? What skills from my dance life could help me in my design life? Well I’ll tell you. Dance taught me from an early age to pay attention to the details. A ballerina can go from mush to magnificence with a few tweaks to the details. Small changes can make a huge difference. It’s not about how high you leap, but how your feet are pointed. It’s not about how fast you turn, but how your hands are positioned, even down to the smallest finger.

In the fashion world, something as small as the type of stitch used, where a seam is placed, or how far the buttons are spaced apart can make or break a design. Again, small choices can have huge effects, for good or for bad, so you must always pay attention to them closely. By paying attention to the details, you will stand out from the crowd as a dancer or anything else you might want to do.

I said earlier that my first life of dance ended when I was about 20 years old. For anyone that is a true dancer, you are probably thinking to yourself, “That is not possible!” Well you are absolutely correct! Once a dancer, always a dancer! No matter what I do, it always sucks me back in! So I am now answering its call and now that I am a fashion designer in NYC, I have decided to start a dancewear company called Cove!

Knowing the proper techniques to construct clothes and also understanding the issues dancers deal with as they dance; I wanted to create a dancewear brand that combines function, comfort, and style to help dancers reach their full potential! You can find out more about Cove and help us get started by supporting out Kickstarter campaign. You can also follow us on instagram @covewearnyc.

Remember to train hard & pay attention to the details, and you will succeed in anything you do!

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If think you or someone you know should be featured in this new series, please send us an e-mail at info (at) 4dancers (dot) org.

Try out a new hairstyle

The “Re-re Twist”

Dress up your practice clothes

Add a little sparkle

Go ombre

Change up the makeup

The smokey eye

Simple lip tip

Disclosure – Affiliate & Ad Info

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