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.

Welcome to Pas de Shop!

Hi everyone!

We are Lauren and Liz, the internet sales and customer service department at DancersWarehouse.com. Liz is a ballerina with a local company and Lauren grew up doing competitions and recitals. We are positive we have all the bases covered. We love chocolate covered strawberries, bacon, dance, Pinterest, and drinking way too much coffee.

We hope this blog helps you with all your dance needs. We will be updating frequently with articles, fun facts, tutorials, our favorite products, and so much more!

First we would like to talk tights. Now that we are in the middle of competition season with recitals fast approaching, your tights are definitely getting a lot of wear. To keep them in tip top condition here are some of our recommendations:

1. Hand washing with mild detergent is always best, but let's be honest, not everyone has time for that. If you machine wash on the delicate cycle with cold water and then let your tights hang dry they will still keep their color and elasticity. 
2. Make sure to store your tights in a safe place that will not snag. We suggest using small Ziploc baggies if you are using wooden drawers to prevent splintered wood from running your tights. 
3. Be mindful of the length of your fingernails and toenails. A quick change resulting in a run in your brand new tights is never a good time. Also, keeping your fingernails short not only saves your tights but also keeps you from scratching any of your fellow dancers in a close quarters dance number. We always recommend keeping your toenails short to prevent bruised or broken toenails, especially if you wear pointe shoes.  (We'll talk foot care at a later date.) In addition, short toenails are much less likely to come poking through a pair of tights!
4. If you do have the misfortune of getting a run in your tights you can easily stop it with some clear nail polish or hairspray.  If you are good with a needle and thread, you can sew up the hole and use the tights for class instead of having to throw them away.

As always we suggest keeping an extra pair with you when performing because you never know what can happen backstage.  We are currently loving the redesigned Capezio UltraSoft tights made with an elastic-free, super soft, knit waistband. Muffin tops are history with these tights!