Competition & Convention Essentials
The time is upon us; it is officially competition and convention season! Ahead are intense weekends of dancing, incredible learning experiences, team bonding, and routine coffee stops. We all want to be putting our best foot forward as the season begins, so keep reading for some of my “must-haves” !
Apolla Shocks
Conventions mean dancing on carpeted concrete. Flooring like that is so hard on your body, especially while turning and jumping and doing all the crazy floorwork you’re likely to encounter. Now more than ever we encourage dancers to wear Apolla Shocks. They have padded soles on high impact areas of the foot and graduated compression technology that encourages blood flow as well as support. Less swelling, less pain, these socks are a must.
Tiger Balm
Oh the holy grail of muscle salves! Sometimes past injuries flare up, or muscles get strained or fatigued. You can find me in the corner slathering this stuff on my back and shoulders when they’re particularly inflamed. Although products like these are only a bandaid for the pain, they certainly help in the moment.
Sleep mask
Sleep affects us much more than we realize. It’s so important to make sure our brain is just as prepared as our body when going into a long weekend. I like to bring my sleep mask with me to make sure I get the most out of my Z’s.
Reusable Water Bottle
This one’s a no brainer. There is nothing quite like taking a swig of cold water after a challenging class. Better yet, throw some electrolytes in there to account for the sweat!
Lavender Essential Oil
It’s really easy for me to get overwhelmed in big groups of people. Especially in a convention setting that’s a bit crowded and loud, it can sometimes make me feel a little uneasy. I like to dab a little bit of lavender essential oil behind my ears and on my neck as a scent reminder to take a deep breath, relax, and enjoy dancing.
A Flattering Leotard
Sometimes the right outfit can really boost my mood. I love this Ballet Rosa leotard. It’s simple and elegant and perfect for every occasion.
Take care of your bodies as you compete or go to conventions, and most of all HAVE FUN! We are dancers because our heart gives us no other choice, so embrace it fully.
With love,Cherie