DWC's Top 5 Summer Essentials

Today, Anna Peters and Madison Huizinga share some of our favorite products, tips, and tricks for making this summer the best one yet!

1. Zarély Compression Tights

Zarély Professional Recovery compression tights are an essential for summer intensives, and all year round! Researchers from the University of Connecticut have concluded from extensive studies that compression tights help reduce muscle soreness, swelling, fatigue, and other side-effects of intense exercising. Thus, the Zarély Professional Recovery compression tights are perfect to wear after long hours of classes and rehearsals at summer intensives.

The graduated compression technology featured in these tights is designed to enhance blood flow to aching and sore muscles so that dancers can aptly recover from fatigue and soreness. The foot area features an ergonomic design that is specialized for feet that are swollen and sore, especially from dancing en pointe all day. The tights also feature a flexible hip design which allows ultimate flexibility for workouts and stretching, as well as a soft waistband for maximized comfort. In addition to the amazing functionality of the tights, the compression features and black color also creates a sleek and flattering leg line.

2. Apolla Shocks: The Joule, Performance, and K-Warmer

It’s no secret that here at Dancewear Center, we LOVE Apolla Shocks. Apolla Shocks are compression socks made for dancers by dancers that aid in both performance and recovery! As dancers, we exercise for long hours in non supportive footwear that causes inflammation by overuse and strain, a huge precursor to injuries. Apolla Shocks combat this by providing specific, targeted support through several areas of high quality compression and extra cushion.

The Joule: Great for wearing alone or under a pair of your dance shoes, the Joule will support your ankle, the arch of your foot, and the plantar fascia across the top with its open heel, open toe design. They help ensure that your feet are getting the love and care they need during a long day of dancing, whether you are in a barefoot contemporary class or learning variations en pointe.

The Performance: This low profile compression sock will create a seamless appearance in the classroom and on the stage. With multiple anatomically targeted compression zones, the Performance will enhance circulation and stability, making them a must-use for both dancing and recovery.

The K-Warmer: The K-Warmer provides support for the calves, shins, thighs, and knees and is the perfect tool to have for a long day of classes. They provide compression, ventilation, and a no slip property that makes them the perfect warm up partner!

3. Myofascial Release Tools

Between hours of intense dance training, it's a welcome relief to loosen up and roll out your stiff, sore muscles. Intensives test your endurance and recovery, and what better way to prolong both than by taking care of your muscles?

*Russian Pointe Foam Roller, Bunheads Ultimate Roller, and Bunheads Massage Ball*

*Russian Pointe Foam Roller, and Bunheads Massage Ball*

The fascia are strips and bands of connective tissue that attach, stabilize, enclose, and separate muscles and other internal organs. Though exercise, our muscle cells contract and relax, pulling on the fascia around them and causing them to tire and seize up. This causes the tightness that is experienced after an intense workout.

The Russian Pointe Foam Roller, Bunhead’s Massage Ball, and Bunheads Ultimate Roller are designed to help lessen the fascial tightness though the application of pressure in specified target areas, much like a massage would.

The Russian Pointe Foam Roller is designed to be lightweight, but strong; a great portable roller to take on the go in your dance bag.

The Bunheads Ultimate Roller is perfect to get out the kinks in your quads and relax the gripping Achilles after a long day en pointe.

The Bunheads Massage Ball has spines that work to dig deeper into your muscles and work to extend and relax your fascia.

4. Pointe Shoe Preservers

If you are going to be dancing long hours en pointe at your summer intensives, pointe shoe preservers are a must! Preserving the life of your pointe shoes is a great way to prolong the strength and stability of the shoe’s shank and box. This way, your shoes can last longer and your feet can receive maximal support while dancing.

Mesh Bags: Storing your pointe shoes in a mesh bag is a great way to air out the shoes to prevent sweat and moisture from breaking down the shoe’s structure and material. Additionally, the aeration provided from the mesh bags prevents the pointe shoes from becoming too smelly after long hours of dance. At Dancewear Center, we have a variety of mesh bags in different colors, designs, and sizes, including this stunning Ainsliewear one featured in the photo above.

Bunheads Deodorizing Pouches: Another strategy to avoid an unpleasant odor in your shoes is to place the Bunheads Deodorizing Pouches inside them. These pouches contain carbon activated, bamboo charcoal that absorbs odor rather than simply masking it. The pouches also absorb excess moisture to prevent bacteria growth inside the shoes.

Jet Glue: Jet Glue is a tried and true staple for nearly every dancer en pointe. Jet Glue is a strong, professional grade adhesive that can be used to strengthen the shank of a pointe shoe. Dabbing some along the outside of the shank can add time to the life of your pointe shoes.

5. Emergency Supplies

As we all know from personal experience… there are certain dance supplies that you simply can’t have enough of! Come on in Dancewear Center to stock up on these essential items that you may need in case of an emergency.

Extra Hair Supplies: You never know when you’re going to need extra hair supplies. Bobby pins, in particular, are so easy to misplace that sometimes it feels like they wander off on their own! Stocking up on extra hair supplies is essential; you never know when a hair tie or hair net might break, or bobby pins might go missing. Dancewear Center carries all kinds of hair supplies in a variety of shades, including Bloch Hair Kits which carry all your hair essentials in a neat, pastel tin.

Sewing Kit: If you’re dancing en pointe at your summer intensives, we strongly suggest carrying a sewing kit in your dance bag. If a ribbon or elastic snaps or begins to tear, it’s best to have these compact Bunheads and Russian Pointe sewing kits easily at your disposal.

Tights & Straps: Carrying around extra tights is also important, in case any spontaneous stains or tears occur. Storing an unopened package of tights in your dance bag is great, just in case! Also, extra clear straps for leotards and nude camisoles is beneficial in case they are misplaced or damaged.

Thanks for reading! We hope you learned something; and remember—we are always here to help answer questions and find the best products to fit your needs! Feel free to call, email, or just drop in to say hello!

Love,