The Great Sock Debacle

So you're a dancer. When you think of your ideal footwear for the studio, do you think socks? Socks have become a staple in studios across the globe. Dancers love the total coverage and ease they provide for our feet. But how often do you get to dance onstage with socks? I'm going to guess barely ever. So why are dancers training in something they cannot perform in. Well many major dance companies such as the iconic Hubbard Street Dance Center have began to allow dancers to perform in socks. This is a major breakthrough for the dancing community, and it is paving the way for change in the dance world.

Dancers love this because we are finally able to use the stage just like the studio. It helps us glide across the stage with ease, and we are more sure of where our weight is. Artistic directors may be concerned about the aesthetic of socks. They may worry that dancers' lines will be ruined with the blunt edge of a sock, or that their dancers will slip. Precision Arts is here to offer tips for those who may consider making the switch to socks onstage.

1) Nude. Dancers should be wearing nude socks to make sure their lines are as clean as barefoot. It is essential to have dancers pick out socks that match their skin tone. One shade of nude will not necessarily work for every dancer.

2) Cotton. Socks should be as close to 100% cotton as possible. The more polyester or nylon in the sock, the more slippery they become. By choosing socks that are mostly cotton, the risk of slipping onstage is greatly reduced. I have found H&M's socks to be the best. They are 77% cotton.

3) Mid-Calf or Crew Length. By choosing a mid-calf or crew length you can ensure that these socks will remain in place. They will not fall off the heel like a short sock, and unlike knee highs, they will not inhibit floorwork that utilizes dancers' knees.

4) Right size. Make sure you are choosing socks that fit your shoe size. This may seem obvious, but a sock that's too tight will lead to slipping on the floor, and one that's too loose will slide right down the ankle creating an ugly bunch.

The 6 Habits of Confident Dancers

There is nothing more powerful than seeing a dancer command the stage with confidence. Without a doubt these dancers are more likely to get noticed. We checked in with some dancers to find out what they do to keep their confidence high on the stage.

Habit 1: Rehearse, rehearse, rehearse. Confident dancers know the choreography, technique, and timing down to every last detail. To boost your poise onstage, you have to put in the work offstage. Try to go over your dances AT LEAST once a day, even if it's while you are laying in bed about to fall asleep.

Habit 2: Watch yourself in the mirror. So often dancers feel uncomfortable analyzing every move in the mirror while they are in the studio, but doing just this will allow you to identify what aspects of your dancing that you need to improve. When going across the floor, don't just rush to finish. Watch yourself and work on fixing the issues you see.

Habit 3: ASK QUESTIONS. No one expects you to have all the answers. If you are unsure of the orientation of a hand, a technical placement, or even an entire chunk of choreography ask a teacher or friend to help you out. The more you know the more tenacity you'll have as a dancer.

Habit 4: Don't look down. So often we see dancers absolutely killing it onstage, but then their eyes hit the floor. NO!!! Keep those eyes up, it's a simple way to ooze confidence. Practicing this in the studio quickly turns it into habit onstage and in life.

Habit 5: Support your fellow dancers. Dance tends to be competitive in nature, and this is in no way a bad thing. But to feel confident in your own skills, don't forget to help someone else feel confident in theirs. By offering help or complimenting a fellow dancer (whether you know them or not) you open yourself to a new world that feels fantastic. 

Habit 6: Self- compliment. While it is important to support other dancers, you need to support yourself as well. Allow yourself to be proud of your strengths, and don't be afraid to show them off. You have worked hard for them, no shame in showing it!