Dancewear Central

01/09/2021
, , , ,

Ballet shoes and tights for diverse skin tones – our growing collection

Did you know that ballet shoes and tights were originally designed to look as if the dancer had bare legs and feet? In theory, this helped to create the illusion of longer legs and aesthetically pleasing classical lines, but it was completely impractical. We all know that people do not come in one standard colour, and so dancewear manufacturers have begun to tackle this imbalance. They have started to produce socks, tights and ballet shoes for darker skin tones, increasing the inclusivity of their ranges. At Dancewear Central, we want... Read More

Dance Statistics UK 2021 14/05/2021
, ,

Dance Makes us Happy – The Statistics

Dance. For some it’s a professional endeavour. For others, it’s a much loved hobby. And for plenty, it’s something we do in the shower, the kitchen and at family gatherings. However and wherever you dance, we’re a nation that simply loves it. So we compiled some dance statistics for 2021 to highlight the UK’s love affair with dance. Dance Statistics in Summary We’ve packed this piece full of information. But if you want just the quick version, here are our headline findings: 42.8% of adults in the UK say dancing... Read More

14/04/2021
, , , , ,

JOHANNA HADLEY INTERVIEW – HOW COVID-19 HAS IMPACTED PERFORMING ARTS: WITH JOHANNA HADLEY

As we mark a year since the UK went into its first Covid-19 lockdown, we are running a series of interviews with dance industry professionals and dancers. Here we talk to dance teacher Johanna Hadley about her experiences over this past year. Tell us a bit about what you do in the UK dance sector? I’m Johanna Hadley and I’m a ballet teacher at our family business, the Janet Lomas School of Dancing in Bury, Lancashire. The school was founded by my mum 43 years ago. At the school, I... Read More

06/04/2021
, , , ,

How to look after your tap shoes | Dancewear Central

Tap shoes, when looked after well, can last for many years. They don’t wear through as quickly as ballet and jazz shoes, and the sound of the tap plates can mature with age. To make sure that you get the most out of your tap shoes, follow our five top tips to keep you tapping away! 1. Don’t go outside in your tap shoes Going outside in your tap shoes will quickly damage the plates. Tap shoes plates are made of a soft metal, which will become heavily scratched when... Read More

01/04/2021
, , , , , , ,

Jessica Templeton Interview – HOW COVID-19 HAS IMPACTED PERFORMING ARTS: WITH JESSICA TEMPLETON

As we mark a year since the UK went into its first Covid-19 lockdown, we are running a series of interviews with dance industry professionals and dancers Here we talk to dancer-in-training, Jessica Templeton, who is in her second year at one of the most prestigious ballet schools in the world. Tell us a bit about what you do in the UK dance sector? I am a dancer, who trains mostly in ballet and contemporary. I started taking my dancing seriously aged 13, when I left home to train at... Read More

22/03/2021
, ,

Precious Adams Interview – HOW COVID-19 HAS IMPACTED PERFORMING ARTS: WITH PRECIOUS ADAMS

As we mark a year since the UK went into its first Covid-19 lockdown, we are running a series of interviews with dance industry professionals and dancers Here we talk to Precious Adams, Junior Soloist at the English National Ballet and the impact this last year has had on her with regards to dance. Tell us a bit about what you do in the UK dance sector? So, primarily, I am a junior soloist ballet dancer with the English National Ballet. I have been working for them for nearly 7... Read More

04/03/2021
, , , ,

The Best Jazz Shoes – Our Buying Guide

Confused about which jazz shoes to buy? Our handy guide is here to help you choose the correct jazz shoes for you. What are the different styles of jazz shoes? Jazz shoes are similar to a ballet shoe because they feature a flexible sole, but they usually have a small rubber heel. They are typically used in a jazz class to help to reduce friction beneath the foot, which is especially useful when performing pirouettes. Jazz shoes can be worn by both male and female dancers of all ages. They... Read More

23/02/2021
, , ,

Should I continue with dance classes online?

With the UK in the middle of its third lockdown, many people are growing weary of seemingly endless online meetings, home schooling, classes and activities. But while dancing at home is undeniably different to dancing in a studio, there are still many benefits to continuing with dance classes online. 1. Keeping a sense of normality Keeping up with regular dance classes can help to maintain a sense of normality and structure to your child’s week. Continuing with online classes means that students still get to see their dance teacher and... Read More

Zannah Chisholm - Covid's Impact on PErforming Arts 16/02/2021
, , ,

How COVID-19 Has Impacted Performing Arts: An Interview with Zannah Chisholm

In this interview, we chat to Zannah Chisholm, Artistic Director and CEO of Pavilion Dance South West to find out a little more about the impact the coronavirus pandemic has had on the performing arts sector.  Tell us a bit about what you do in the performing arts sector? “For 25 years Pavilion Dance South West has been creating programmes of dance, nurturing talent and enabling more people to dance and to watch dance. Our strongest roots are in contemporary dance, but we are clear that the future is framed... Read More

16/02/2021
, , , ,

What Financial Support Has the Government Made Available for the Arts Sector During the Pandemic?

As we all know, the coronavirus pandemic has put huge strain on our country’s valuable arts sector. Comedy, music, theatre and dance centres have been forced to close their doors and stop all performances to the public. Combined arts, visual arts, museums and many literature organisations have also been affected, putting many people’s careers and livelihoods at risk.  In this article, we explore what financial support has been made available to the arts sector during the coronavirus pandemic, and take a closer look into whether or not this will be... Read More