Dance Workout DVDs

As a dancer your body is important. Whether you're looking to lose weight or just tone up, there are so many DVDs on the market, especially dance based workouts. Here are some of my favourites.

The New York City Ballet Workout (Vol. 1 & 2) - From £14.40                                                             

• Just Buy Volume 1 - From £7.40
• Just Buy Volume 2 - From £6.98

If you don't want to buy both volumes and cannot chose which one to get, I would recommend volume 2. Most of the reviews say that it is better. I do not own the first volume, but I can say that the 2nd volume is fantastic, and the best dance based workout I've tried so far!

Element: Ballet Conditioning - From £3.55

Ballet Fitness - From £7.75

Ballet Beautiful: Body Blast - From £5.75

Jennifer Ellison's West End Workout - From 1p!

Ministry Of Sound: The Ultimate Workout - From £4.45

The Capoeira Workout - From £4.08

Dance With Julianne: Cardio Ballroom

If none of these appeal to you, have a look on Amazon. There are hundreds of dance based workouts available there. There is bound to be one that suits your fancy!

Dance Magazines (England)

Dance magazines are a must have for any dancer. Whether you buy the odd issue or hold a subscription, it's always a treat to read the articles and look at the breathtaking photographs. Magazines can give you an insight into a dancer's life, upcoming shows and auditions and much more! There are a few on the market now, it's just a case of finding them!

Dancing Times is one of the leading dance magazines. This one is relatively easy to find and should be available in the arts section at W. H. Smith.

It's sister magazine Dance Today is a bit harder to find. It may sometimes be available in W. H. Smith and similar stores.

Dance Europe is less well known. This may not be sold in shops, but it is easily available to buy on their website.

The Stage Newspaper isn't specifically dance, but it always will always have various dance articles. If you're into Musical Theatre then this is ideal for you. This is widely available from supermarkets, W. H. Smith and other similar shops.

All of these magazines/newspapers are available on their websites. Click the magazine name to visit their website.

What Leotard Is Right For You?

There are so many beautiful leotards on the market, it's almost impossible to choose. When wearing your leotard you want to feel comfortable and look great! But which leotards are right for you? This article from the latest edition of Pointe Magazine has everything from broad shoulders to short torsos. Click here to read the full article.

Leotard Review

Capezio, Double Criss Cross Strap, Camisole Leotard

                                Image from ids.co.uk

This has to be my favourite leotard. It is so versatile in that it can be worn for class or a performance. It isn't too much for a lesson, yet it is more that suitable for a show. The shelf bra lining hold you tight which is important for a leotard like this as underwear would ruin the back decoration. (And this from a larger busted dancer!) Other than the back design, I love the neckline. It's not too wide, pointed or too low and is very flattering. Just as a warning, it falls quite high on the thigh. For me, this is not a problem, but understandably you may want to consider it.
It is Cotton/Lycra and great quality.
Overall, I would say this leotard is a must have! An essential for you dance wardrobe!

Buy this leotard:

Dance Direct - £16.95 (Black, White, Burgundy, Pink) ON SALE £13.56
Move Dancewear - £12.95 (Black, White, Navy)
Porselli - £13.35 (Black, White, Navy)
Dance Gear Direct - £15.95 (Black, Burgundy, Navy, Amethyst)

Similar Leotards:

Move Dancewear - Motionfit (Black, White, Mulberry) £13.95
Dance Direct - Plume (Black, Red, Orchid) £13.95

Porselli SALE*

*like most dancewear retailers, Porselli has ongoing sales. This is not an official sale, just the odd item has been reduced. However, after having a look, there are some great things on offer!

Click here to head on over to the Porselli Dancewear SALE!

FAVOURITES

• Capezio Capri Layer Tights - £1.95 ALMOST 1/4 PRICE!
• Capezio Citrona Leotard (Orange) - £8.48 HALF PRICE
• So Danca Chorus Girl Character Shoes - £9.45 HALF PRICE
• Capezio Children's Stirrup Tights (Black) - £1.95 ALMOST 1/4 PRICE!
• Capezio Men's Canvas Cobra Soft Ballet Shoes - £1.95 ALMOST 1/7 PRICE!
• Capezio Men's Leather Romeo Soft Ballet Shoes - £2.84 ALMOST 1/7 PRICE!
• Harmonie Striped Hipster Shorts - £3.98

This has to be one of the best sales I've seen! Enjoy!

Capezio Convertible Duffle Bag - Review

The Capezio Convertible Duffle Bag is great for rehearsals and all day classes. With 8 different compartments, there is room for everything.
You can use the long shoulder straps, short straps (in the crook of your arm) or you can wear it as a backpack. There are two back straps hidden on the bottom of the bag. This is ideal if your bag is heavy (which I find mine often is with Tap shoes and a full water bottle alone.).
I love all the compartments in the bag. It enables me to keep my shoes and hair accessories separate from my clothes. I always used to have to rummage around for my Foot Undeez, but now I know where they are immediately.
There is also an elastic drawstring on the front, outside. This means, if your bottle leaks nothing gets wet!
However, I did have two small problems. When I first received the product and attached the long shoulder strap to the bag, the hook snapped! After exchanging my bag everything seemed fine. But, recently, the padded, movable part of the long strap unraveled and fell off. However, I'm not bothered about this as I never seem to find them very helpful.
All in all, I love this bag. It does everything I want it to! It may seem expensive, but it's worth every penny. For a dancer who has long days/all day classes/rehearsals I would thoroughly recommend this bag.
I think it is suitable for both girls and boys. It is only available in black with the Capezio logo written in silver.

Click to Buy (BEST PRICE) £21.95 (With P&P)

What To Take In Your Dance Bag?

To Class:
1. Dance Shoes (And any accessories you need - i.e. for pointe work)
2. WATER!
3. Additional Dancewear (You may need a skirt for exam practice and it's best to rehearse with it so you're used to it by the time of your exam!)
4. Warm Ups (If it's cold you may want to take a jumper, leg warmers, shorts etc.)

Additional
5. Your Uniform. If you have uniform and have, say, been out with friends before class, don't forget to bring your uniform and dancewear to class! Otherwise you'll probably be rather uncomfortable. (Vice versa if you're going out afterwards)
6. Towel and Change of Clothes (Depending on how intense your lessons are)

To Rehearsal:
1. Dance Shoes (And any accessories you need - i.e. for pointe work)
2. WATER!
3. Food. Rehearsals can go on a long time, make sure you eat regularly. I've seen many people faint, on stage (!), due to dehydration and lack of energy (after not having eaten). Remember, the food you eat is being burnt off during rehearsal and your body needs it's fuel, just like a car!
3. Additional Dancewear (You may need a skirt - for example -  for your performance, so even if your costume hasn't arrived yet it may be a good idea to practice with a similar skirt. This way, if some of the staging doesn't work with your costume, it can be changed before everyone gets used to it!)
4. Warm Ups (If it's cold you may want to take a jumper, leg warmers, shorts etc.)
5. Something to Do. You might not be required for the whole rehearsal. So, in your breaks, unless you would just like to sit and watch the rehearsal (which is a good idea!), you might want to bring a book, or something else to keep you occupied. I wouldn't recommend listening to music as you need to be fully aware in rehearsals, in case you're needed. (Breaks are also a great opportunity to re-energize, and eat!)
6. Towel and Change of Clothes. (Depending on how intense your rehearsals are, and what you're afterwards)

Unless you've been told to bring anything else, this is all you should need.