Tools of the Trade
Welcome back, dance lovers, to Dancer Magazine’s Tools of the Trade, where we search the world to find the hottest new dance-related products and round them up for you! Here’s what we’ve found this month:
a) The business of keeping your hair in place can be made easy with the right tools, and Scunci’s No-Slip Grip Thick Hair 2 Wave Bobby Pins will do the job. They have deep ripples to hold more hair while slipping less. They are 2” long and are available in tortoise or black epoxy, 48 per pack. Look for this item wherever you buy Scunci products. www.scunci.com
b) A dancer’s hair often takes a lot of abuse. From being put into a bun with rubber bands to being flattened with hairspray, hair abuse is rampant in class. Scunci offers an alternative; the new 6pk 3.5cm Crochet Headwrap. Use it to hold a bun instead of a rubber band, or as a headband to hold bangs back. This light, comfortable headband comes in a pack of six (black, indigo, cranberry, khaki, chambray, white and chocolate). Check out this item wherever you find Scunci products. www.scunci.com
c) Dance shop owners should check out these plush Dollies and Dolly Bags! These happy dolls in pigtails are sure to make little dancers smile as they adorn backpacks, purses, dance bags and more. Offered by Dasha for dance shops and studios, contact to find out how you can offer this item. www.dashadesigns.net
d) Here’s another adorable offering by Dasha for dance shop owners; Bunnies and Bears in tutus or skating outfits. These plush items make delightful gifts for any occasion. Dance shop owners can contact www.dashadesigns.net to find out how they can offer these items.
e) After you take stage makeup off after a show, how do your lips feel? If the drying stage lipstick irritates your kisser, try the new Replenishing Lip Balm with Pomegranate Oil. This natural, hydrating lip balm is infused with antioxidants and will replenish dry lips to a softer, smoother texture. Keep it with you all day and apply as often as needed. Offered by Burt’s bees, look for this item wherever you buy Burt’s Bees products. www.burtsbees.com
f) Ballroom dancers looking to expand their library should get the new “2007 World Super Stars Dance Festival Standard” DVD, a showcase of fabulous dancing by the world’s top standard couples. This 135 minute recording boasts performances of tango, foxtrot, waltz, quickstep and more. Great for viewing, great for getting to see top couples at their best. DVD, 2007. Find out more about this item on www.dancevision.com.
g) Latin dance fans will love this new DVD, “2007 World Super Stars Dance Festival Latin”. The world’s best latin dance couples strut their stuff in a 140 minute recording that’s sure to be viewed again and again. Popular dances such as rumba, jive, paso doble, cha cha, samba and others never looked better. DVD, 2007. Check it out on www.dancevision.com.
h) Here’s a gem discovered on www.kultur.com; “Tangos among Friends” is a documentary following conductor and pianist Daniel Barenboim as he returns to his homeland of Argentina to explore his South American roots. Buenos Aires provides a glamorous backdrop to learning about the history of tango music and dance. Interviews and archive footage trace tango styles and techniques through the early twentieth century. DVD, 2007.
i) The Health Mark Back Wave II is ideal for stretching, exercising the stomach and back, and yoga. It cradles the lower back comfortably to allow a full motion of the back. Its multi-position handlebar design offers easy positioning, and heavy gauge rubber end caps provide increased stability and traction. Manufactured by Health Mark, the Back Wave II can be found in sporting goods stores such as www.dickssportinggoods.com.
Be sure to check back every month to find the best dance-related products- only in Dancer Magazine! Questions? Comments? We’d love to hear from you! Email dventurella@danceronline.com