Hacking Your Dance Lessons, Part Two
We all have them – those sneaky little #LifeHacks that make our lives a little bit easier, a little more convenient. Why not apply that logic to dance as well?
In part one, I focused on #DanceHacks that helped us learn a little faster, so we could shorten the distance between where we are now and the dancer we dream of becoming. This time, I combined #LifeHacks and #DanceHacks to help with some of the related challenges of dancing. Fasten your learning googles!
Sip water through a straw
Multiple sources agree: Putting a straw in your water bottle is a great way to increase your water intake, so you don’t dehydrate yourself mid-lesson. Just don’t ask me why it works. Maybe it’s more efficient?
Homemade ice packs
Take a sponge, soak it in water, put it in a ziplock bag, and freeze it in the fridge. You can take it to class in case of injury or swelling, and the absorbent quality of the sponge will keep it from dripping as much.
Cup amplifiers
Practicing to music on your phone and need a sound boost? Slide the speaker part of your phone into a (empty) cup. The shape of the cup amplifies the sound of the phone, making it easier to hear!
Repair with nail polish
As many female friends have told me, tights are the devil. It seems like you’ve barely got them on before runs start to appear. You may not be able to remove them, but a quick dap with some clear nail polish and/or hair spray can stop them from getting bigger.
Sock-cushions
A proper dance floor is a rare commodity these days – more often we end up practicing on surfaces lacking the cushion to support our moves. Add some padding to your dance shoes by pulling old winter socks over them, leaving the heels exposed for traction. It makes your feet more slippery so you can dance on sticky or wet floors too.
Blow dryer break-in
Breaking in new shoes can be a painful, blister-making ordeal. Speed up the process by heating up the inside of the shoe with a blow dryer, paying special attention to any areas where the shoe is especially tight. For added protection, heat up your socks too!
Smell good and prevent blisters
Deodorant is a key part of any dancer’s toolkit, but did you know it helps prevent blisters too? Spray some into your shoes, or apply directly to the irritated area. And yes, Chap Stick works too.
Next week, we’re looking at competition #DanceHacks, so you can look and perform your best with minimal effort!
About the Author
Ian Crewe has been dancing ballroom for over 18 years, and has a Licentiate in American smooth and rhythm. His passion for dance eventually led him to blogging and the World Wide Web. Ian currently teaches at the Joy of Dance Centre, Toronto, ON, Canada.