Dress for Class

The school year will be starting soon and by now you are shopping for supplies. Clothes and shoes are probably on that list; don’t forget about dancewear! Wearing the proper clothing puts the dancer in the correct frame of mind for class and prepares them for success. The instructor can better make corrections and teach more effectively because the dancer is in proper attire.

While many dance schools have a uniform, we do allow our students choices about colors, styles, etc. Our ballet students are required to wear a leotard and tights to class with skirts a welcome option. We recommend a solid black or pink leotard with a matching skirt and pink ballet shoes. Of course, students are welcome to wear a blue or purple leotard, black tights, etc.   What’s important is that they wear clothing made for dance class. We also suggest split sole ballet slippers. Dancers are not to wear jewelry in class (for safety) and are instructed to wear hair up and pulled back off of the face and neck.

Pajama pants are worn to bed, a dress is worn to the prom, it only makes sense to wear the proper clothing and shoes to dance class. This goes for other styles of dance as well. Here are a few tips:

Tap Class: Wear capri style leggings so the teacher can see your ankles and feet.

Hip Hop Class: Wear comfortable shoes that offer support, we suggest a jazz sneaker.

Jazz Class: Yoga pants and a leotard work well for jazz, don’t forget your slip on jazz shoes!

Lyrical: Dancing bare foot is a wonderful option, but if you prefer check out dance paws or dance footies. These protect the ball of the foot and allow for ease with turns.

In every class, refrain from baggy clothes. These actually impede movement and ruin sight lines. The teachers need to see the students in order to give feedback. Dressing properly for class builds confidence and offers freedom of movement. Additionally, with so many fashionable options available, a classic, yet stylish look is easy to find. Happy shopping!

Dance Dads

We love our dance moms and dads, but this one is for the men. Kudos to the dance dads who support their ballerina (or hip hopper, or tapper, etc.). Here are the many ways my Dad supported me through the years:

-He suggested music. His love of music from the 50’s and 60’s opened me up to music and artists I had never heard before and fell in love with.

-He created scenery. He drew, painted and created a way to hang very special backdrops.

-He danced with me…on stage! I’m not talking about a cute father/daughter dance when I was three; I was in college. The dance school I was studying at offered the opportunity to dance with your Dad and we had a blast.

-My Dad created special lighting that blinked to the beat of the music for me to use at my performances. He also made special black lights-literally making the ballast and unit that housed the bulbs by hand.

-He was the transporter. We often joke that mom was a taxi driver, well then Dad drove the U-haul.  He would bring the props, scenery, costumes, etc.

-My Dad sat through numerous recitals and hours upon hours of dance shows. He also always gave an honest opinion after the performance!

-Now that I am the Studio Director, my Dad still comes to all the shows. He helps sells tickets. He might not be able to sit as long as he used to, but he still comes.

-The best is when my father told me he was proud of me. His approval and his displays of love and support mean everything to me. Thanks Dad! & Love You!

Pictured are the Dads and very special brothers, uncles, etc. that performed in our annual dance recital.  They are our superheroes.

 

Take off the jewelry…

Almost every dance school has the rule: no jewelry in class. There are so many good reasons to follow this rule! Avoid the countless horror stories regarding injuries induced by too heavy of earrings or a collision with a ring. Let’s not forget to mention the stories about missing jewel stones never recovered. Protect your body and your jewelry by removing it before dance class. This goes for children as well.

Kids are adorable in their costume jewelry and it’s tempting to allow them to dress up like a princess for ballet class, but the jewelry often ends up being taken off, left behind, etc.   The jewelry is also a distraction and becomes a toy to play with. This interrupts learning. Set children up for success by sending them into class properly attired.

Jewelry is wonderful for going out for a night on the town or to wear as a dance costume accessory for a performance, but be smart and selective. Keep yourself, others and your jewelry safe!

Make it a Date Night!

The old adage “the couple that plays together stays together” is true!   It’s important for married people to plan time together.   Many parents are working extra hours and often running their children to activities. Keeping connected with your spouse keeps you both happy. Planning a date night together adds value to your relationship and creates lasting memories. Attending a movie can be fun, but unless you’re going to talk about the movie after, it doesn’t keep you connected. Going out to dinner is a great idea, however that rich food can often leave you feeling uncomfortable afterward.   Plan an evening that will keep you connected and allow you both to “play!”

Dancing with your spouse is exciting, fun and intimate. Dancing reduces stress and improves your posture and balance. Dancing is a great way to open up new possibilities and enjoy spending time together.

We invite you to attend our Fall Ballroom Social Event: this is an evening for adults filled with dancing and music. Beginning level Waltz and Swing lessons will be followed by open dancing so you can practice what you have learned.

Friday, October 14^th 7:00-9:00pm

$35 per couple, includes 2 drink tickets (non-alcoholic) at

DeMaira Dance Studios, Inc. 1146 Chicago Ave. Oak Park, IL 60302

708-386-1833 call for tickets and to RSVP

Do Something For yourself!

Parents, do something good for yourself! A dance based exercise class will boost your memory, reduce stress, diminish depression, help your heart, increase your energy, and help you lose weight all while having fun. The trick is to find a class that fits your schedule, your budget and most important, is one that you enjoy – then convince a friend to join you! You are more likely to keep your commitment to a workout when someone else is meeting you there. Once you are there, don’t skip the cool down at the end. Often cardio workouts conclude with some stretching. Remember, increasing your flexibility will help ease joint pain and is crucial for muscles following a workout.

As dance school directors, we know parents will always enroll their children in a dance class before signing themselves up. However, taking care of yourself sets a good example. Being healthy and physically fit will enable you to be there for your family. Sticking with an exercise program also teaches your children the value of making a commitment and they see first-hand the positive results when you follow through. We welcome you to check out our Cardio Fit class. We are doing our best to keep fitness affordable at $6 per class, pay as you attend. We welcome all ages and encourage you to make this a mother/daughter class or commit to seeing your friends once a week by coming to class together. We hope to see you there! Sincerely, Kathy & Joe DeMaira

Low-Impact Cardio Fit: Thursdays at 7:00pm, $6/ class Popular songs from the 70’s, 80’s, 90’s and current music will be used to work out to. The movements are dance based, but accessible and repeated enough for beginners. There will be at least one line dance and a song or two inspired by movements from Zumba and Tae-Bo. Come join the fun! Teacher is Kathy DeMaira. Class is $6, pay as you attend-we’re keeping fitness affordable! Bring a friend! All ages welcome. DeMaira Dance Studios, Inc. 1146 Chicago Ave. Oak Park, IL 60302 *708-386-1833 Parking is free after 6:00pm in the village lot off of Chicago Ave. next to Penny Noodle Restaurant. http://www.demaira-dance.com