Essay Contest: September

Hey Everyone!

We hope that everyone has had a great summer vacation filled with equal parts dance and relaxation.

Don't forget Friday, August 29th is the last day to take 20% off your order with coupon code BACK2DANCE at Dancers Warehouse. Don't miss out!

To kick off the school year we are excited to begin our monthly essay contest. To enter, simply submit your essay via email to info@dancerswarehouse.com with the subject line September Essay. Please provide the following information along with your submission:

1. First and Last Name
2. Phone number
3. Shipping address
4. Age (if under 16)

Let's recap the Contest Rules previously posted here:

1. One submission per person per topic. 
2. Essays must be between 250 and 500 words. Short and sweet!
3. Essays must be submitted between the specified days. Late entries will not be considered.
4. Prize has no cash value. 
5. Employees of Dancers Warehouse, Inc. and its affiliates are not eligible for prize winnings. 
6. Prior winners are not eligible for prizes within three months of their previous winning.  

September's Topic: What are your goals for the 2014-2015 dance season? 

Entry Dates: September 1, 2014 - September 30, 2014

The winner will be announced October 6th. 

Here's a sneak peak of some of the amazing items that you might find in the winning gift basket!

Back to Dance!

We cannot believe that school will be starting up again in a matter of a few weeks! Now is the time to stock up on all your dance items. Online only we will be running a 20% off your shopping cart from 8/21 - 8/29. Use coupon code BACK2DANCE at checkout to receive the discount. This offer is not valid on previous purchases or in combination with any other offer.

When you come back to the studio after a break you want to be cautious about what your body is telling you. Pay close attention to any muscles that may be tight or tired and going full force may not be the best idea on day one. Here are some helpful tips we recommend:

1. Stretch, Stretch, Stretch! That doesn't necessarily mean go right into your splits - ease into things. 
   
2. Stay hydrated! Water helps to lubricate your joints so they can move in full range of motion. Check out this awesome article from Pointe Magazine for more information on why staying hydrated is so important.
   
3. Potassium (in combination with water) will help keep your muscle from cramping up so eat those bananas! I know a lot of dancers who also love coconut water for aiding in their muscle recovery. 
4. Roll out your muscles! A foam roller or tennis ball can work wonders on getting those deep knots out. This is a great article along with a video on the proper technique to roll out your I.T. band.
5. Ice baths and soaks = I for one cannot stand being cold so sitting in a bath of ice water does not appeal to me but on some occasions after a strenuous pointe class or rehearsal I'll fill a small container with ice water and attempt to put my feet in. I do however love soaking my feet in epsom salts and warm/hot water. It is so good for relieving sore muscles and tension. If you find that whatever body part needs soaking doesn't fit in a little bucket you can also soak a towel in the mixture, ring it out a bit, and apply that to the area in need. 

We hope these tips help keep your body feeling great as we begin this new dance season!


Here is a sneak peak at one of the items added to the gift bags for the essay contest!

Stay tuned for more information on how to submit your essay.

The staff at Pas de Shop and Dancers Warehouse we are so saddened by the news of Robin Williams' death. We lost a true artist and inspiration.