Tis the season of giving and receiving! While Taylor Swift tickets may be dominating your winter bucket list, check out our picks below to find the season’s most coveted dance goodies.
After all, what better way to start the new year than with new gear? We’ve rounded up a dozen items to provide the perfect gift for dancers from head to toe.
fancy footwear
Designed with dancers in mind, the Fuego sneakers are said to “increase rotational capabilities while reducing friction and torque on dancers’ knees.” In addition to high- and low-top shoes, the company also produces a new breakaway sneaker ( $130), endorsed by Miami City Ballet’s Ella Titus, and available in six colors.
Show off your Midas toe touch with Pastry’s Pop Tart Glitter Gold Sneakers ($70). Available in adult and children’s sizes, these sneakers will brighten up the studio on even the winteriest days. (You’ll pray your teacher wants the whole class to attend make-up time!)
Don’t worry, chumps—we’ve got a pair of shiny shoes for you, too. Merlet’s Sparkle pointe shoes (€75) are covered in crystals and available in seven different shimmering colors to channel your inner Cinderella. Dorothy could choose Merlet’s crystal pointe shoes (from €90) in a bright ruby red color, although they are not sparkly.
A newcomer to the pointe shoe market is Virtisse, a woman-owned manufacturer of pointe shoes worn by students and professionals around the world, including dancers with the San Francisco Ballet and Houston Ballet. Consider their latest model, the Violette ($116), which has a slightly tapered box, a U-shaped mid-size upper, and soft, medium, and firm insoles.
Must have equipment
Set your New Year’s resolution now: Get more flexibility and flexibility in your feet with Superior Stretch’s SuperiorArch® Foot Stretcher ($67.50). Pro Tip: Keep this baby at home…it could easily become the shiny new tool in the studio that everyone wants to try.
Glam’r Gear’s Mobile Changer™ Dance Duffel Bag is both a wardrobe and a suitcase, a bag and space organizer in one. Ideal for game or meeting locker rooms (aka ballrooms), it allows you to bring your gear and then mount the rack anywhere – no wardrobe required.
You’ll also love AK Dancewear’s versatile backpack ($69), which is perfect for dancers while dancing, at school, or while traveling. It even comes with a special ventilated shoe compartment and insulated pockets to keep your snacks warm.
Stop holding the pole on the kitchen table. Ask Santa for the Boss Ballet Barres Portable Handrail ($299). The mid-level series is available in 4-foot or 6-foot lengths, with the shorter option weighing just 34 pounds.
Beautiful whole body
Are you going to fly solo this year? You may want to add a new outfit to your list. LA Dance Designs provides gorgeous stage design. Take the drab Cosmic leotard ($140), for example, which features mesh cutouts and futuristic lines that would complement any contemporary ballet solo. Just For Kix also has stunning lyrical apparel options, like the embroidered, dusty lavender A Little of Your Love Leo and skirt combo ($69.99).
Represent your favorite race or conference brand with merchandise like the Peak Threads (via Elevation on Tour) “Be Kind” T-Shirt ($27), available in pepper or blue.
Let’s face it: Tights don’t last forever. On those dark or stormy days, treat yourself to Concealed, Zidans’ new dancewear collection, and add a touch of luxury to a truly classic style with Bloch International’s Viennese Short-Sleeve Bodysuit ($57). Order it in black for auditions and pair it with Eurotard’s Classic Ballet Wrap Sweater ($34). Ballet fashion has never been so classic.
brain power
High School Students: It’s never too early to ask for dance-specific college preparatory courses. Francisco Gella Dance Works offers a variety of virtual workshops and consultations, while the Boca Ballet Theater offers a college fair ($299) that includes classes and sessions with guest faculty from top conservatories. Take advantage of the opportunity to register for the 2024 show on Labor Day Weekend.
Dance integrates into life ($35), Written by Joe Tremaine and Laurie Johnson, it provides compelling insights and advice for a career in show business. Take this book with you to an audition or read at bedtime for extra dance inspiration.
Forty Exercises You Can Easily Do at Home (In Your Pajamas) Pajama Pilates ($17), available through Balanced Body. Each page includes step-by-step instructions with modification options (pictured!). Put this guide in your travel bag and never skip a day of Pilates.
Of course, a trip to your local dance retailer will never disappoint. Request a gift card that you can use to try on clothing in-store or have new shoes professionally fitted (required for safety and health). Who knows—the shop owner might know what your friends are looking at, too. happy shopping!
