At one time or another, most dancers have worn an uncomfortable, ill-fitting leotard. Donning awkwardly fitting dancewear can be so distressing that it can feel like it has real impacts on one’s dancing. If you’re not feeling confident, how can you expect to move confidently? That’s why Alina Khoo has created AK Dancewear with the motivation to produce flattering and comfortable dancewear that helps dancers feel their best in the studio.
Read MoreAs a chunky Asian baby in a leotard, I had no idea yet how precious or valuable I was when I started in ballet. Instead, I only saw that I was clearly not cut from the same cloth as elegant princesses and swans whose dancing I admired. The chance to don yellowface in the Chinese variation during "The Nutcracker," or to be a kowtowing, shuffling child in "The King and I" in the school play felt like places I was welcome to exist—to shine—as a child who dreamed of being onstage.
Read MoreThe COVID-19 pandemic has posed more challenges than benefits for most peoples’ lives. However, in unique and unexpected ways, this time of isolation and solace has allowed people to re-connect with creative parts of themselves and explore ventures they’ve always wanted to. For MiYoung Margolis, MiYoung Margolis Dance Collective or MMDC was born out of the rubbles of the COVID-19 pandemic as a way to foster creativity and collaboration across genres.
Read MoreWhether its codified technique, body expectations, or gendered stereotypes, the dance industry has disseminated rigid values for many years. Such expectations can limit and harm talented dancers who don’t fit such cookie-cutter molds. Joshua Grant and Christopher E. Montoya are striving to knock down these barriers and foster a supportive and all-inclusive dance environment at Dance Conservatory Seattle. Under the tutelage of local talent, DCS is teaching Seattle dancers how to “live [their] best li[ves].”
Read MoreIn a market where consumers can be overwhelmed with options: details matter. Paying attention to who is making the products, who the products are designed for, and who is presenting them are key elements to center on for a dancewear brand to carry out an impactful vision. Ballet Rosa Co-Founder Luis Guimaraes and Marketing Communications Specialist Filipa Cunha go through their efforts with a fine-tooth comb, striving to provide customers with quality, artistic dancewear made with care.
Read MoreWhile some folks have taken steps to destigmatize mental health discussions in the dance industry, there is still an overwhelming pressure to compete against your peers within the studio environment, which can lead to adverse mental health issues. DWC staff member and pointe shoe fitter Tija Dupont opens up about her dance journey, goals for the future, and destigmatizing mental health in the dance industry.
Read MoreThere is an unspoken assumption in society that once you reach adulthood, your time has passed to try something new. However, DWC Pointe Shoe Fitter and DWC Blog Contributor Emma Neilson shares that it’s never too late to try dance. Read on to learn about her dance journey, goals for the future, and desire for more professional development support for young adult dancers.
Read MoreDuring the COVID-19 lockdown of 2020, many dancers lost the space and opportunity to do what they loved. Confined in their homes, dancers no longer had the capacity to move their bodies in the way they once could. It’s safe to say that for most of us, it felt like a return to “normal” would never come. This was one of the fears of dancer Erin Nichole Boyt, as she had just started getting acclimated to the Portland dance scene after relocating from Seattle. Now with the help of her new home studio space, Erin has been excited about reconnecting with dance in a more seamless way. Donate to Erin’s fundraising campaign for her live/work studio, known as Pottershop Studio, so it can be well-supplied and ready for dancers.
Read MoreFrom training in Alaska to Hawaii to Washington, Naquoia Bautista has rich experience dancing in various genres across an array of settings. Today, she is an assistant store manager at Dancewear Center and a pointe shoe fitter in training. Read on to learn more about Naquoia’s dance journey and goals at the store.
Read MoreThere are many unspoken assumptions in the dance world, one of which is that dancers don’t need to put in work outside of the studio. However, conditioning and engaging in other complementary activities can make a world of difference when it comes to dancing with resilience and avoiding injuries. Zoe Geiger, PT, DPT, CSCS chats about her dance experience, the importance of restorative conditioning, and her upcoming appearance at Tea & Tendus at DWC Renton on April 10, 2022.
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