Equipment, New Dance Moms, Tips & Tricks, Training Tools

Best Stretching and Strengthening Tools for Dancers

What Actually Works! Best Stretching and Strengthening Tools for Dancers

Oh my goodness, can we talk about the endless stream of dance products flooding my social media feeds? As a veteran dance mom who’s probably bought every gadget under the sun (my husband still teases me about that “miracle” stretching device collecting dust in our garage), I’ve learned a thing or two about what’s worth your hard-earned money.

Let me tell you, finding tools that actually help with flexibility and strength can feel like searching for a perfect nude tight match – overwhelming but so satisfying when you get it right! Sure, some of these fancy tools just end up being expensive motivational props (my daughter was obsessed with that light-up turning board for exactly two weeks). But others? They’ve become absolute game-changers in our daily practice routine. Trust me, I’ve wasted enough money on gimmicky products to know what’s worth investing in and what’s just clever marketing.

In this guide, I’m sharing our tried-and-true favorites – the ones that have survived countless practice sessions and actually showed real results. I’ve purchased every single item listed below for my daughter (and sometimes “borrowed” them for myself… those resistance bands are addictive!), and I’ll be updating you on our progress as we continue using them.

Stay tuned for detailed reviews and real results – and feel free to share your own experiences in the comments. We dance moms have to stick together!

Turning Discs/Boards

Turn Discs and Boards help to increase your balance and ability to do multiple pirouettes. My daughter prefers the rectangular ones over the round styles and we love the official TurnBoard PRO. With this board you can use bluetooth to download on to your phone and it counts how many turns you are doing and gives you even more stats.

If you daughter leans more towards ballet then a round disc might be her preference. They are great to turn en releve or demi-pointe so that you are actually developing the appropriate muscles for your dancing. We love the TTolbi ones.

Resistance & Stretch Bands

Let me clear up something that used to confuse the heck out of me at the dance store – stretch bands versus resistance bands. There is a difference.

Therabands are fantastic and the gold standard. They are widely known as one of the most trusted brands of resistance bands in the dance world! We use them all the time. Even I use them to stetch my middle aged body.

Stretch Bands are popular with people who do yoga and are extremely beneficial to dancers to be able to control the stretch and not overstrain the muscles.

Again we love the TTolbi ones and they came in a range of pretty colours.

Equipment, New Dance Moms, Tips & Tricks, Training Tools

A Dance Mom’s Guide to Stretching & Strengthening

A Dance Mom’s Guide to Stretching & Strengthening: What I’ve Learned Through My Daughters Dance Life

Let me tell you something I wish I’d known when my daughter first started dancing – it’s not just about the pretty tutus and perfect buns (though those are important too!). As a dance mom, watching my daughter grow from an eager tiny tot to a dedicated teen dancer, I’ve learned that proper stretching and strengthening are absolute game-changers.

The Reality Check Every Dance Parent Needs I’ll never forget that wake-up call during my daughter’s first serious injury. Her physical therapist explained that while all those beautiful splits and extensions are impressive, without proper strength to support them, we’re basically asking for trouble. Trust me, a few weeks of sitting out due to a strained hamstring will teach you this lesson quick!

What’s Working for Us Before Class (Our Pre-Dance Ritual): You should see our kitchen about 30 minutes before dance class! My daughter does these dynamic stretches that basically look like a controlled warm-up:

Leg swings while holding onto the counter (drives my husband crazy, but it works!)
Arm circles that remind me of a windmill
These walking lunges down our hallway
And something she calls “bouncing seconds” that always make our dog think it’s playtime

After Class (The Cool-Down Reality): I’ve learned to pack healthy snacks because proper static stretching takes time. My daughter holds these stretches for what feels like forever (actually 30 seconds):

Forward splits (on both sides – always both sides!)
That butterfly stretch we all remember from grade school
Something called “cobra pose” that looks terrifying but apparently feels amazing
And yes, the infamous splits (though not until she’s properly warmed up)

Strength Training (Beyond the Studio) Here’s what surprised me most – dancers need strength training too! Our current routine includes:

Core Work (Because apparently everything in dance starts from the core):

Planks (my daughter can hold them longer than I can!)
These twisted crunch things that look impossible
Russian twists (named after ballet origins, I assume?)
V-ups (which look exactly like they sound)

Leg & Foot Work (Because those pointe shoes aren’t going to work themselves):

Calf raises while brushing teeth (multitasking for the win!)
Theraband exercises (we keep one in every room)
Wall sits during homework breaks
Relevés until I get dizzy just watching

Upper Body (Yes, It Matters!): Don’t be like me and ignore upper body strength until your child needs to do partner work! We now regularly do:

Modified push-ups (full ones came later)
Resistance band work (those bands are everywhere in our house)
Shoulder exercises that help with port de bras

The “I Wish Someone Had Told Me Sooner” Tips:

Always pack a water bottle (and a backup!)
Never skip the warm-up (even if you’re running late)
Listen when they say something hurts
Keep healthy snacks in your dance bag
Schedule rest days (yes, they’re actually important)

My Biggest Dance Mom Revelation You know what’s funny? After years of watching my daughter stretch and strengthen, I’ve actually started doing some of these exercises myself! Nothing like a dance mom getting schooled by her own daughter on the importance of proper body conditioning.

The Real Results I’ll never forget my daughter’s first successful turning sequence after we started taking conditioning seriously. The look on her face – that mixture of pride and surprise – made all those extra hours of preparation worth it. Now, not only does she dance better, but she’s more confident, has fewer injuries, and actually enjoys the process of taking care of her body.

To all my fellow dance moms (and dads!) out there: Trust me, proper stretching and strengthening might not be the most glamorous part of dance, but they’re absolutely essential. And hey, if you’re like me, you might even find yourself doing some theraband exercises while watching dance competition videos!

Check out our recommendations for tools to help.

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Tips & Tricks, Costumes, New Dance Moms

Expert Tips for Supporting Your Dancer

ESSENTIAL Tips for SLAYING the Dance Mom Life!

HONEY, let me tell you ALL about being a dance mom! (adjusts rhinestone “Dance Mom” shirt)

Listen up, because your baby’s about to start their journey to becoming a STAR, and mama, you need to know how to work it! After years of rhinestones, hairspray clouds, and enough bobby pins to fill a Home Depot, I’m spilling ALL the tea!

The REAL Deal About Dance Life

If you think dance is just about twirling around in tutus, you’ve got another thing coming! This is about building confident kids!

Gear Up Like a BOSS

Listen here – you can’t send your little star out there looking anything less than PERFECT!

Get yourself to that dance boutique and don’t you DARE skimp on those shoes! My daughter wore cheap tap shoes ONCE and honey, never again!
Keep that dance bag STOCKED! I’m talking industrial-strength hairspray, enough bobby pins to survive the apocalypse, and safety pins for DAYS!
And please, for the love of everything sacred, buy backup tights. Trust your dance mama on this one!

Time Management is Your New BFF

Y’all, my calendar looks like a Broadway production schedule, and I LIVE for it! Between classes, competitions, and costume fittings, you better get yourself the biggest planner you can find. And yes, your regular life will have to work around dance – priorities, people!

Competition Season = Game Time

Oh. My. Word. Competition season is our Super Bowl! Here’s the tea:

Pack EVERYTHING the night before. I mean EVERYTHING!
Get there early – nobody ever won Grand Champion from the parking lot
Bring enough snacks to feed a small army (but nothing that stains those $300 costumes!)
And remember: there’s nothing a little glitter hairspray can’t fix!

Being THE Dance Mom Your Child Needs

Look, we’ve all seen those TV shows, but real dance moms know it’s about building our babies up! When my daughter forgot solo last year, did I flip? NO MA’AM! We turned that moment into a learning experience and even better she stayed on that stage and made up the rest of the dance. I as proud of her for sticking it out … and I told her so. it didn’t matter that she forgot, it mattered that she kept her cool and kept at it.

Finding Your Tribe

Honey, you NEED your dance mom sisters! These are the women who will hold your coffee while you’re safety-pinning a headpiece, the ones who’ll share their last pair of backup tights, and who understand why you’re crying at every recital!

Cross-Training is Your Secret Weapon, Honey!

Listen up, because this tea is HOT! Y’all think just dancing is enough? You don’t need to sign up for every activity in town (Lord knows our schedules are PACKED), but mixing it up with some pilates or strength training? That’s how you create a POWERHOUSE performer!

Mental Health Comes Before Trophies, Period!

Y’all, we need to talk about something serious. takes off rhinestone crown Between the competitions, rehearsals, and costume changes, this life can get INTENSE! I check in with my daughter every single day – not just about her triple pirouettes (which are FAB, by the way), but about how she’s FEELING. Sometimes we skip practice and just get ice cream, because mama knows when her baby needs a break!

Budget Like a Boss!

Let me tell you about dance expenses! fans self with last month’s studio bill Listen here – you’ve got to know your limits before you’re selling your good pearls to pay for another sequined costume! Have that honest conversation with your studio about what you can handle. Trust me, it’s better than crying in your car after writing another check you can’t afford!

Knowledge is POWER!

adjusts reading glasses dramatically Listen up, because this is IMPORTANT! You can’t just show up looking pretty in your “Dance Mom” t-shirt without knowing your chassés from your chaînés! I’ve got every dance magazine subscription known to man, and I’m in ALL the Facebook groups. Why? Because when my daughters teacher starts talking about her développé, mama knows EXACTLY what needs work!

Show Up & SHINE Like the Queen Dance Mama You Are!

HONEY! clutches pearls Are we even having this conversation about showing up to watch your baby perform?! Let me tell you something – I haven’t missed a single performance since my daughter first danced across that stage, and I don’t plan on starting now!

And I’m not just talking about sitting there scrolling through your phone (I see you, Karen in row three! 👀). I’m talking about being FULLY PRESENT!

My dance mama essentials for every performance:

That good camera or camera phone with the FANCY zoom lens (because your baby might be in the back row, but they’re still the STAR!)
Backup battery packs (because you are recording EVERY. SINGLE. MOMENT.)
A tissue pack (waterproof mascara can only do so much, y’all!)
That sign you stayed up until 3 AM making with enough glitter to be seen from space

And don’t even get me started on the after-performance routine! I’ve got that “You were AMAZING, sweetie!” speech down pat.

Remember: These moments are precious, and they go by faster than a quick change between numbers! So put down that phone (unless you’re recording), plant yourself in that audience, and be your baby’s biggest, loudest, most embarrassing fan! That’s what we’re here for!

Final Words of Wisdom

Being a dance mom isn’t for the faint of heart, but baby, it’s worth every single rhinestone, every early morning, and every mascara-ruining proud tear! Your little dancer needs you in their corner, so put on your sparkle game face and get ready for the time of your life!

Let us know what other topics you want us to cover.

Tips & Tricks, Costumes

How to Choose a Lyrical Dance Costume

My tips for choosing a lyrical dance costume!

Hey dance moms! Let’s talk about something that keeps me up at night – lyrical costumes! After countless competitions and hundreds (yes, hundreds!) of dollars spent on costumes, I’ve learned a thing or two about picking the perfect lyrical outfit for our dancers. Trust me, I’ve seen it all – from costume malfunctions to last-minute alterations, and I’m here to share what really works!

Most studios will give you some ground rules or colour choices for your particular dance but if you are out there fending for yourself here is some advice.

First things first – let’s remember what lyrical dance is all about. Our kids are out there telling stories through those beautiful, flowing movements, and the last thing we need is a costume fighting against them. I learned this the hard way when my daughter’s first lyrical costume was way too stiff – never again!

Here’s what I’ve discovered really matters:

The One-Piece Wonder Take it from me

One-piece costumes are your best friend for lyrical. My daughter used to wear separate tops and skirts until that one competition where… well, let’s just say the top had its own choreography! Now we stick to leotards with attached skirts or one-piece designs. So much less stress during performance time!

Fabric is Everything Ladies

I cannot stress this enough – lightweight fabrics are worth every penny! I’m talking chiffon, spandex, and jersey materials. Remember when Sarah’s daughter wore that gorgeous but heavy costume last season? Beautiful, yes, but she was exhausted halfway through her routine. We’ve all been there, right?

The Perfect Fit

Here’s my number one mom tip – never, and I mean NEVER, order without trying on or at least taking fresh measurements. My daughter grew two inches between ordering and competition season last year (cue the panic ordering of a new costume three weeks before regionals!). Now I always order with a little room for growth, especially if we’re ordering early in the season.

Making It Special Now

This is where it gets fun! While basic costumes work great, I love adding special touches that make my daughter’s eyes light up. But here’s what experience has taught me – keep those sparkles and sequins secure! I spend at least an hour before competition season checking every rhinestone and securing any loose ones. Nothing worse than leaving a trail of glitter across the stage (though it has made for some funny videos!).

Shopping Smart

Can we talk about costume shopping stress? I’ve learned to start early and look everywhere. Some of our best finds have come from unexpected places! Last season, I found an amazing deal on a high-end costume in a Facebook resale group – half the original price and only worn once! Don’t be afraid to check those resale groups and local dance shops. Sometimes last season’s styles are perfect for this season’s routine. Read our blog here for tips on where to buy and sell.

Here’s my final piece of advice – Feel Confident

Whatever costume you choose, make sure your dancer feels confident in it. I’ll never forget when my daughter tried on her first lyrical costume – the way she twirled in front of the mirror told me everything I needed to know. When they feel beautiful and comfortable, it shows in their performance.

And remember, other dance moms are your best resource! I’ve gotten some of my best costume tips from chatting with other moms during those long competition days. We’re all in this together, trying to help our dancers shine their brightest!

Anyone else have some lyrical costume wisdom to share? Drop me a message – I’m always learning from this amazing dance mom community!

Tips & Tricks, Costumes

How to Sell Used Dancewear Online

My secret weapon for handling those competition fees – reselling dancewear!

Hey there, fellow dance moms! After years of watching my daughter twirl and leap through competitions, I’ve become quite the expert at managing the financial side of dance life. Today, I want to share my secret weapon for handling those competition fees – reselling dancewear! Let me tell you exactly how I turn our gently used dance clothes into cash.

Trust me, I’ve tried every selling platform out there, and I’m going to break down what really works. My absolute favorite spot? Facebook dancewear resale groups. I’m constantly on many of these, and let me tell you, those Tiger Friday, Kandi Kouture, and Five pieces? They sell like hotcakes! Just search “dancewear resale” on Facebook, and you’ll find tons of groups like this. Yes, you’ll need to ship items across the country, but it’s totally worth it.

For those basic pieces we grabbed from Target or Walmart (come on, we all have them!), I head straight to Facebook Marketplace. I’ve learned that bundling these items together really attracts other budget-conscious dance moms. Plus, you can keep it local if you don’t want to deal with shipping.

Now, don’t overlook eBay and Poshmark! I’ve had great luck selling our higher-end pieces there. Sure, it might take a little longer on eBay, but those specific items eventually find their perfect buyer. And Poshmark? Those buyers know what they want and are willing to pay for it – just make sure your descriptions are detailed!

Here’s a mom-to-mom tip: if you’re selling locally, try Nextdoor. People sell plenty of used dance shoes and basic leotards there. The key is pricing them right – these buyers are usually looking for deals.

Oh, and let me share a little secret – Tiger Friday’s (Re)Purpose Program has been a lifesaver! When I’m too busy running between competitions and rehearsals to deal with individual sales, I just send in our old Tiger Friday pieces and get a gift card for new ones. So convenient!

Let’s talk about what to keep and what to sell. Here’s what I’ve learned the hard way: hold onto those solid-colored basics – they never go out of style. Those trendy patterns from last season? List them! If you’ve got younger dancers in the family, maybe keep a few special pieces, but otherwise, be ruthless in your cleanout (except for those competition costumes that hold special memories – I’m not that heartless!).

Want my honest advice about maximizing profit? Save those Facebook groups for your high-end pieces. That’s where other dance moms are hunting for specific brands. For your everyday practice wear, stick to Marketplace. And if you’re sitting on Tiger Friday items you might use again, their (Re)Purpose program is honestly pretty great.

Shipping used to stress me out, but now it’s a breeze! I keep a small scale at home (total game-changer), and I usually charge about $6 for one item, adding a dollar for each additional piece. PayPal makes it super easy – they handle the labels and tracking, which keeps both me and my buyers happy.

So, what are you waiting for? That drawer full of outgrown dancewear could help fund next season’s competition fees! Trust this veteran dance mom – once you start selling, you’ll wonder why you didn’t do it sooner. Have any questions? Drop them in the comments – we dance moms have to stick together!

New Dance Moms, Tips & Tricks

What is Competitive Dance?

What is Competitive Dance and What Commitment Does it Take?

BUCKLE UP, DANCE MAMAS! Let’s Talk About Competitive Dance.

Oh honey, you’re thinking about comp team? sips coffee Let me give you the REAL tea about what you’re getting yourself into! The highs, the lows, the learning, the stress, the tears, the excitement, the comradery, the team spirit and the life long friendships …. competitive dance has it all1

What Even IS Competitive Dance?

Picture this: Your precious baby on stage, absolutely SLAYING their routine while you’re ugly-crying in the audience clutching your “Dance Mom” bedazzled tumbler! That’s comp life in a nutshell! It’s where dancers show off their skills in everything from ballet to hip-hop, competing for trophies, ribbons and medals that will eventually take over your entire living room.

The REAL Talk About Time Commitment

Let. Me. Tell. You. Kiss your weekends goodbye because they belong to dance now! We’re talking:

Multiple classes PER WEEK (my daughter does 10-15 hours and that’s on the LOW end)
Extra rehearsals (usually right when you’ve made other plans and often last minute!)
Competitions that will have you living out of hotel rooms
Practice at home (your kitchen becomes a dance studio)

And don’t even get me started about competition weekends! Pack your protein bars and energy drinks (or coffee and wine), mama, because those are some LONG days!

The Money Talk

Take a deep breath here. Okay, let’s rip off this band-aid. It’s expensive, y’all. Like, EXPENSIVE expensive. We’re talking:

Monthly tuition (cha-ching!)
Competition fees (more cha-ching!)
Those gorgeous costumes (ALL THE CHA-CHING!)
Travel costs
Emergency tights/shoes/whatever breaks right before performing
The coffee, wine, chocolate and cheese you’ll need to survive it all.

PRO TIP: Start a separate “dance fund” NOW. Trust me on this one!

The Physical Side

Your dancer needs to be STRONG! My daughter does:

Cross-training
Stretching (so. much. stretching.)
Proper nutrition (goodbye, endless pizza!)
Regular Physio to keep a niggly injury at bay.

The Emotional Rollercoaster

Listen, dance mamas – this life isn’t for the faint of heart! Your baby will:

Face tough criticism (stock up on ice cream!)
Deal with disappointments
Become a stress bunny who bites your head off on competition day
Learn to balance school and dance (hello, homework in the car!)
Build the STRONGEST friendships ever

Is This Crazy Life For You?

If your child:

Lives and breathes dance
Thrives under pressure
Has enough energy to power a small city
Dreams of performing

Then WELCOME TO THE CLUB, MAMA!

Tips that will save your life

Get organized! (My phone calendar is basically a rainbow of dance commitments)
Make friends with other dance moms (you’ll need them for emotional support and safety pin emergencies!)
Always, ALWAYS pack extra everything
Keep snacks in your purse (for you AND your dancer!)
Remember: this is supposed to be FUN!

Competitive dance is WILD, exhausting, expensive, and absolutely AMAZING! It’s not just about the dancing – it’s about watching your baby grow into a confident, disciplined performer who can handle anything life throws at them (while wearing false eyelashes!).

So if you’re ready to join this crazy dance mom life, grab your rhinestone-covered coffee cup and jump in! We’ve got your back! Now excuse me while I go bedazzle another costume.

#DanceMomLife #CompTeam #SendCoffee