Jewellery

Source: dancestore.com.au

Usually, ballet dancers are not allowed to wear jewellery during dance classes because it can fall out or they can even get injured if they somehow accidentally hook some piece of jewellery onto something. However, here we’re not talking about jewellery for dance classes, but for jewellery used as symbolic gifts for dancers. For instance, a great choice for a gift would be a necklace with a ballerina charm on it. You can choose either a silver or gold necklace that would be a great accent to any dancer no matter the age.

A brooch is another great accessory that will add a little bling to their outfits. You can choose different forms and designs of brooches. For instance, a ballet shoe brooch, tap shoe brooch, a brooch with a word or phrase that says ‘dance’, ’I love dance’, ‘dance mom’, etc. You can also go for a watch that will remind that person of a phrase that’s common in every dance class ‘and 5, 6, 7, 8’. This is a general phrase that a dance teacher says as a count or lead in to start a dance exercise or routine on the correct beat of the music. You won’t make a mistake with a bracelet too. There are different bracelet designs with powerful words or charms (with ballerinas or ballet shoes) that would be a perfect dancers gift.

When it comes to ballet-inspired jewellery, you can find all kinds of cute gifts for dancers at any dance supply store. Any of these would be a reminder of the passion for dancing and serve as encouragement for that person to do their best while pursuing their dream. All these pieces of jewellery are perfect gifts for a birthday, a dance recital, or if you just want to say that you’re proud of them.

Keyring

Source: pinterest.com

A keyring will come in handy to anyone, both adults and children. It can be added to everybody’s own set of house keys or car keys. Children love keychains, even though they might not have their own set of keys. They can put them on the zipper of their dance bag that will help them identify which bag is theirs in case they have the same or similar bag with someone else. Hence, you can choose a Bloch tutu keyring, Bloch pointe shoes, ballerina keychain, or something else that will be associated with ballet.

Dance Duffel Bag

Source: dancesocksbcn.com

If you are looking for a dance-related gift that will be used all the time and that the person you’re buying a gift for will find ivery useful, then a dance duffle bag might be the perfect choice. These are special bags with compartments and pockets made based on dancers’ needs. For instance, there are bags with a compartment for keeping the smelly dance shoes after the dance class, a separate compartment for the sweaty clothes, as well as a zipper plastic wet pocket for toiletries. They are big enough to fit all the equipment that a dancer needs for the dancing classes. Since they are specially made for dancers, they usually have a ribbon that spells dance on it.

Water Bottle

Source: unsplash.com

Dance classes can be exhausting. It’s important for dancers to stay hydrated as they work on all of their dance moves. Water bottles for dancers are usually designed with a flip-up slipper mouthpiece and internally fitted straw. Having a wide opening to the top, you can also add ice cubes to keep your water chilled, or even mix it up by adding delicious fruit in order to stay summer fresh. Or, you also have the option to choose a bottle that will keep your drink cold for a long time.

Notebook

Source: pinterest.com

A notebook is a great gift idea for dancers to keep their most important ideas, or to track their progress, for dance teachers to form lesson plans, or choreographers to record their combinations. They can also use this notebook for writing some motivational quotes or their goals, to-do lists, or use it as a daily planner. This notebook can be also used as a diary. Choose a notebook cover that illustrates a ballerina twirling with excitement or some other cover design that will be associated with ballet.

Mirror

Source: pixabay.com

A mirror is a must for every dancer, both a small mirror for makeup and a full-length mirror for a bedroom. A small mirror is a portable dance accessory that will allow the dancer to check themselves in wherever and whenever they need. Since it’s small and portable, it can fit in any bag. A full-length mirror, on the other hand, will help dancers to stretch and practice in front of it. This way they will be able to see their lines and whether their foot is sickled or their knee looks straight.

The post Cute & Practical Gifts for Ballet Dancers appeared first on Sherlocks.com.au Blog.

Source: Pexels.com

Physical Benefits of Dancing

1. Improved cardiovascular health (all dance styles make for great cardio workouts because executing the different moves of a particular dance style challenges your heart rate)
2. Improved balance and strength (according to many professional dancers, dance is an amazing form of physical fitness because it works your body from all planes, meaning it turns on and conditions all muscles)
3. Other physical benefits: an improved condition of your lungs; stronger bones and reduced risk of osteoporosis; increased endurance and motor fitness; better flexibility; weight management; etc.

Mental Benefits of Dancing

1. Improved mental functioning (research shows that dancing can maintain and even boost your cognitive performance, i.e. ability to think as you age)
2. Mental exercise (regardless of your age, dancing is a wonderful form of mental exercise because it requires both focusing on the constant changing of movement and recalling moves and patterns)

Emotional Benefits of Dancing

1. Inclusiveness (practically everyone who’s able to move can take part in dance classes)
2. Better social skills (moving your body to the sound of music with your friends, family, or other people can do wonders for your social and emotional health)
3. Mood booster (you’re probably already well acquainted with this benefit: grooving to your favourite tunes can take all of your worries away, at least temporarily, as it can help reduce stress, decrease the symptoms of anxiety, and increase your self-confidence and self-esteem)

Source: Pexels.com

Now that you know how powerful dancing can be, you might want to learn how to get started with it. There are several key steps you need to take before embarking on this exciting adventure.

Step #1: Choose a Dance Style

Doing your research about some of the most popular types of dance is key because it’ll help you figure out which one suits you or your child best. So, for example, ballet is considered to be the foundational style for all dance. This graceful and technical dance style can be practised by people of all ages, helping them develop a basic understanding of core strength, balance, flexibility, footwork, timing, and turns. If this sounds appealing to you and you enjoy listening to classical music, then ballet might be the perfect choice for you.

In case you’re considering ballet classes for your little one, but aren’t completely sure whether this style is right for them, ask yourself: “Does my kid like learning in a structured environment? Are focus and dedication some of my child’s strong suits?” If the answer to both of these questions is “yes”, then you should definitely give it a try.

Caption: Unsplash.com

Hip-hop is another wonderful dance form. It’s free, it’s raw, it’s filled with personality and style. This urban dance style can involve breaking, popping, locking, and freestyling. Jazz, on the other hand, includes kicks, leaps, and turns to the beat of the music. This type of dance is all about improvisation, high energy, and skill.

Belly dancing is based on the use of your stomach muscles, core, arms, and hips. According to some professionals, it’s more suited to adults than children. Tap dancing, on the other hand, is kid-friendly. It’s always been regarded as an inclusive dance style. It focuses on timing and beats.

Step #2: Find the Right Dance Clothes for Your Needs

Once you decide on a dance style for yourself or your kid (with their help, of course), you should look for the proper dance clothing. Visiting specialised dance stores is smart because they sell a wide range of dancewear and footwear, including various types of dance skirts, crop tops, dresses, costumes, leotards, leggings, pants, shorts, undergarments, ballet shoes, jazz shoes, tap shoes, sneakers, warm-up boots, and a number of other items.

Comfort and quality should be at the top of your list. High-quality dance clothing items can become your biggest allies only if they fit you properly. That’s why you need to take your measurements and determine your size before buying any piece of dancewear. Oh, and don’t forget to take into consideration your body type as well.

Source: Google.com

So, if you’ve decided to start a love affair with ballet, your basic gear needs to consist of ballet slippers and ballet clothing. This exquisite dance style calls for elegant tights, leotards, dance skirts, and shoes. Tights are thin, skin-tight, and stretchy, which explains why they are movement-friendly. Leotards are an essential piece of ballet dancewear (but they are suitable for other dance styles as well) because they are comfy, flexible, and durable.

When shopping for skirts for dancing, it’s important to opt for items that can move fluidly and effortlessly and are easy to wear. Both medium-stiffness tutus and wrap skirts are gorgeous types of skirts for dancing that fit this description. Experts suggest wearing layers of clothing that you can take off with ease when your body warms up.

When it comes to choosing ballet slippers, keep in mind that fit is the key factor. These shoes are supposed to fit like socks or gloves. They shouldn’t be too snug or binding as to curl your toes inside them. Go for a pair that’s one a half to two sizes smaller than the street shoes you normally wear.

Source: Powerofdance.com

Tap dancing calls for thick, footed tights, leotards, and, of course, tap shoes. In case your daughter wants to experience the beauty of this dance form, you might want to consider purchasing something colourful and fun to jazz things up a little bit. A sequin skater skirt or a bold metallic costume can do the trick beautifully. The tap shoes you decide on should be comfortable in order to avoid foot cramps.

Jazz requires tights and leotards for girls, whereas jazz pants are the norm for boys. However, it’s useful to know that different jazz dance studios may have different recommendations, which is why it’s smart to consult with your child’s instructor-to-be before purchasing any clothing items.

Speaking of dance studios and instructors…

Step #3: Look for Reputable Dance Studios

If you or your kid feels ready for formal instruction, enrolling yourself or your little one in a dance class is probably the best option. Since my assumption is that you’re a newbie, it’s smart to sign up for an intro or beginner-friendly class.

Taking a class at a fitness facility is a solid solution as well, especially for those of you who are inclined to choose hip-hop, zumba, or barre. Last but not least, consider checking out YouTube videos. It goes without saying that this option isn’t an alternative to formal dance classes, but it can definitely help you prepare for what awaits you on the dance floor.

The post Discover the Power of Dance: Benefits & Tips for Beginners appeared first on Sherlocks.com.au Blog.