Jackie believes that a way to tackle this issue is to get more men and boys involved in dance at younger ages. She has noticed that in some areas boys are discouraged to join dance because it can be “too feminine.” Jackie would love to see more schools and companies open up more dance classes for boys to allow them to experience dance. “Let them experience it and hope that they don’t see it as something boys can’t do, but something extremely exciting and really powerful,” Jackie shares.
Read MoreRiley says that there are countless reasons why she loves working at Dancewear Center, but one of her top ones is the community that’s come along with the job. She appreciates that she gets to work in a comfortable space where young people are given the opportunity to learn and grow free of judgement and excessive pressure. “I’m supported, genuinely cared for, and encouraged to put myself first,” Riley says. She says that as a general manager, Samantha’s care for DWC’s employees shines through, allowing staff members to pay her kindness forward towards customers and community members.
Read MoreFrom studying and teaching dance to fitting pointe shoes and helping customers as a Senior Pointe Shoe Fitter and Assistant Store Manager at Dancewear Center, dance consumes Anna Peters’ life. And she wouldn’t want it any other way! Read on to learn more about DWC Staff Member Anna Peters’ personal dance journey, goals for the future, and the changes she hopes to see made in the larger dance industry.
Read MoreNicole enjoys writing for the DWC Blog because she gets to learn about other peoples’ stories and relationships with dance. She points out that in everyday dance training, it’s rare that dancers discuss how dance has helped shape their lives. Hearing the stories of others has opened Nicole’s eyes to what dance can do for people and the capacity that it has to transform lives. Through conducting and transcribing interviews, she also feels a stronger attachment to the local dance community in Seattle and a greater understanding of its interconnectedness.
Read MoreAt Dancewear Center, the fundamental mission that underpins all of our work is “to support and empower our dance community through quality, integrity, and education.” A large part of how Dancewear Center strives to support local dancers is by finding unique ways to connect dance artists and forge community. The DWC Ambassador program is one of the ways we’re creating those connections and conceiving that community. As ambassadors, individuals get the chance to create original content for the DWC Blog, take over the DWC Instagram, receive free products, get professional photos taken, and much more.
Read MoreOne of Whim W’Him’s most important values is putting “people first always,” something that is not always upheld in the dance world. That’s why Olivier shares that ensuring his dancers are well-paid has always been a priority of his. “They are artists…They are highly skilled professionals and they should be paid for that,” he stresses. He started Whim W’Him with the intention of “changing the landscape of how dancers are often abused and exploited,” particularly when it comes to being under-compensated for their work.
Read MoreAside from the Yaw, Stella has recently opened several new rehearsal spaces called Pitch and Roll. These spaces are there as rehearsal studios that choreographers and artists can book and use without excess hassle. Stella wanted to put on more programming for the artists and choreographers in the area, so she created these rehearsal spaces for people to use that have the proper resources. “I don’t think there can be too much performance art,” Stella said about getting more space for dancers around the area.
Read MoreSister Kate Dance Company teaches its SKDC Boot Camps in October, January, and April. The Boot Camps offer a chance for anyone to experience what it’s like to be a vintage chorus line dancer. Over the course of four weeks, participants learn original choreography from a Sister Kate dancer, work on their stage presence, connect with other eager and enthusiastic dancers, and even have the chance to perform in front of a live audience. This year’s October boot camp theme is “A Coven of Witches,” so dancers can expect a spooky, Halloween-themed performance opportunity. Tickets for the October 2022 boot camp open on September 1st, and Robin recommends grabbing yours early! Check out Sister Kate’s website and social media for more information.
Read MoreTaking on a lot of dancing, whether in a pre-professional or professional capacity, takes grit. Dancers are encouraged to push their mental and physical boundaries to create art that moves people. Nonetheless, this boundary-pushing can place strain on dancers’ minds and bodies. Without proper care, pushing oneself too far for too long simply isn’t sustainable. That’s why local physical therapist Amanda Rixey is passionate about fostering communication and collaboration among dancers, instructors, and dance medicine specialists. Read on to learn about Amanda’s own dance journey, as well as her practice, Newfound Physical Therapy PLLC.
Read MoreDancewear Center Mobile provides private pointe shoe fittings that individualize and streamline the fitting process for dancers, allowing them to receive professional, one on one attention in the comfort of their home studio. At private pointe shoe fittings, fitters appreciate getting the knowledge and input of dance teachers and providing ease and convenience for community members. Our mobile service also arranges pop-up shops that help alleviate back-to-school dance shopping stress and allow studios to build their brand and bring their community together in a fun way. Dancewear Center Mobile will bring dress code apparel, shoes, and the latest seasonal items for dancers in the form of a private shopping experience.
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