10 Tools for Powering Up Your Performance
Our top picks for products staying well whether you’re taking class at home, rehearsing in a theater or winding down post-performance.
Body Wrappers TotalSTRETCH Seamless Convertible Tights & Capezio Hanami Ballet Shoe: You may have gotten used to an “anything goes” dance wardrobe while training and rehearsing virtually from home. But as you get back to the studio and performances, lines like Body Wrappers and Capezio make refreshing your basics more customizable with tights and shoes in color options to match a variety of skin tones and tight sizes from youth to 4X adult. $15.30, bodywrappers.com; $27.50, capezio.com
Real Techniques Brush + Sponge Cleansing Gel & Covet Dance Dancer Problems Kit: Before you get back onstage, you’ll also need to clean all of your makeup brushes and tools, replacing things like liquid foundation, cream products, mascara, and pencil or liquid eyeliners that have expired during the pandemic and can be prone to bacteria growth. And a kit complete with essentials like a mini sewing kit, bandages and hair ties is also helpful to have on hand in case of a backstage emergency. $6.99, realtechniques.com; $26, covetdance.com
Rael Beauty Invisible Spot Cover: For those still rehearsing in masks, it’s not uncommon to be noticing more breakouts than usual as a result of all the sweat and bacteria that gets trapped by your face coverings. Putting a hydrocolloid bandage over a blemish will help speed up healing time because the tiny, clear adhesives absorb excess oil and pus as they keep the area clean. $12, getrael.com
Harlequin Floors Home Studio Spaces: If you’re keeping up with at-home training, build a studio that best suits your space and budget. Harlequin offers professional-quality dance mats, plus freestanding and wall-mounted barres and larger sprung-floor panels. $85–$2,000, us.harlequinfloors.com
Revolutionary Principles of Movement: To change up your warm-up, consider a virtual foundational course with Revolutionary Principles of Movement. Merging science and dance, RPM’s offerings include an eight-minute therapeutic barre routine designed to be done anywhere, as well as a series of free YouTube videos that cover everything from audition tips to breaking down complicated steps like fouetté turns. rpm.dance
Hyperice: Pro dancers, like New York City Ballet’s Tiler Peck, have been using compression devices like the Hyperice Normatec to speed muscle recovery by increasing blood flow and circulation. The higher price point makes it less accessible, but the brand also offers more-affordable recovery tools, like the Hypervolt Go 2 percussion massager and Hyperice ice compression wraps. $75–$1,849, hyperice.com
Rollga Foam Roller: You can help support muscle recovery and even improve mobility and flexibility the old-fashioned way with a foam roller. Rollga’s grooved foam roller helps to better target muscles like the adductors, glutes and calves for a deep tissue massage. You can even download the brand’s app for instructional videos and expert tips. $34.99, rollga.com
Saje Muscle Melt Comforting Bath Salt Soak: Unwind after a show or tough class with a long soak. Saje’s cruelty-free and vegan bath blend combines Epsom and sea salts with essential oils like rosemary, lavender and eucalyptus. $20, saje.com
