Thursday, 27 September 2012

Traditional vs Modern Dancewear

If you are about to send your kid to dance school or to join a local dance crew, you should research what type of clothing they will require to do their best during practice and at performances. The clothes your kids wear can play a big part in the freedom of movement that they have and the impressions they can create, so read on to find out more.

Traditional dancewear is the stuff of every young girl’s dream, and is there anything more iconic than the tutu? Most people imagine a classic pink or white ‘Swan Lake’ style tutu, but there are lots of different styles to choose from, and you can even opt for a flatter skirt style if you find this more wearable. 

Colours range greatly as well, so a group of dancers can create a uniform look by wearing the same colour, or allocate different character roles within a production by using different colour schemes.

Whilst traditional leotards and tutus are great for ballet dancers, more modern dance styles will require a completely different type of clothing. Ease of movement is essential, so leotards, leggings and cropped tops can all work well. If your body comes into contact with the floor (through spinning or sliding, for example) you might want long trousers and tops that cover your skin, yet are still light and breathable to allow you to move freely. 

Good shoes are also essential for many styles of modern dance. A split sole shoe is good for jazz or urban dance, as it allows the bridge of the foot to flex and bend easily whilst still providing cushioning and support for the ball and heel of the foot. 

Traditional ballet shoes are designed for flexibility of movement, and a good pair of soft ballet shoes is essential for regular practice. For those dancers who are able to dance ‘en pointe’, a pair of Bloch or Capezio shoes is essential. Pointe shoes are specifically designed to offer as much support and comfort as possible whilst still offering flexibility to the foot and ankle. Do bear in mind that pointe shoes do not usually come with ribbons, so these need to be purchased separately. 

When it comes to dancewear, neither traditional nor modern is necessarily better; instead, manufacturers focus on comfort, support and freedom of movement for each style of dance and every type of dancer. So let your kids shine!

image: http://www.flickr.com/photos/rdenubila/4758088139/

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