Loading... Please wait...There are many different types of accessories that dancers may use. Whether it is jewelry, body accessories, or makeup, the accessories a dancer selects allows the dance class or audience to see a little bit of his or her personality through these items.
Ballet Class Accessories:
Tired of the same old black leotard and pink tights? Spruce up your ballet dancewear with leg warmers. Sold in many different lengths, leg warmers can be used while stretching before class or for leaving class in style. Another ballet accessory is the bun cover. Ballet dancers usually wear their hair in a tight bun, so a bun cover is made to fit perfectly over it. Bun covers can be made of beads or fabric covered in rhinestones and allow dancers to express a bit of personality, such as their favorite color or their personal style.
Jazz Class Accessories:
Jazz dancers can usually express themselves through their dancewear because jazz class doesn’t usually have color or style restrictions. But, even the most creative jazz dancer may find the need for accessories such as dance jewelry. Studded earrings are the best because they do not interfere with any choreography learned. You can select dance earrings in many different sizes, but make sure they are not distracting to your classmates. You can also wear rhinestone bracelets or necklaces; however, test them out at home before wearing them to class. If they make any noise or don’t fit properly, it may be best to avoid wearing them.
Hip Hop Accessories:
Hip hop dance is a huge expression of style. Dancers can wear sneakers and sweats to class, but there is also a lot of potential for accessories. Wearing a hat is one of the best ways to sport a hip hop dance accessory. The best fitting hat will allow you to see yourself in the mirror without having to adjust your neck alignment. Also, the hat should fit snugly to your head so as to not fall off during class or performance. Another hip hop accessory is an arm cuff or bracelet. Simply a fancy sweatband, these accessories perform two services: they give you a great place to wipe your sweat from all that hard dance work and also allow you to express your personality in class.
It is always a good idea to find an accessory that best suits your personality. You don’t necessarily need one to prove you’re a good dancers, but it gives you a chance to stand out and demonstrate your uniqueness.
Alyce Dancewear is the leading online source of dance shoes, tops, bottoms, leotards, bags, and accessories carrying leading dancewear brands such as Capezio, Little Stars and Funky Diva for ballet, hiphop, jazz, lyrical and tap dance. Email [email protected] today to find the best dancewear and dance accessories for you.
Every time dancers go to performances or rehearsals, they usually carry dance bags to carry their dance supplies. Ordinary bags usually cut it, but it’s always recommended to have a separate bag for the dancer’s gear. This way dance clothing and shoes are easily sorted from other clothes before and after a trip to the studio. Many beginning dancers use old duffel bags, or make their own, but there are also plenty of available dance bags in the market to choose from. There are bags designed to suit a dancer’s personality and needs. Child dancers in particular need compact and custom-designed luggage.
For young ballerinas and modern jazz artist, there’s the Monkey Print Zipper Dance Bag for storing tights, leotards, skirts, towels, and shoes. The bag comes in a lovely pink color with an adorable monkey ballerina print. The Monkey Print Zipper Dance Bag is compact and lightweight (.50 lbs) and perfect for children who want a cute bag to carry to the studios. The bag is well constructed, with a microfiber exterior and a smooth satin finish. Its interior is made of nylon and the bag is lined fully inside.
For young dancers who may not go for the sporty look of the Monkey Print Zipper Dance Bag, here’s the Dance Star Tote Bag. This soft pink tote is emblazoned with the word “Dance” dotted with some rhinestones. Also fully lined, this tote bag has sturdy strap and a durable zipper. Dancers may find two inside pockets for separating smaller accessories from dance shoes and wardrobe. Carry this stylish bag to practice or to a recital. Because of its versatile style, this tote bag can even be used for picnics and excursions.
The quirkier but more mature personality, the Zebra Dance Tote is a must have. Its hot pink color and zebra print is eye-catching without seeming garish. Older ballet and jazz dancers can rock this fashion find that also comes with a tutu and pink bow when purchased.
A companion style to the Zebra Dance Tote is the Quilted Zebra Duffel. This dance bag is accented with a zebra print bow and features an adjustable strap. The inside is fully lined and the exterior has the comfy quilted finish. The Quilted Zebra Duffel Bag has a top zipper and a pair of side pockets. A bag that can be used for storing any type of dance accessories, this huggable duffel comes in hot pink.
For dancers who want matching bags of different colors, the Glitter Hearts Dance Bag is the right pick. Available in pink and baby blue, these heart-speckled roll bags features a zip top and adjustable straps. At 10 and half inches by 5 and a half, it is roomy enough for all basic dance clothing, but also compact and can easily be stored.
For young male dancer’s who want a more neutral choice in color is the Trendsetter Sling Bag. Featuring a graffiti design, this sling has drawstring closure and is about 12.5 x 17.5 inches, big and reliable for carrying sweat soaked towels and dance pants.
To learn more about the sizes and affordable prices of this stylish crop of dance bags, visit: www.alycedancewear.com.
Of all the types of dance, the belly dancing is the most colorful because of the many possible costumes that you can wear for this dance. The variety in the dance clothing could be attributed to the fact that belly dancing has many origins, and each of these origins have their own set of guiding principles when it comes to the dance style and the kind of dance clothes to wear. So if you are picking a style for your belly dancing clothes, here are some possibilities to choose from:
Belly Dancing in Egypt
If you are belly dancing in Egypt or performing in front of a crowd of Egypt origin, you need to pick out dancewear that covers the midriff or one that does not display too much skin. This is because since the 1950s, it has been made illegal for belly dancers to wear costumes that are too revealing. So it would be best to wear a long but figure-hugging one-piece gown of lycra. Of course, there would be some cut-outs involved but they should be filled with sheer, flesh-colored fabric.
You also need a belt or any additional embellishment that is directly embroidered on your skin if you were to choose a dance performance wear that has a separate bra and skirt. A body stocking must also be worn to cover the midsection and still pass the rather strict dance clothing rules of Egypt.
Belly Dancing in America
Although belly dancing originated in the Middle East, it is widely performed by American dancers today. Classic dance costume accessories worn by American ballet dancers include a headband with a fringe, bra that is decorated with coins and other metalwork and sheer harem pants or skirt. The idea is to create a soft tinkling sound as they move and also to create a mysterious illusion with their costume that enhances the effect of the dance.
Sometimes, full-length galabeyah or beledi dress is worn. But in almost all cases, belly dance supplies are imported from Turkey or Egypt. The only exception to this generalization is the American tribal style dancers, who create their own costumes by mix and matching. For instance, they use large pants and then cover them with one or more skirts and belts. Then they use a coin bra and topped with flowers, metal headdresses and other folkloric-inspired dance costume accessories.
Belly Dancing in Turkey
Turkey belly dancers wear bedleh style costumes. It is a stripper-like costume that was made popular in the 80s and the 90s characterized by skirts that display both legs up to the hip and bras with plunging bras. If you look at the Turkish-inspired belly dance costumes, you would easily see where the playful and flirty attributes of the dance came from.
Belly Dancing in Lebanon
Dance apparel for belly dancing in Lebanon is quite confusing. The skirts tend to be skimpier and there is no prohibition with regard to the use of more revealing costumes but dancers wear veils to cover their faces and hair. And instead of dancing barefoot, Lebanon belly dancers use high heels as their dance shoes.
Now, you have an idea of how belly dancers dress up. It’s now time for you to decide which culture will inspire you in your choice of dance attire?
Once you’ve made up your mind, see us at www.alycedancewear.com.
When it comes to dance, freedom of movement is of utmost importance. That’s why, no matter what level of skill a dancer is in, she or he needs proper dance attire that is comfortable and easy to perform in. Whether your dance is ballet, modern jazz, contemporary, or hip-hop, the quality of your dancing also depends on the durability and design of your dance clothing. In terms of style and comfort, this selection of dance tops and bottoms are a great addition to your collection, whether you’re a beginner or a professional.
For the ballet dancer who wants a simple and comfortable skirt for rehearsals and performances, the Classic Georgette wrap skirt is a wonderful choice. This dance skirt comes in pink and black and has a slightly longer backside. Imagine yourself doing turns and positions in this simple but elegant piece of dance attire.
A fun and lovely Mesh Dance Skirt with Shorts can be the perfect dance wear for Latin, modern, hip hop, or contemporary dance performances. You can choose from lime green and hot pink and enjoy the comfort and snug fit of the shorts that comes with the mesh skirt. It even has a terrifically comfortable elastic waistband for a secure fit and hold. Whether you’re doing pas de bourres, pirouettes, or pliés, this mesh dance skirt guarantees maximum ease of movement during your rehearsal or performance.
On stage, this Graffiti Print Dance Booty Shorts from Funky Diva is an eye catching dance bottom to wear. Made of spandex and polyester, these snug dance shorts will surely bring spice to your dance routine. You can use it for hip-hop or contemporary dance numbers that require leaps and leg moves.
For young female dancers who want a little more style, their groove will love this Reversible Halter Crop Dance Top. This stylish and functional top comes in small, medium and large sizes to accommodate dancers of different shapes and sizes. You can simply tie it to your neck and back for a comfortable hold and fit. If you feel like wearing a bright festive color, the pink side is a great choice. For a more somber performance, you can simply reverse the top and wear the polka dot print. The Reversible Halter Crop Dance Top is perfect for hip-hop and contemporary routines and can even be used for modern ballet and jazz.
Another addition to your dance shorts collection is the Metallic Booty Short. This dance short comes in Electric Raspberry, Silver, Gold, and ElectricTurquoise. Leap and twirl on the dance stage while your bright patterned shorts enhance your stage presence. This dance short can also be worn under any type of skirt for support.
Dancers who want to appeal “wilder” on stage will find much to love in these Metallic Animal Print Booty Shorts. Coming in Black/Gold, Black/Silver, and Black/Sizzling Magenta, this booty short is made of spandex and nylon and has a 1 inch waistband that features a premium 4-way stretch metallic.
For more dance attire and accessories, visit our superb collection at: www.alycedancewear.com.
Lead by head dancer Tammi Galloway, the Benefits Spirit of Women Day of Dance introduced women to an exciting way to burn calories and stay away from hart disease: through dancing. Women donned their most comfortable dancing clothes and shimmied their way toward knowledge and illness prevention.
Galloway stressed how belly dancing, a form of dance that has roots in Persia and and much of the East, can be a truly unique and fun alternative to exercising. She began the program by sending five belly dancers to demonstrate to the audience who were in their best dance attire that day.
Spirit of Women and outreach coordinator for the community, Lacey Gallagher couldn’t agree more. She too believes that dancing is good for the heart and the figure.
A yearly event that takes place in different areas all over the country, the Day of Dance program aims to educate women about the risk of cardiovascular disease. Gallagher hopes that through an engaging and artistic activity such as dance, they are able to reach out to women who need more information about their cardiovascular health.
Aside from belly dancing, women who participated during the Day of Dance were introduced to Pilates and Zumba and enjoyed a flash mob presentation to the tune of Michael Jackson’s megahit “Thriller.”
A credited laughter yoga instructor, Martha Jones delivered a talk and presentation about the transformative force of laughter, also called “joyology,” which according to Jones does wonders for the heart.
Jones believed that getting a good laugh, whether or not intentional, once every day can be good for one’s well being. The audience in response gave a hearty laugh.
There were also other related activities headed by the Montana State University who sent nursing students to offer body mass index and blood pressure checks during Day of Dance. Many of the participants did not only rely on their dance accessories and moves but also got a health checkup. Both the checkups are known to be significant in one’s cardiovascular wellness.
For those who did not bring their dance gear, there were booths that gave out information about stress and diabetes and sleep and cholesterol.
There were booths that focused on the importance of nutrition and proper diet, where interns stressed the important of controlling portions during meals to maintain a healthy weight.
Participants in turn learned about how we consume certain food twice as much compared to people’s diet 20 years ago. Back in the way, a plate of spaghetti only contained 500 calories, compared to the 1,025-calorie serving we have today. The bucket of popcorn we take to the cinemas has 630 calories.
Women are the target participants because many still believe that heart disease affect mostly men. This is only one of the myths that Day of Dance wants to eliminate, according to Gallagher, who added that heart diseases do not choose its target across the age brackets.
Dance of Dance got many women to think more about their cardiovascular health and add dancing to their daily routines.
Whatever dance you’re into, you need quality dance gear. Visit: www.alycedancewear.com for a selection of tights, leotards, dance skirts, dance shoes and many more.
Flexibility is important for any dancer because most dance forms require dancers to stretch into positions your body may not normally allow. All dancers should strive to get the best possible range of motion in all major flex points, including the hips and shoulders, as well as all muscles in the legs and core. Dancers can become more flexible simply by practicing; however, there are certain stretches to help out some of the tightest muscle groups.
Hamstrings:
The hamstrings are frequently one of the harder muscles to stretch. Poor posture and improper stretching can lead to very tight and poorly developed hamstring flexibility. One exercise to improve this muscle group is to sit with your feet facing a wall in front of you. Your feet should be flexed, using the wall for resistance. Straighten your knees and feel the stretch behind your legs and knees. Once this is easy for you, start to reach for your toes. The final step is to be able to grab your ankles and put your nose to your knees. Also, remember to focus on your posture while walking and sitting to align your hips over your toes. Improving your hamstring flexibility will assist you in the correct placement of grande battements (high kicks), better grand jetes, and improved splits.
Hip Flexor:
The hips are also another area in which dancers hope to improve flexibility. Dancers with tight hip flexors have a difficult time doing anything above the hip, such as splits, leaps, and grande battements. One stretch to improve hip flexibility on your own is to stand in second position and put your hands on your knees. Be sure to keep your back straight and head up. Then, try to gradually increase the deepness of your plie while focusing on good posture. Another stretch to improve hip flexibility is a modified split stretch. Sit in your split position, but bend the front leg to a 90 degree angle. The back leg should be completely straight. Bend down and put your chest on your knee, stretching your hands forward as far as possible. Your back leg should be in proper alignment for splits, and make sure to keep your back hip toward the floor.
Core Strength:
The core for any dancer determines their strength and balance as well as how many pirouettes they are able to perform. Good posture is the result of a strong core as well, but you can not have a strong stomach without a strong back. Both of these parts work towards the best possible core. Yoga and Pilates exercises are the perfect core strengthener, but you may also do standard crunches or situps to strengthen these muscles. Back crunches are used to strengthen the back; lay on the ground on your stomach and put your hands behind your head as if you are doing crunches. Keep your feet flat on the ground and pull your upper body up off the ground. Making a routine of doing a certain number of stomach and back crunches each night can lead to a very balanced and strong core muscle group.
As always, a flexible dancer needs to have the right dancewear so your clothing does not get in the way of performing each dance step appropriately. Alyce Dancewear has all the items you need for class at www.AlyceDancewear.com.
Can you think of any other stretches that are helpful? Post comments below or to Facebook!
Dance is generally considered as an artistic component of human art and culture. Each dance genre is unique and is distinguished by specific body movements. To accentuate the form and movements of each dance, wearing the right dancing clothes and pair of dance shoes is essential.
Dancewear for Ballet
Ballet is a sophisticated form of dance that is generally performed for theater audiences. Therefore, all ballet movements require greater poise and elegance than some of the modern dances. Every jete, pirouette and arabesque must be properly executed to ensure a graceful and natural performance. However, there are certain conditions that could influence the way you perform your dance moves and one of these is the quality of ballet dance apparel that you wear. So in order to make sure that all your movements are emphasized and executed well, it is of prime importance that you invest in the right Capezio dance wear that matches your chosen dance genre.
If you are into ballet, you must understand that every movement should be done with such finesse that is a trademark of the genre. Every movement should be done surely to a state of perfect fluidity. Wrap skirts and tutus are designed to draw attention to your leg movement without interrupting your dance. Meanwhile, ballet shoes are designed to make your legs look longer and at the same time, support your toes as you perform your jete, arabesque and pirouette.
Capezio Dancewear for Modern Dance
Modern dancing is characterized by your own interpretation of a dance. It is not limited to a set structure but has a rather strict dress code. If you check the list of Capezio dancing clothes for modern dance, you would notice that they are usually simple and understated. But like in ballet, you need to choose Capezio dance clothing that is form-fitting in order to dance the modern genre well. For females dancing a modern dance, you may wear a dance dress or a camisole leotard that has a light skirt attached to it. On the other hand, male modern dancers usually wear dance leotards with or without tops.
When dancing the modern genre, dancers don’t usually wear any dance shoes. The absence of dance shoes and the use of simple attire help bring out your body’s innate flexibility.
Tap Dancing and Capezio Dancing Attire
When tap dancing, the parts of the body that get pounded and used are the feet that is why the heaviest dance costume accessories are the shoes. To attract the attention, you must choose tap dance costumes that are bold and flamboyant. Your tap dancing shoes must be really sturdy since they are the focal point of your performance. With that, it would be best to choose tap dance shoes that are simple so that they will not clash with the rest of your dancing clothes even if there is a need to change your costumes every so often in a single night of performance.
There are many dance genres that are getting worldwide attention. Those into arts are even making their own interpretations of these genres, thereby making sub-classifications of these dances. What is important is that you buy Capezio dance wear that fits the genre that you have chosen. In case you haven’t made up your mind on which genre to practice and eventually perfect, you will never go wrong with a pair of dance leotards and some Capezio dance tights since they are parts of the basic dance costumes across all known dance styles.
For a great variety of Capezio dancewear to suit each dancing style, visit: www.alycedancewear.com
Dance is a specific form of art that requires artistic execution as well as athletic skills. Indeed, the movements required in dancing demand enormous strength of the major leg muscles. When you are a dancer, it is essential to ensure that you take appropriate care of your legs. You can protect your legs by wearing garments like dance wear that aren’t too thick to restrict blood circulation in the lower parts of your body. One of the most significant benefits of leg warmers is that they prevent cramping and other muscle injuries. Aside from that, wearing leg warmers can also protect your legs from too much cold.
Traditionally, leg warmers are used in ballet and other classical dances but changes in fashion have created a comfortable nook for these thick coverings for the lower legs. There are different materials used for leg warmers and these include the knitted wool, cotton, synthetic fibers and more recently, chenille. The choice of which material to buy depends on individual preferences, comfort, budget and brand. The most popular leg warmers today are the Neon Brite Leg Warmers.
Just like what the name suggests, the Neon Brite Leg Warmers are hued in neon bright so they are highly fashionable. Colors to choose from include hot purple solids, brite green and bold brite pink. You are free to mix and match these colors because they easily blend with any dance apparel and bright color mixes are the trend nowadays. In fact, even non-dancers use these to accent their otherwise dull jean or skirt and shirt outfit.
How are they worn?
Leg warmers are usually worn below the knee but they are also popularly worn today to cover the lower parts of the thighs. If it is winter and you’re dancing, leg warmers are a surefire way of feeling cozy and warm without ruining an entire outfit or restricting your dance moves due to too thick or too long dance clothing.
The Neon Brite Leg Warmers are also worn on top of dancing leotards as well as all kinds of dance shoes including ballet shoes, jazz dance shoes and lyrical dance shoes. But don’t just limit their use to dancing and fashion, you can also use your leg warmers when you’re doing aerobics or when you’re out jogging to break a sweat. Other than that, you can also use them when you’re at the gym. Really, with the many activities that a good pair of Neon Brite Leg Warmers can support, you will definitely find that every cent you spent on them are worth it.
But there are a couple of things that you should not do with your Neon Brite Leg Warmers:
If you’re about to invest in really expensive dance legwarmers, just make sure that they are worth the money. Check for the quality, how often you’re going to use them and if they would be as fashionable as the Neon Brite Leg Warmers.
For a pair of Neon Brite Leg Warmers, visit: www.alycedancewear.com.
What better subject in photography than a dancer’s limber body in movement or mid-flight? Whether wearing ballet dancing shoes or contemporary dance clothing, a superb dancer will captivate the lens.
This time around, it’s another dancer turning the camera on himself and his fellow dancers.
Mikhail Baryshnikov is both photographer and subject, along with other dancers in various dance accessories, in the exhibition called “Dance this Way,” opening in the Nader Art Center in Miami, Florida.
The exhibition covers a broad spectrum of dances as Baryshnikov takes photographs of dancers in different dance clothing and genre, from ballet, modern, ethnic, popular dance, and hip-hop.
In his exhibition notes, the 64 year-old Baryshnikov, himself still a very commanding presence, aspires for the show to be both descriptive and arresting. He aims to reveal what he sees and at the same time encourage the dancers to move onto the camera.
There are parts of the dancer’s body that the audience does not often notice because of special constraints and distance between spectator and performer. Baryshnikov aims to highlight these aspects of dance, bringing closer the experience to the audience through photography.
Because of his stature in the dance world, Baryshnikov may just be the perfect photographer for the subject, since he has access to all kinds of dance stages in the world. Currently the artistic director at his own Arts Center in New York City, he was born in Latvia and was became a star in the ballet circuit of the Soviet Union. Baryshnikov then moved to perform with prestigious ballet companies all over the world.
Gallery-owner Gary Nader is thrilled to have a man of Baryshnikov’s repute holding the exhibit. Baryshnikov’s mastery and connection with the subjects make him a compelling photographer in the sense that he’s a true insider. The photos are expected to reveal intimate and unique portraits showing a backstage pass into various dance performances.
The art-instrument in this exhibition—photography—is not at all a new practice for Baryshnikov. When it comes to taking pictures, this world famous ballet dancer is far from being a novice.
Nader quickly adds that the exhibition is not a celebrity-run show but a true presentation of a photographic talent.
Baryshnikov has been involved with projects in digital photography concerning dance, performance, and movement, specifically how the medium captures these elements. Many of the photographs are a blur of figures—performers in their element. What interests Baryshnikov is how one frame can capture movements in motion instead of freezing them into still images. This sets him apart from many of photography exhibitions on dance.
Whether on books, newspapers, or the Web, pictures representing dancers and dance often show clear, easily discernable images. “Dance this Way” departs from this mode and tries to present dancers as they move.
The photographs in the exhibit aim to replicate the same effect dancers illicit from the audience during a performance. It is from this lens that the great Baryshnikov has chosen to look through.
A dancer seeking high quality ballet dancing shoes, dance accessories, and dancing clothes will finds a wide selection in www.alycedancewear.com.
Male dancers have long been regarded as members of third sex. That’s quite understandable with their bodies bending and swaying with the music. Dancing is not, and will never be, considered a form of macho sport competition, unlike basketball, baseball, hockey and other contact sports; and that idea will probably stay that way for years to come. Yes, stereotyping is a common dilemma male dancers will have to constantly deal with. However, that will soon chance. Recent studies conducted by scientists show that a good majority of women find male dancers attractive. And it’s not because of the dance apparel they wear or the top of dancing they do but mainly because of the science behind their moves.
If you are a male dancer, you will undoubtedly attract the attention if you can dance well. And the ability to dance well, according to the studies conducted by the Royal Society, is a strong indicator of a sound health and good reproductive potential.
The study was very basic. Male dancers were asked to dance to a basic drum rhythm and as their movements were recorded on cameras. Afterward, the recorded movements were converted into cartoons before they were shown to women for rating later on. The dancing clothes these male dancers wore were also part of the experiment so they were also included in the cartoon conversion. The result appalled the researchers who were conducting the study.
Female subjects were found out to pay more attention to the movement of the core body region like the neck, the head and the torso. The movements of the arms and legs, along with hand gestures were not given as much importance compared to what is commonly thought of. This also means that the dance wear male dancers wear must fully support the movement of their core body regions in order to demand attention. Such clothing would have to be comfortable and not too skimpy or loose in order to ensure that actions are well emphasized. It also won’t matter whether you complement your dance attire with accessories that make noises because the speed with which male dancers move is not seen as important as the varieties of movements made.
On the other hand, the study concludes that bad dancing can be described as something which is composed of repetitive and twitchy movements accompanied by “dad” dancing clothes of polo and jeans.
But the true success of this test can only be measured when set in a night club. This is where males try to attract females with how well they dance and how fitting they choose their dance clothing down to their dance shoes. What researchers are trying to establish when they designed this study is whether or not males and animals exhibit the same courtship rituals. Animals give information about their health, their reproductive capability and even their age based on the way they move. Based on the results of this study, and as proven by the biochemical tests, men behave like animals do in the wild.
Learn more about dancing and dancewear at www.alycedancewear.com.