Creating an At-Home Stretch Routine That You Can Stick To

dancing in port orange

We’ve all heard the suggestion from Port Orange dance teachers to stretch at home to improve flexibility, but how often does anyone really stick to that suggestion? It can be difficult to start a routine and stick to it, especially if you are trying to figure out the structure and the content alone.

To create an at-home stretch routine that you can stick to, you need to ask for advice, create a dedicated time and place to stretch, acquire the right tools, and be open to making adjustments to your routine.

Port Orange dance classes certainly include stretching, but unless you are truly at the dance studio every single day, you may need some more time devoted to stretching to achieve your flexibility goals. Read on for the best ways to achieve those goals!

Continue reading

Recital and Showcase Ideas For Port Orange Dance Studios

tap dance recital legacy

Studio owners and directors in Port Orange dance studios have a lot on their plates, from the small, everyday tasks of running a studio to the big-picture challenges. One big-picture challenge that seems to be on everyone’s mind every year is, “What is the recital or showcase theme going to be?”

If you’ve been in business for a while, it can seem like there aren’t any themes left that you haven’t used! Or, themes you can think of might feel too narrow or not inclusive enough for the kind of show you want to put on.

Here are a few ideas for when you’re stuck and need some inspiration for your dance recital ideas for Port Orange dance classes!

Continue reading

Summer Dance Classes and Intensives For Your Dancer

summer dance port orange

While we have summer dance classes and training, as well as during the school year, there is something special about attending dance classes outside of your studio. That’s where summer intensives come in!

A summer intensive is an opportunity to train for an extended period of time outside of your studio with incredible instructors and like-minded dancers and gain valuable experience and training. But is your dancer ready? How do you choose the best summer intensive?

The best summer intensive for your dancer is the one that will benefit THEM the most. Therefore, there is no overall “best” summer intensive. Here are a few questions to ask when considering summer intensives for your dancer.

Continue reading

Port Orange Dance Classes – Are You Ready for Pointe?

How do you know if your dancer is ready for pointe shoes? 

Dancers all over the world dream of the day when they get their first pair of pointe shoes! The image of gliding across the stage in beautiful satin shoes, complete with ribbons and a tutu, looms large for young ballerinas. But for parents of dancers in Port Orange dance classes, how do you know when it’s time for your dancer to begin pointe?

There are many assessments that can be done for dancers to determine pointe-readiness, but these are just a few that parents can begin with before approaching the teacher for more in-depth evaluations. Check these off your list before you head to the dancewear store!

Continue reading

Port Orange Dance Trends

dance at port orange dance

This dance season, Port Orange dance trends range from the traditional to the eclectic! There are many options available at your local Port Orange dance store, as well as specialty brands online. Here are just a few hot trends to check out now!

Traditional Class wear

Nothing says “I’m a dancer” like traditional black leotard and tights. In fact, the tradition is so long-standing that most Port Orange dance studios require leotard and tights for most of their dance classes.

But don’t fear being boring or uninteresting in your outfit choice. Brands like Bloch and Capezio are always coming out with new twists on old favorites, like mesh inserts in leotards to new, more comfortable waistbands on tights. One of my favorite Bloch pieces is the Lana Mirage Scoop Neck Leotard in black with pretty cutouts at the back. Capezio offers the tried and true Ultra Soft Transition Tight with a self-knit waistband in 18 different colors so you are sure to find one that you love!

Continue reading

Fix your dance competition mistakes and stand out!

Dance competition tips

Do you want to know how to stand out at dance competition? Even seasoned competition dancers can forget a shoe every now and then, but that’s only one small mistake that can happen before or during a dance competition! Here are the top 10 dance competition mistakes that can occur, and how to fix them!

  1. Not rehearsing away from the mirror before competition!

One of the best things dancers in Port Orange can do before competition is rehearse facing away from the mirror. It’s surprising how beneficial it can be to do a few runs of your dance facing multiple directions.

Dancers often ask in the studio, “Which way will the stage face?” before competition, and the answer is, “Wherever it faces!” It’s a difficult concept for kids to grasp, but if you can rehearse the dance facing every possible direction, they will begin to understand that the routine won’t change regardless of which direction the stage faces.

 

  1. Entering your routine in the wrong category!

This is a mistake that is mostly made by the dance instructor, but still relevant because category placement can affect how a dance scores! The majority of the time, this mistake happens when the lines are blurred between categories like lyrical or contemporary. Take the time to really analyze the dance routine for specific technical elements that live in one of those categories. It might even help to make a checklist of skills for each category so you can really see where a routine belongs.

Continue reading

Sore muscles after dance class

Dance Class

If you’re a dancer, chances are you’ve had your fair share of sore muscles after a particularly difficult dance class. Sore muscles don’t mean you’ve overdone it, though, they just mean you’ve worked hard! However, soreness can interfere with your day-to-day life and there are some tried and true methods to get through it!

To treat and care for sore muscles, remember to warm up before you dance, cool down after class, and practice self-care.  Use techniques like massage, foam rolling, taking Epsom salt baths, and resting!

Sore muscles may sometimes be the result of an injury or overuse. If soreness persists for longer than a couple of days, you may want to consult a medical professional. The advice you read here is no substitute for actual medical care.

The advice you read here is no substitute for actual medical care.

Continue reading

How to Rest After Dance Classes

dance classes port orange

If you’re a dancer, chances are you’ve had your fair share of sore muscles after particularly difficult dance classes or rehearsals. Sore muscles don’t mean you’ve overdone it, though, they just mean you’ve worked hard! However, soreness can interfere with your day-to-day life and there are some tried and true methods to get through it and learn how to rest AFTER dance classes!

To treat and care for sore muscles, you must remember to warm up before you dance, cool down after class, and practice good self-care by using techniques like massage, foam rolling, taking Epsom salt baths, and resting!

Sore muscles may sometimes be the result of an injury or overuse, so if soreness persists for longer than a couple of days, you may want to consult a medical professional. The advice you read here is no substitute for actual medical care.

Continue reading

Strength Training at Your Dance Studio

dance studio

With the increase in high-level tricks seen in dancers today at Port Orange dance studios, you have to wonder how in the world these skills are achieved! What is the secret sauce that some dancers have to get their legs higher, their turns faster, and their jumps more elevated?

In addition to excellent technique, strength training has gained popularity in the dance community as a way to achieve new levels of excellence. Properly executed strength training skills can prevent injury, increase stamina, and contribute to the overall longevity of a dancer’s career.

It should go without saying that any additional training outside of the dance studio should be done with permission from your teacher, and with the supervision of a fitness professional.

Continue reading

Benefits of Ballet Classes

If you’re considering enrolling your child in ballet classes in Port Orange, you may be wondering what style of dance to choose! From hip hop to ballet to tap, there are indeed many choices. All styles of dance have their own unique benefits, but ballet is often one of the top styles of dance chosen for children.

Physical, social, and cognitive skills all improve when a child takes ballet class. Strong beginnings in the arts pave the way for a lifetime of appreciation even if the student doesn’t go on to study dance on a professional level.

Ballet classes can be beneficial at all ages, but starting ballet early gives children who love to move the chance to learn in a structured environment and develop skills that they will use throughout their lives.

Continue reading