There 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.
Read MoreFor many dancers, facing moderate to severe injuries has been an unfortunate part of their dance journeys. Having to sit out of classes, performances, and competitions, for weeks and months at a time is never what dancers are hoping to get out of their dance experiences. Fortunately, Brianne Zborowski and Kaycee Jones have created Apolla Performance, a company that creates revolutionary compression socks that can help dancers and other movers do what they love for longer. Read on to learn more about Co-Founder and CEO Bri Zborowski’s background and mission and tune in to Shark Tank on ABC on April 1, 2022, at 8/7 EST (or check local listings for times) to witness her and Kaycee pitch their business!
Read MoreNatalie Smith is a dancer, local to the greater Seattle area and one of the newest shift leads at Dancewear Center. From her experience dancing in a variety of genres to her aspirations of dancing en pointe, Natalie is a dynamic and seasoned employee that we’re grateful to have on the team.
Read MoreWithin any industry, narrow definitions and expectations are often formed regarding what the “typical” individual should look like. Such definitions and expectations can not only breed bland conformity but also lead to the creation of exclusive communities that leave certain people feeling like they do not belong. The dance industry is no exception. Through using her platform as a DWC ambassador, local dancer Jade Fraser strives to debunk myths about disabled dancers and share her unique experiences as a way to help make the community a better place.
Read MoreNo two dancers’ journeys are completely the same or even linear for that matter. When physical, mental, and societal obstacles are thrown in their way, dancers often take paths that they don’t expect. This was certainly the case for DWC Ambassador Anna Nelson. Read on to hear about her choosing to pause professional dance to pursue a college education, come back from an injury, and learn how to cope with anxiety throughout her dance career.
Read MoreWithin a culture and industry that often promotes conformity, being the one to stand out can be an uncomfortable, and sometimes even traumatizing experience. DWC Ambassador Austin Sexton knows what it’s like to experience discomfort for straying from the norm. But through adopting inclusive teaching practices, community members like Austin are helping make our local dance community more welcoming one step at a time.
Read MoreDuring the last year, I’ve been on an intentional fitness journey, spurred along by the privilege of getting back into a dance studio to train consistently, even amid the ongoing pandemic. All through lockdown, I was in remote university courses for dance, yet I saw a significant decrease in my desire to maintain my fitness and nutrition goals. This was because I did not have a dancing community physically around me and had very little space at home to maintain a usual training rhythm. I feel excited and so thankful to be once again moving toward my goals in a way that feels challenging and freeing.
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