Bloch Prolite II Hybrid Slipper Review

Just after classes started this fall, I got the Bloch Prolite II Hybrid ballet slipper, so I've had them for maybe 4 months now.  They are leather and split sole with a canvas arch insert.  At first, I didn't like them so much, but now that I've gotten used to them, I love them!  They're not too different from the Bloch Dansoft full-soles I'd been wearing.  I like them better than the Dansofts because the leather is a little less thick, so the pleating under the toes isn't thick and lumpy (which was really uncomfortable to relevé on).  It also clings to my foot better so you can actually see that I'm pointing!  So if you're looking for a new pair of flats, I totally recommend these!  A few other girls in my class also have these and we all love them!

2013 Wishlist

Exactly last year, I posted my dance wishlist.  This is an updated version, my wished-for items of this year.  It's a lot smaller than last year's; some things I have now, and some things I've found a cheaper alternative.

Dancewear:
Wrap Skirt from JanetsStore
Gg Skirt
Capezio Camisole V-Back Leotard 
Bloch Satin Trim Halter Leotard
Sansha Alicante Halter Leotard
And you can never have to many tights, am I right?  My favorites are Theatricals Convertible Tights and Body Wrappers Low Rise Convertible Tights.
My friends have been teaching me some little tap steps, so I really want tap shoes
Other:
First Position Ballet Documentary
The Ballet Companion by Eliza Gaynor Minden
Girl in Motion by Miriam Wenger-Landis
I-FLEX JR. Stretch Unit

What are some of your most wished-for dance items this year?

Natalie Clover Strap Leotard Review

I got the Natalie Clover Strap Back Tank Leotard in Blue/Black and I loooooove it! It's my current favorite leotard.  I got it from All About Dance, which is my new favorite place to buy dancewear because it is exactly like Discount Dance Supply, except all shipping is free!

The Natalie leotard has amazing support and is sooo comfortable.  I wore it for five hours this summer at my dance intensive, and it was comfortable all day through floor barre, ballet, lyrical, tap, and acro.  It's very flattering and I've received many compliments on it.  The only thing I don't really like about it is that it's cotton, and the top is a light color, so it does show sweat sometime.  However, I'm not a big sweater and it dries fairly quickly.  I'm 5'4, 150 lbs, and I got a large and it fits great.

If you have any questions, about the leotard or anything at all, just comment below :)  Keep dancing!

Altering Leotards

Hello ballerinas! :)  So, I just finished sewing up the straps on my new(ish) leotard.  I bought it to wear under my costume, but the straps didn't line up with where the costume's straps lay.  So I just snipped them off and sewed them back on about 4cm closer.  Leotards are very adjustable with just some safety pins, or a needle and thread.  If you have a plain leotard, you can make a pinch front with a safety pin.  Take a small safety pin, point it up, and weave it back in forth through the front inside of your leotard (like how you made paper fans as a kid...we all did that, right?).  Just make sure it's centered and enough material is bunched up so you can't see the safety pin.  I did this on my Capezio BraTek leo, and I love it!  Here are some pics for example:

Sorry for the bad pics, I don't know what's wrong with my camera..

There's tons of ways to alter your leotards!  Comment below if you have other ideas.

I've Got Mail!

This week I got a package from Discount Dance and All About Dance.  They both had some sales going on last week, so I decided to get some things I'm going to need for recital and this summer.  My mom also got me some Soffes at Sports Authority last week, they were on sale for $20 for three so I'm really happy :D  From Discount Dance I got a Turnboard and a camisole leotard to go under my costume.  From All About Dance, I got two pairs of my favorites tights.  They were on sale, for about $5 each (plus, All About Dance has free shipping on everything, no minimum!  Joy!).  Hopefully I have enough tights now to last me until fall ;)  I'll post full reviews later, but all I have to say for now is:  OMIGOSH!!  I loooooove the Turnboard!!!!  It's soo much fun, my record so far is 11 pirouettes :D

If you want to see any particular type of post, just comment :)  I have some motivation posts coming soon, but let me know if you want any about flexibility, nutrition, turnout, etc.  Keep dancing guys!

Tights Reviews

This is a review for two tights:  Theatricals Convertible Tights and Body Wrappers Low-rise Tights.  So first, the Theatricals.
I loooove them!  They're only like $6, they're comfy, they appear to be durable (I've only had them like two months), and they're the right shade of ballet pink, so what's not to love??  They're soft and the waist is perfect.  My new favorite tights :D

The Body Wrappers tights are basically like my other ones, except low-rise.  I like the low-rise because I don't have to roll the waist down when I wear my open back leo.  The waistband doesn't make an awkward fat bulge around my hips like I was worried it would.  It has a v-waist, so if you don't a flat stomach, it will roll and stick out.  There was a tiny hole in the V, so I just inverted the seam and it's all good now.

Skirts

I've been looking at skirts for a while.  I think it's time to be a big girl and graduate from Soffes lol.  I bought this skirt last week, and it arrived Saturday.  It's super pretty, but the waist isn't as elastic as I thought it'd be.  It fits....if I pull it on over my head.  Ain't nobody got time fo dat! XD  I'm returning it, and maybe I can get something more elastic and maybe less sheer this time.  I don't think I'd like wrap skirts; I like the flowy, swishy skirts, like circle skirts, and I think I'd rather wear it at my hips.  I've been looking at pull-on skirts and these are the ones I'm considering.
Mirella Pull-on Skirt
Body Wrappers Roll-down Waist Skirt
Watercolours Pull-on Skirt

I originally wanted this one in Nightime Floral, but Body Wrappers discontinued it in that color :(  I'm still thinking about getting it in Luscious Blooms instead, but I don't know if the M/L is the same as the M/T (which was the size of the skirt I'm returning).
Body Wrappers Circle Skirt

Please help me choose!  Tell me if you've tried any of these skirts, or if anyone you know has one!  Or you could simply offer your opinion haha ;)  Also, if you were looking for a skirt too, I found these gorgeous wrap skirts on Etsy.  Soooo pretty :D  Thanks guys, keep dancing!

A Guide to Beginning Ballet

I know that when I wanted to start ballet, I had a ton of questions, but no one to ask.  So I Googled.  It took me months to figure my way around this crazy world of dance.  I'm guessing that every teen interested in ballet is excited, confused, and nervous as I was.  I'm going to try to put all the best resources and tips I've found together to help the absolute beginner.  Hopefully more experienced dancers can find some tips in here too.

1. How to get permission.
Well, first off, you need to introduce the idea of you starting ballet to your parents.  I remember when I told my mom I want to switch studios and styles, her face was so hilariously confused XD  It can be a bit scary, they could say no and crush your dreams, but you'll never know until you try, right?  Try to start the conversation somewhere they aren't too busy.  I always ask my mom stuff like this when we're in the car.  Be prepared to explain to your parents why you'd like to start ballet, and why it would be good for you.  If they seem resistant, mention how ballet will help you with confidence, grace, and discipline, all while helping you get in shape, learn a valuable art and skill, meet new people, and have fun.  Moms and dads can't to resist something so beneficial right? ;)  If money is as issue, offer to help out with some of your savings.  This will help your parents realize how serious you are.

2. How to find a good studio.
Finding the right school is probably the most important thing.  You want to find the studio that is right for you.  Don't just join a studio because your friends go there, or it's close to your house, or anything unimportant like that.  Choose carefully.  Google "dance studio" or "ballet school" and your city's name.  Also search neighboring cities, especially if you live in a smaller city like I do.  Things to look for in a studio include; a good variety of classes, qualified teachers, and a nice facility with sprung floors in all classrooms (very important, to prevent injuries!).  Think about how disciplined and challenging you want the training to be.  Very strict?  Really relaxed?  Somewhere in between?  More serious schools will have some sort of grading syllabus, while relaxed studios might just have beginner, intermediate, and advanced levels.  You should also ask your parents about how much they are willing to pay and how far they will drive.
Make a list of studios you think you might like, then start calling them all and see if they offer a teen/adult beginners class, or if you could enroll in a class with younger kids.  Tell them how much experience you have and ask if you can try a class.  Most studios should be fine with you taking a free class just to try.  If not, then ask if you can come in and watch the class.  Do this for every studio on your list, and if you are making arrangements to try classes, then be sure none of them are the same day.  You will probably have a lot of studios to visit (I already have four studios I'm planning to visit next fall, and it's not even summer yet lol), so bring a little notebook when you visit.  Write the studio name, name and time of the class, and the teacher's name.  Right after class, write down your thoughts of the studio.  Some questions to consider: Were the teachers and students nice? Did the studio seem clean and organized?  Did you like the class?  What did you learn, and did you receive any corrections?  Did the class have the right amount of discipline?  Think about stuff like that, and write your observations.  Even ask some of the students how they like their classes.
After taking all the classes, you might know exactly which one you want.  If not, narrow it down.  Cross out the ones you didn't like.  Look at other details: do class times work out with your schedule?  Is the dress code too relaxed or too strict for your liking?  How many classes can your parents afford?  Are there any performance opportunities?  Are the classes at least 60min?  Are there any extra costs like recital, uniforms, or other performances?  Other things to consider.  Think about it.  Re-read your notes.  Then decide.  If you end up not liking it, you can always switch as long as you haven't bought a recital costume or anything yet.  You should try to look at studios again every year, as your interests and experience change.

3. What to expect in a ballet class.
Ballet classes pretty much follow the same format: barre, then center and across the floor combinations.  For example, my class always start with plies.  Other than that, we almost never do the same barre routine.  Some classes will do the same barre every week, though.  The most important thing in class is to not be afraid to ask questions!  I ask everything and anything.  Make sure you show up about 5-10 minutes early, and be sure to thank the teacher after every class.

4. Things to know before starting class.
You can read up on terminology as much as you like before starting class.  There are a few dictionaries and glossaries at the bottom of this post.  But the only thing you really need to know is the feet positions.  First, second, third, fourth, and fifth.  Rotate out from your hips, and if you can't straighten you knees or all your toes aren't on the ground, you might be forcing turnout.  Don't try to push your 4th and 5th positions until starting class.  You can learn first, second, and fifth arm positions too, because third and fourth vary by teacher and method.

5. What to wear, and other must-haves.
For your first class, it probably won't matter what you wear.  For my first class, I wore a tank, booty shorts, black leggings, and socks.  I probably looked like I belonged in a ridiculous 80's aerobics video, but I was comfortable and that's what matters.  Socks, tank, and shorts should be fine for your first class or trying out a class.
When visiting a studio, ask the teacher what to wear and record it in your notebook.  You can buy what you need before your second class.  Most dress codes are simple; black leotard, pink tights, pink ballet slippers.  Some are more specific, like leather slippers or different color leos for different levels.  Some are very specific and require a certain model or brand of tights, leotards, and shoes.  Some teachers allow shorts or skirts over the leotard, but ask.  After buying from your local dance store a few times, you will get an idea of your size and can order online.
Some other things you should keep around are an extra pair of tights, a small sewing kit with heavy thread, some sort of pain cream (I'm currently using Arnica gel), and a heavy strength theraband.  I also think that The Ballet Companion is very helpful.  If you don't want to buy it, definitely try to get it from the library.

6. More dance!
Eventually, you probably be completely, absolutely, and totally in love with dance.  You want to dance everywhere, and those few weekly classes aren't enough.  That's when this magic comes is: open classes.  There might be a studio near you that offers an open adult class.  Call and ask if they accept teens in the class.  These classes are gold -- at 8-20 dollars a class, you can take a few to fill in your week.  If you take a trip anywhere, do a little research for dance studios in the area beforehand.  My family went to Tennessee this summer and we had to drive through Atlanta, so I made us stop there so I could take a few classes at Gotta Dance Atlanta.  It's a really great place, try it out if you ever get the chance!  Also, if you live near a professional company, they might offer open adult classes too.  I live between two companies, which both offer open classes.
There's also practicing at home.  You can practice anything at home.  It's like your own personal class and you're the teacher.  Try to work on your corrections.  Or do a 5 day challenge. For example: work on legs on day 1, core on day 2, turns on day 3, arms on day 4, and weak side on day 5.
Then the ultimate awesomeness that only around comes once a year...summer.  Summer intensives are super helpful and can help you with technique and learning other styles.  There are pre-professional summer intensives like Jeoffrey, Boston Ballet, SAB, Houston Ballet, The Rock School, PNB, etc.  These are for advanced and pre-professional students, but don't cross them out yet.  Maybe in a few years, yeah? ;)  But they are also very expensive.  Then there are other summer dance intensives or camps for beginning and intermediate students.  Look at local studios to see if they offer summer intensives, or do a Google search.

7. Pointe, dancing professionally, the future.
It takes a lot of work to dance en pointe.  If you're willing to work hard for several years, then go for it!  Some people will say things like "Oh, your feet aren't right for dancing en pointe", or "Your body type isn't good for pointe, you need to be born for it."  Ignore them.  I believe that with hard work, you can do anything.  I've seen 300+ lbs. girls dance en pointe.  I've seen girls with scoliosis dance en pointe.  I've seen men dance en pointe.  If you want it, then work for it.
Very few dancers make it professionally.  The chances are even lower when you start late.  Some who have natural talent and good training might make it, like Misty Copeland or Elizabeth Parkinson.  For those who don't, there are other options.  Modern dance isn't as particular or technical as ballet, and many professional modern dancers don't even begin modern dance until college-age.  And there are many dance-related jobs, like costume design or physical therapy (which I'm interested in).  I recommend you read Meet the Dancers; it gives you an inside look at how some dancers made it.

8. The stuff no one tells you.
There is so much stuff no one ever tells you!  I'm going to start a rather random list of all the important stuff.  Please comment any others you know!
1) You don't wear underwear under your tights and leotard.  The tights act as underwear, and you don't want awkward panty lines.  You can wear a bra if you feel uncomfortable, but if your leotard has shelf lining it shouldn't be a problem.
2) How to make a proper ballet bun.
3) Dancewear is expensive.  After buying from your local store a couple times, you'll get a sense of your size and can order online.  Discount Dance Supply is my favorite.  Read all the reviews before ordering.  Or make you own stuff.
4) At barre, leave enough space between the person in front and behind you for a full battement.  Angle your body slightly away from the barre for front battements, and towards the barre for battements to the back so you won't kick anyone.
5) You might need to know how to sew to attach elastics to slippers or fix and adjust leotards.
6) After adjusting the drawstring on your slippers, tie it with square knot (pull it very, very tight), cut it to about 2 inches and coat the ends with clear nail polish.  Tuck them inside the shoes when you put them on.  You might want to tape them to the inside with medical tape.
7) Warm up and stretch before you go to class.
8) Wash your dancewear by hand.  It will make them last longer.
9) There are serveral different method of ballet: Royal Academy of Dance (aka RAD), Balanchine, Cecchetti, Vaganova, etc.  You can ask your teacher which one you study.
10) Don't just walk around wearing your ballet slippers.  You don't want to bring outside dirt into the classroom.  Put your shoes on in the classroom, and take them off before you leave.

Ballet Links
I'm going to give you guys every link in my ballet library.  This is every single dance website I've ever saved to my favorites (that was not included earlier in this post).  You've probably seen a lot of them before on my blog, but here they are again.  Also, check out the list of ballet blogs in the right sidebar.
ABT ballet dictionary
Glossary of ballet
Ballet terms
KBM Talent
Ballet Freak
Pure Barre
Yumiko Dancewear
Eleve Dancewear
28 Arabesque Exercises
Dance advice
Homemade Flexistretcher
Pointe Magazine
Balletband
Common Dance Injuries
Ballet to the People
Scottish Ballet Port de Bras
Unique Bodyweight Exercises
Ballet Beautiful
Ballerina Problems
Ballet For You And Me
Dance Technique
DIY SAB skirt
Using a Theraband
DIY Portable ballet barre
Ballet Skills
Learn how to do a split
Ballet Tips
Recital Makeup Tips
Turning Tips
Tips from Sophia Lucia
Exercises for Feet and Ankles
How to make SAB skirt
How to improve turnout
Floor barre
Pilates workouts
Dance Recital Makeup
Wrap Skirts on Etsy
Fit4Dancers

If you have any questions or comments, please comment below!  I hope this helped :)

New Slippers!

Last weekend, we had just left the library when I realized my favorite dance store was on the way home.  So, naturally, I begged my mom to stop by.  My leather slippers have been bothering me, so I thought I'd try some canvas ones.  I got measured and tried on like, 20 pairs lol.  The man that was helping me pointed out that my toes are very tapered, so he bought me some slippers that have a left and right (so cool, right?!).  They were too wide though.  I ended up with the Bloch Zenith Canvas Slippers in a 7.0B.  They were a decent price too :D

Aren't they pretty?  So while I was getting fitted, I met this adult ballet beginner who was getting fitted too.  We talked about some studios that have adult classes, she was cool.  And there was this girl getting her first pair of pointe shoes.  She was maybe about my age, a little older probably.  I was excited on her behalf lol.  Yay for teen beginners!

DIY Ballet Skirt

Hey guys!  Now, I love the idea of making my own ballet gear.  I've already made my own legwarmers, and sewn up the straps on my leotard.  I like making stuff too, so crafts plus ballet equals yay!  My next project is going to be a ballet skirt.

I put a link and video in case you found one or the other hard to understand.  So pretty, right??  I'm going to make one as soon as I find an acceptably adorable fabric!  Or maybe I can get my class together and make some together, that would be fun :D  Happy crafting and keep dancing!

Oh and hey, this is my 50th post :')  Thanks for sticking around guys.  All your comments and just knowing my posts are being read means a lot to me.

Bodywrappers Tights Review

So I have the Body Wrappers Adult Supplex TotalSTRETCH Supremely Soft Convertible Tights.  These were my first pair of tights.  Besides the insanely long name, I like them a lot.  I have them in ballet pink.  It looks like a very bright pink, but once I put them on they look much paler.  I looooove the convertible foot on these.  The foot hole is really great, with a doubled edge so it's strong, won't slip, and doesn't rip.  I wear and handwash them once a week, and not a single run, rip, or hole yet after nearly 5 months.  They still look pretty much brand new aside from a bit of dirt around the feet.  I went one size up from what the chart recommended, so they're a bit long.  My fault though, I thought I was 10 pounds heavier than I actually am......oops...and yay? Lol.  The waistband is really comfortable, never squeezes or digs in.  It also folds down pretty well when I wear my open-back leotard.  Good, durable tights.  Super soft and stretchy too.

New Bag!

Yesterday, my mom wanted to go shopping before class.  I was wearing my tights and leotard and shorts the whole time too, so you can imagine how strange I looked to the non-dancer observer.  I got some of the weirdest looks, it was so funny XD  So anyways, I found this really nice tote bag in TJ Maxx, and I thought it would be perfect for a dance bag!  It was $20, so I was like "why not" lol.  It's actually a diaper bag.  Which just makes it awesomer because it's waterproof, has a ton pockets, is insulated, and the top zips.  It's 17 inches long, 12 inches tall, and 6 inches wide.  It's from Thermos.

It has a regular pocket, two water bottle holders, velcro pocket with a hidden zippered pocket inside, clear waterproof pouch, and a elastic-top pocket.  It's pretty big.  I don't really need that much space for my weekly class, but I'm planning on going to a summer dance camp so I will definitely use it for that :)  What type of bag do you use?

Capezio Dancelogic BraTek Review

I got myself this leotard for Christmas this year.  I don't really like it :(  I mean, it's pretty comfortable, but it just isn't attractive on me.  I think it's just too big.  There's all this extra fabric that scrunches up at my waist in the back.  I ordered the XL, because it's the size I usually wear, and I own another Capezio leo similar to this style in an XL.  I didn't realize it was too big until after my first class wearing it, which by then is too late to return/exchange it.  Besides the baggy back, I hate the leg openings.  Partially because I prefer a higher leg line, but also because these ride up soo much!  I have to always pull out wedgies in the middle of class.....awk.  The fabric is really heavy too, so sweat doesn't show, and that's always good.  But it's so heavy it holds sweat and dirt.  No matter how many times I wash it, how long I soak it, or how much detergent I use, the water always comes out dirty.  The leotard doesn't smell, it doesn't look dirty, but it just holds dirt.  I love the built in bra though, it does provide a bit more support than other leotards.  So overall, I deeply dislike this leo.  It's a very nice leotard, but just not for me.  I like the support though, so maybe I'll try again someday, the cotton one....and a smaller size lol.

Btw, new poll on the home page! :)

New Dancewear! And Other Updates

I got some new dancewear!  I ended up getting the Capezio Dancelogic Bratek leotard and the Capezio Hipster shorts, both from my Wishlist.  They just got here, I've been stalking the mailman since like 3pm XD They seem really nice so far, and I'll write full reviews on them in a couple weeks.

My winter break ends this week, so back to class!  Yesss...I would have died if break were any longer.   I've started to think about summer plans, and most studios are coming out with their 2013 summer information about now.  I don't know if my studio has summer classes or a camp, so I'll have to find out.  So far my plans are to volunteer for a music camp I went to as a kid for the early summer, then go to a dance intensive camp at a nearby studio for a couple of weeks later in the summer.  For the weeks in between, I can go to walk-in jazz and contemporary classes at another studio.  How about you guys?  Anyone auditioning for an intensive?  I've got my eyes set on Joffrey or Atlanta for next summer ;)  Haha no, I wish :P

I got this idea a little while ago...I live less than an hour drive north from a very famous ballet company and school, and pretty close to a smaller company.  I checked out their websites, and they both have open ballet for teens/adults.  Hopefully, I can talk my mom into a little trip to go to a beginner's class :D  Chances are there is a dance company near you, too.  Go to their website and see if you can attend an open class.

Also, I put a poll on the homepage.  Please go vote!  And that's all for now :)  Make summer plans and keep dancing!

Wishlist

This is my dance wishlist.  Long, I know lol.  I put links in case you were interested.
Books:
The Perfect Pointe Book by Lisa Howell
The Ballet Companion by Eliza Gaynor Minden
Classical Ballet Technique by Gretchen Ward Warren
Practice:
Foot Stretcher
Medium and Super Heavy Therabands (I already have heavy)
Ballet Is Fun Turnboard
Dancewear:
Capezio Hipster Shorts
Balera Basic Shorts
Harmonie 24" Striped Legwarmers
Body Wrappers Low-rise Convertible Tights
Gaynor Minden Convertible Tights
Capezio Button Wrap Skirt
I'd really like a new leotard.  I like the one I have now, but I'm really tired of having to adjust often so I'm not indecently exposed.  These are some of the ones I'm considering:
Capezio Dancelogic Bratek Leotard
Mirella Cotton Camisole Leotard
Capezio Tank Leotard
Capezio PullOver Halter Leotard
Theatricals Pinch Front Tank Leotard
Seamed Twist Back Leotard
Theatricals Adult Halter Leotard
Non Ballet:
Capezio Pirouette II Canvas Shoe
Bloch Super Jazz Shoe

Please let me know if you have any of these, and how you like them :)  Happy holidays guys!  Keep dancing!

Destroyed A Sexy Sweater for Legwarmers

Yesterday I made my own legwarmers!  What happened was, I found my favorite sweater from when I was 8 years old, but it's too small now.  Obviously hahaha.  Then I got this idea to make legwarmers out of the sleeves!  So I did.  ***Pointless Story!***

They tend to slide down a bit, especially during grande plies, so I added a ribbon loop and button and now it doesn't slip!  And bonus, it's cute ;)

Aren't they nice?  Plus they only took a couple hours :D  I was hoping for a 24 inch pair, but these are almost 18 inches and they're fine.  I'm going to wear them to class when/if it gets cold.  If you guys want a tutorial on how to make your own sweater legwarmers, just ask!

And you guys have no idea how hard it is to take selfies of your legs!  Would you like me to post a tutorial for that too?  Kidding ;)  Keep warm and keep dancing!

Capezio Leotard Review

Hello fellow dancers!  As you can see, I've redesigned the blog.  Do you like it?  I hope so :)  Now here's the leotard review I promised you guy weeks ago.
I have the Capezio Camisole Leotard With Darts in black.  I like it, it's really cute and stylish and doesn't show that yucky sweat.  It's a little annoying though, because it has an low open back so I have to scrunch down my tights every time I put it on.  Also, it's not very supportive so there will be quite a lot of bounce if you have a larger chest like me.  It could be flattering, but having to scrunch down the tights makes awkward fat lumps.  Overall, it's a cute leotard, but just not for me.  Maybe one of my fabulous readers ;)  Anyone else have this leotard?  Know an secrets to hide tights without getting fat bulges?  Haha let me know!

Bloch Dansoft Ballet Slipper Review

I know I promised you guys some reviews like last month, but I kept forgetting!  So I'll review my ballet flats now.  I have Bloch Dansoft pink ballet slippers.  They're leather with full soles.  Mine are a 5.5B, and in street shoes I'm usually a 6.5 or 7.  They aren't very flattering, but the full soles help strengthen my feet.  The only thing I really hate about them is the pleats under the toe because they're really thick so sometimes it hurts to stand demi-pointe.  The pleats are flattening out as I wear them more, so that probably won't be a problem in a few more weeks :)  Oh and they don't smell!  I've had them for almost two months now and they still smell brand new...not that I was sniffing my shoes or anything.  Basically, they're a good shoe for beginners.  That's all for today, but hopefully I'll write a review for my leotard next week.  Keep dancing!

What's In My Dance Bag?

On YouTube, I keep seeing all these videos about what people keep in their dance bag, so I thought I'd make you guys a post about what I keep in mine.  Now, first off, I don't actually have a dance bag.  I have this cheap drawstring backpack I got for registering in the Junior Olympics, and I've had it for like two years so it's falling apart.  It's just a general sports bag; I take it to dance, P.E., lacrosse, surf, wherever I go that I need to carry more than my phone and iPod.  I have to pack it every time I go to something different, but there are some things I just always leave in it: sunblock, lip balm, bobby pins, a black permanent marker, safety pins, tampons, Tylenol/Advil, allergy pills, my debit card, and an extra hair elastic.  Right now my bag is empty except for this stuff, my lyrical shoes, a pack of gum, and a pen I stole from my best friend because he was drawing on me XD  For dance, I throw in my Theraband, iPod, flats, phone, and notebook.  The notebook is really small, I write all my corrections and the new terms I've learned.   I like to review on the way to class.  I also pack water, but I don't put it in my bag so the sweat from the bottle won't get my flats wet.  But that won't be a problem when I get a Freaker for my birthday *hint hint Mom*.  This is all I need for now because I only have one 60-minute class a week.  When I start needing more, I'll give you guys an update!  Now tell me, what's in your dance bag?  Comment below!

Washing Dancewear

I washed my leotard and tights for the first time today!  Exciting, I know ;)  I heard that washing dancewear by hand helps it last longer.  I couldn't find a bucket, so I used a pretty big bowl.  Which probably looked weird...a girl walking around with a wet leotard in a bowl...haha.  So first I put a squirt of laundry detergent in the bottom of the bowl, and filled it with warm water.  I put my tights in and squished them around for like 5 minutes, then rinsed them.  I did the same with my leotard, except with cold water.  Read the tags, they will say whether to use cold or warm.  To dry them, I squeezed the excess water in the sink.  Only squeeze, don't wring or twist.  Then I laid them on a clean towel, folded the towel in half, and squeezed them some more.  After I couldn't dry them anymore with the towel, I hung them to dry.  But don't hang your leotard by its straps, or they will stretch.  Lay it flat, or hang it by the middle.  Same with your tights.  And that's it!  Any other dancewear care requests?  I'm working on ways to deodorize shoes next.