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Women Pioneers in Ballet

It’s officially March! Women’s History Month is upon us which calls for highlighting some amazing women in the dance community. The ballet world has come a long way through the years, but none of those achievements would be possible without the accomplishments of these amazing women. From Françoise Prévost to Misty Copeland, women have paved the way for the ballet industry for centuries. Here are a few women that influenced the ballet world to make it what it is today:

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Tracing the Origins of Hip Hop

From small house parties in New York City to loudspeakers across the world, hip hop has become a global sensation over the last handful of decades. Emerging from a prolific Black community in The Bronx, hip hop culture continues to develop and expand in unique ways, from musical innovations to developments in the B-boy and B-girl landscape. But where exactly did it all begin?

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A Brief History of Jazz

In June 2021, the hashtag #BlackTikTokStrike went viral on TikTok. Many Black creators decided to refrain from creating new TikTok dances until they received credit where it's due. Since TikTok’s conception, Black creators have been paving the way for the popular dance trends that become instantaneously viral online. For example, the viral “Savage” dance to the popular Megan Thee Stallion song was created by then-teenager Keara Wilson and has received tens of millions of views and even a recreation by Megan Thee Stallion herself. One of the most popular dances of all time on the app is the “Renagade” dance, performed to K Camp’s “Lottery.” This dance was created by 14-year-old Jalaiah Harmon and made popular by TikTok superstar Charli D’Amelio. However, as Natachi Onwuamaegbu of The Washington Post points out, D’Amelio, a white creator, “gained millions of followers before she acknowledged the dance’s Black creator.” Similarly, white TikTok star Addison Rae Easterling was invited on The Tonight Show to perform eight viral TikTok dances, none of which she choreographed. Credit to the original creators was not given.

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Teaching Class vs. Taking Class: What I’ve Learned

As someone who has been dancing now for over 20 years, I never considered the challenges and differences that would happen standing at the front of the room rather than at the barre. I started out with just substituting classes here and there, but at the beginning of the 2023 school year, I joined the amazing staff at Body Language Studios (BLS), and was on a rotation of substitute teachers at Evergreen City Ballet (ECB). There is still a sense of feeling like the new kid on the first day of school; I had only taken one class previously at BLS, so it was an atmosphere I was very unfamiliar with. Now with some time teaching under my belt, and a more familiarity with different technique levels, here are a few things I have learned:

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DWC Competition and Convention Product Guide

At last, the gift-giving season is upon us! When it comes to shopping for holiday gifts, an unnecessary amount of stress can easily accrue. What do I get for them? What’s on-trend? Will they like it? Countless questions circle through our brains, making an activity that’s supposed to be festive feel a bit overwhelming. That’s why here at Dancewear Center, we’re making your life a bit easier by giving you our ultimate guide to holiday shopping for your favorite dancers! From stocking stuffers to affordable activewear to luxury leotards, DWC is your one-stop shop for holiday gifts this season. Read on to learn about our top picks that you can get for 30% off at our Small Business Saturday Sale, starting with the more affordable finds and leading into more upscale items.

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The Dance-Pilates Fusion: Unveiling the Artistry of Movement and Core Harmony

In the enchanting world of dance, where precision and strength weave the tapestry of excellence, I find myself on a transformative journey exploring the profound connection between dance and Pilates. I am currently an apprentice in Romana's Pilates International Teacher training at  Kinesia Pilates Seattle. Join me as we unravel the synergy between these two disciplines, understanding why Pilates is not just a companion but an indispensable ally for dancers. Moreover, we’ll delve into the exciting prospects for those of us who dream of becoming Pilates instructors, forging a unique path where passion for dance intertwines seamlessly with a burgeoning profession.

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Summer Intensives Guide (Hint: Start NOW!)

Summer ballet intensives. I had just turned thirteen when I went to my first intensive. It was the first time I had ever been away from home for that length of time. One of the other girls at my studio (and good friend) went with me on this adventure. My parents drove 6 hours to Walla Walla, we unpacked and I was overfilled with emotions. Those for weeks were one of the worst experiences of my dance life. The winter of 2022 I decided to give the whole summer intensive thing another shot. As simple as that sounds, several challenges awaited me.

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