Just Throw It In the Dance Bag

When it’s time to go to dance class, one thing every dancer needs is a dance bag.  There are many different styles to choose from.  First, a drawstring dance bag style can hold a couple of pairs of dance shoes and a few odds and ends; however, it doesn’t have extra pockets for any small items that you need to keep in your bag.  It is carried on your back and offers a great hands-free capability.  Another style is the dance duffel bag.  For younger dancers, a small duffel can hold all the necessary dance shoes as well as offer the option to carry the bag over your shoulder.  For older dancers, dance duffels begin to have pockets to separate shoes and accessories from one another.  Lastly, the messenger bag is another great option for dancers.  It has a large section for different shoes and usually sports an area for pens, business cards, iPods, or CDs.

Selecting the right one for you is important because these bags hold a lot of different must-have dance items.  Here is our list of what you may have (or want to have) in your dance bag:

• Extra hair-care items, including pony tails, bobby pins, and hairspray.  You always want to dance with your hair pulled away from your face for your own safety and the safety of those you dance with.  Also, while one class may call for a ponytail, you must always be ready to switch your hairstyle to a bun.  Having these items on hand will help you with this task.
• A second pair of tights because you never know when you might get a run in your tights.  Dancers always want to look their best, so having a pair of tights without holes in your bag will be helpful.
• All of your dance shoes.  This goes along with the first item above because you never know when you will need your tap or ballet shoes in an audition.  Be sure to bring all shoes to everything you attend to be ready for anything.
• A scented sachet or dryer sheet.  This is important to have in your bag because of the smell of dancers’ shoes.  Let’s face it — they smell pretty bad.  To help alleviate the odor, a dryer sheet or a small scented pouch or sachet can help with this.
• Rehearsal music.  Dancers should carry their music with them wherever they go to practice their routines.  Having your music and listening to it before a performance will be really helpful to your performance.
• A sewing kit because you never know when you may need it.  These kits come in handy a lot because anything can happen in the world of dance.  For example, your elastic on your ballet shoes may break, and with the sewing kit on hand, you can fix the problem in no time.

Some other items may include: water, snacks, first aid kit, or accessories.  What items do you feel we left out?  Please post them below!

Selecting the Right Dance Accessories

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.

Dance Bags : Must Have for Dancers

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.

Review: Dance Bottoms and Tops

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.

Move Like Miss America with the Right Dance Accessories

Nearly every little girl dreams of one day becoming a beauty queen. And the Miss America pageant, which began as a beauty contest in 1921 but has since become a scholarship-giving body, is the foremost annual national competition in the country that brings together young women from all 50 states as well as from the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the US Virgin Islands to vie for the title as well as to win a scholarship grant to their chosen educational institutions. The recent Miss America 2012 pageant featured not just beauty and brains, but a wealth of talents, with nearly half of the contestants opting to showcase their dancing prowess in the preliminary talent competition and during pageant night. And for little girls who want to one day compete in and become Miss America, it is important to start honing dancing skills early on. This includes taking dance classes and wearing appropriate dancing attire and dance accessories.

Though the young woman who eventually won the crown – 23 year-old Miss Wisconsin Laura Kaeppeler – sang the operatic vocal piece “Il Bacio” by Luigi Arditi, the coronation night saw five of the Top Ten finalists performing dances. First Runner-up Miss Oklahoma Betty Thompson did an Irish step dance of “Warriors” by Ronan Hardiman. Third runner-up, twenty year-old Miss Arizona Jennifer Sedler, performed a jazz dance of “It’s About That Walk” by Prince. Miss California Noelle Freeman who ended up 4^th Runner-up performed a ballet en pointe of Black Swan from Swan Lake. Others in the Top Ten who performed dances were Miss Illinois Hannah Smith who showed her dance skills with a ballet en pointe of “Palladio”, and Miss Louisiana Hope Anderson who did a contemporary dance en pointe to “Sway”. The last time a contestant who performed a dance number won the title was in 2006, when Jennifer Berry of Oklahoma performed a ballet en pointe.

As a popular form of performing arts, dancing requires discipline, and this is shown in the routines of the contestants. As a visual feast, along with the music, another vital component of any dance number is the costume. Wearing attire appropriate for the genre of the dance will not only help the dancer move freely and more comfortably, it also helps establish the mood of the presentation and impress the audience. The fit, design, and cut do not only have to match the dance, they also have to match the dancer as well. And the tights, ballet shoes and lyrical shoes, and dance accessories worn by the Miss America contestants enabled them to move with grace and poise and deliver powerful performances.

Appropriate dance attire and accessories are therefore important, not just for Miss America contestants but for everyone – from professional ballerinas and tap dancers to little Miss Americas-in training. Alyce Dancewear is the leading online source of dance shoes, tops, bottoms, leotards, bags, and accessories carrying leading dancewear brands 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.