Dance Accessories Then and Now

THEN AND NOW

Just as technology is changing the way we live, the advancement in dance accessories and tools have changed the way we dance. Let’s take a look back on some of our everyday dance accessories, and how they've evolved over time!

Oversplits Stretchers

Does anyone remember what phone books were used for? Why oversplits stretching of course!

Well before the Flexistretcher existed, most dancers loved to tell their old tales of stretching techniques practiced by their dance teachers, and the word torturous would come up pretty often when describing these techniques. Whether it consisted of stacking up books, or executing splits between two chairs, or downright human force. Nowadays, it’s great to see that there are dance accessories out there that can still help achieve the same results without risking serious injuries. Our joints and muscles would most definitely have to agree!

Leg Warmers

Sweatbands, Jazzercise, perms and leg warmers, the 80s were a time of feeling the heat while moving to the beat. Before becoming an iconic fashion trend, leg warmers were first used by dancers to keep their muscles warm during a warm-up or stretch. More often than not, dance teachers would not allow students to wear leg warmers during the class or anytime after barrework. Though you can still find some dancers wearing leg warmers, they have been quickly taken over by a whole new generation of warm-up wear. From dance booties, to warm-up

dance overalls, to warm-up pants aka “garbage bag pants”, the amount of products out there to keep us warm are endless. Of course, a proper warmup routine with a bit of cardio, strengthening, mobility and stretching are some of the best ways to prepare your body for a dance class, rehearsal or performance!

Pointe Shoes

For many dancers, their first experience en pointe is often a painful one. But eventually our feet adapt and we develop the proper strength and technique to practice pointe safely. Now imagine if we didn’t have the support, structure and ergonomics of our current day pointe shoes. Well the first form of shoes that were used to get ballerinas up on their toes were pretty much like ballet slippers. Though they had leather soles and a bit of darning, they didn’t provide a whole lot of support. Therefore dancers could only be up en pointe very momentarily. It wasn’t until dancers and shoemakers really started to study and reshape pointe shoes that a wider selection of shoes started appearing on the market. And the evolution of pointe shoes continues to change and redevelop.

Have you ever imagined what dancing will look like in 10, 20, or even 30 years from now? Well get to the chalkboards and start brainstorming, because maybe you’ll be creating the next big dance invention!