Rainbow Connection

A big part of our job as successful dancers is to assess our bodies. Doing that without berating them? You’d struggle to find someone who hasn’t. Learning to love the bodies that we have been given can sometimes take work. I’m here to share the tools and tips I’ve learned to help you support your child in their dance career.

The reality show hit Dance Moms debuted over a decade ago. As a dance studio owner and IRL dance mom, I get asked a lot about my opinion of the show. I'm here to give you the truth!

by Rachel Minnie

 

Can’t get to the beach right now? Why not throw your guppy a magical mermaid birthday party instead? There are so many vibrant colors to use for this popular theme - purples, blues, aquas, pinks - that finding coordinating party items will be a sea breeze.

 

Mermaid Leotard Costume

One headache-saver is this leotard mermaid costume from The Leotard Boutique. Use this and any color dance skirt, and your mergirl will feel like Ariel. This is one of those items that is so multi-purpose: dress up, Halloween, or a birthday party.

In fact, why not have all the guests dress up? One of the best kids parties I’ve ever attended against my will was a dress-up party. It was nowhere near October, but kids wore old Halloween costumes or whatever costume pieces they had around. The kids loved it, and the parents loved reusing costumes that otherwise would have stayed in the closet.

 

Mermaid Crown

Top off the birthday girl’s mermaid costume with a spectacular crown. This Etsy find can be customized with any age or no age. I’d go with no age so that it can be more easily reused for dress up or Halloween.

 

Mermaid Tail Balloons

This kit is definitely on a higher level than regular party balloons. It comes with all the supplies for a show-stopping mermaid tail. Bonus: these don’t need helium to look spectacular.

 

Jellyfish Paper Lanterns

These paper lanterns are an easy, high-impact decorating choice that will make your guests feel like they are under the sea. Add some fishing nets and seashells for an even better sea vibe.

 

Mermaid Decorating Kit

Another bang for your decorating buck is this kit with purples, pinks, and aquas. Personally, I can’t get enough of those tissue pom poms. Hang them from the ceiling, or just attach them to the wall with painter’s tape. That way, you only have to floof one side. Time saver!

 

Scalloped Shell Plates

We love the iridescence on these scalloped shell plates. Pair them with this set of iridescent plastic cutlery to complete the magical look.

 

Scalloped Wrapping Paper

I may or may not be overdoing it, but I love matching the wrapping paper to a kiddo’s birthday theme. The presents themselves become part of the decorations.

 

Mermaid Tail Favor Bags

These are another one of those multipurpose items. Not only can these mermaid tail cones be stuffed with treats and used as party favors, they can be hung on string to make them part of the decorations. You’ll have to buy extra ribbon to hang each up, as the ribbons included are only enough for tying the bags closed.

I swear I meant to design my own ballet craft to share with you lovely people. However, I’m not all that crafty, much to my dismay. As much as I would like to pull out my craft tote when my child gets bored or antsy and show how to do something new featuring leotards, tutus, and ballet slippers, to be honest, I’m much better at following other people’s directions. 

 by Rachel Minnie

Things are pretty scary right now, and not in a good way. Although no one is sure what trick-or-treating will look like this year, we still want to celebrate one of America’s favorite holidays. Here are our suggestions for a responsibly social-distanced Halloween celebration.

 

Don’t Skip the Costumes

 

Even if kids aren’t going trick-or-treating or attending their usual parties this year, do not skip the costumes. Dressing up as a kid on Halloween is one of those treasured childhood activities that should be maintained, even if you aren’t going anywhere. (Take a look at our wholesomely spooky girls’ and toddlers’ costume leotards in our Halloween shop!)

 

Share the (Candy) Love

 

This one takes a little planning ahead, but think about sending Halloween goodie bags to your child’s closest friends and relatives. Include a handmade card from your child along with a few pieces of candy, a pencil or two, and mail them a few days ahead of time. Your child will have fun getting into the spirit by sending the packages, and your child’s friends will love receiving them.

 

Modified Trick-or-Treating

 

This is one trick I used when my family first moved to New Hampshire only a couple days before Halloween. We knew not one soul, had no neighbors, and didn’t even know yet where people did their candy peddling in that tiny rural town. So we had my four-year-old dress up in his costume, and while he and his daddy played outside in the early evening, I “hid” candy all around the house. He went through the house, collecting the candy (all his favorites - no duds). He loved it! Even at 11 years old, he still talks about that Halloween. Happy childhood memory - nailed it.

 

Decorate!

 

Even if you’re not feeling totally in the Halloween spirit, don’t skip the decorations. In fact, that’s even more reason to go a little more elaborate with indoor and outdoor decorations this year. (If you’re already one of those people who goes all out on their outdoor decor, you deserve a ghoulishly heartfelt thank you from the rest of us.) Not only will it delight your kiddos, but it will inspire the neighbors as well. Instead of driving around to look at holiday lights, drive around to look at all the Halloween decorations.

 

Keep It Spooky, Witches

 

Going along with decorating, if you have the space - and, more importantly, the time and energy - make your own outdoor haunted attraction. Who said a haunted house has to be the inside of the house? Backyards can be just as chilling. Set one up and let local families know via social media. On Halloween night, allow one family at a time to go through and provide hand sanitizer and disposable masks. With all of today’s new-fangled animatronic contraptions, you can set up a seriously spooky space with no live jump scares. Add a fog machine, scary recordings, and you’ve got yourself a Halloween horror treat not just for your family, but for your friends and neighbors as well. And if you set it up but don’t get many bodies, consider it a dry run for next year’s Halloween, which we hope will be more lively. Get it? I’ll see myself out.

 

Photo by @adayinthelifeofcecilia

When we all were sweating through middle school gym class, who would have guessed that one day we would be throwing a party based on it? But paired with a colorful birthday party, working out is especially fun. Here are our picks for the best retro workout-themed birthday, like, ever!

This year has already been so frightening that we hardly need any more scares. However, we would argue that Halloween - so kitschy and faux fear - will be a welcome break from reality. Let’s all pretend to be scared by sheet-covered ghosts and staticy, recorded werewolf howls, shall we? In that spirit (see what I did there?) here are our favorite Halloween costume trends of 2020.

Besides the leotards, tights, and dance skirts, bags are one of the most important and functional accessories your child will need for dance classes. That’s why we’ve compiled the best of the best dance bags for little dancers. Here they are!

At a time when the world is so chaotic, dance lessons may seem like one of the things you can let fall to the wayside. However, whether your little ones were already taking lessons or have never put on a leotard before, online dance classes can be beneficial to both bored students and overwhelmed parents.

It’s easier and more affordable than ever to create a dance practice space at home. All you need is a few supplies - some of which you may already have - and a small, empty space. Follow the instructions below, and then throw on those leotards and tights and get practicing!