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Why Should You Warm Up?
Warming up is a vital step for any dancer whether you are young or an adult beginner. It is very important to make sure our muscles and tendons/ligaments are limber and ready to take on ballet class. If you have ever done a barre class, you know that it is hard and really never gets easy. You are always striving for more turnout or higher extensions. There is always something new to work on when it comes to ballet. By warming up, it can help improve your performance and lower the risk of injuries.
That being said, having warm up gear can help you speed up the process and also maintain that heat for longer. I love layering my ballet looks not only for comfort but for style! As you know, as adult dancers, our muscles are not as limber and quick to respond as some of our younger counterparts. We need to be properly warmed up to perform better and have cleaner lines.
There are so many cute options to choose from when it comes to warm-up gear and here are some of my favorites. Are you looking for Christmas gift inspiration? Check out my ultimate guide to shopping for any ballet dancers in your life.
Trash Bag Pants
Trash bag pants and shorts are some of the best ways to keep your hips warm before and during barre. I don’t know about you, but when I first start class, my hips sometimes feel like cinder blocks. Hello, desk job anyone? I recognize the fact that my legs are very tight in the beginning and find wearing some type of pants or shorts really helps my muscles warm up more quickly.
A basic trash bag pants that I love are from Daydance. They are perfect for both adults and teens and feature ripstop material. They do run a little small, so I would size up for a more baggy fit. If you get too hot for pants, or if it’s summer, a great option is to wear trash bag shorts. These offer all the benefits of the pants, but with more localized heat on your turnout muscles and hips.
These shorts are so cute and I love how they isolate the hips to stay warm. It’s great to have something on the bottom to cover your bum and be more modest. I know as a mom, I don’t want my bum or cleavage hanging out during class.
Sweater
I’m obsessed with the classic ballerina wrap top. They work great in class but also just for casual wear at home! This type of dancewear is very versatile and great for keeping your top half warm. As an adult, it can be nice to cover up your top and keep your shoulder joints warm.
Ballet sweaters come in many different styles and fabrics. They can be a blend, knitwear, or even mesh. You can wear a traditional wrap top, cardigan, bolero shrug, or even a normal sweater!
As I said above, I love a classic wrap top. I really love this cut on this sweater. It’s has a very nice fit, which I think is perfect to wear before class or even around the house for a ballet-inspired look.
Another wrap top that I love is this Nike wrap top cardigan. It has a fitted elastic waist that is really flattering, and it hits more at the hip bones versus being a cropped style. I find this translates really easy into everyday wear and is great for any breastfeeding moms out there!
The other ballet warm-up sweater style I wear often is a shrug or bolero. I really love this for in early summer or fall, when it’s still warm out but a little cooler. It really helps keep the shoulder joint warm and a little less creaky.
Romper or Jumpsuit
Rompers are a great way to keep your full body warm without packing a lot of layers. You can have long sleeve styles with shorts like this:
Or you can have a sleeveless romper that comes in both shorts or pants. Either way these all transition so well to the street. This is perfect to pack to ballet class if you need to run to the grocery store or go pick up your kids after.
Booties
Second to last, but also one of the most important, are booties! These are essential to help keep your feet warm before class or even as cute at home slippers (ballerina off duty look?).
A really classic shoe is one designed by Bloch, which you can find on Amazon. They come in different colors and are great because they have adjustable straps! You can make them tighter or looser depending on your favorite fit.
Leg Warmers
I saved the most classic, ballet look for last. You always see dancers wearing legwarmers in pictures and movies, and as a fellow adult dancer, I know why! It is so important for your leg muscles and ligaments to stay limber. Especially for all your quick footwork and jumps.
These leg warmers are absolutely perfect from Cloud & Victory and one of my favorite! They go completely over the knee and look so cute with your skirt or trash bag pants. I really love these from Amazon as well. They feature a foot cutout so you can slip it over your flat or pointe shoes. This is really convenient for class if you are wanting them to stay more in place.
What are your favorite ballet warm up outfits? I want to see them! Tag me on Instagram @pliesandbooks so I can see all your cute clothes.
Keep lengthening those feet and rocking your beautiful ballet warm up outfits!
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