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Do you need to buy a present for a dancer or are you struggling to find the perfect gift for your little ballerina?

You would think that a dancer would be easy to buy for, I mean you can buy them anything with a tutu or a tap shoe slapped on the side,

But…

will that gift actually be used or will it be shoved onto a shelf to gather dust?

Fear no more as we have a list of 10 things all dancers need and will actually use.

We have included a variety of price ranges and gifts for different ages so hopefully, the list will cover all budgets and needs.

And if after you have gone through this list you want to get even more specific, you can have a look at our articles on what every tap dancer needs or every ballet dancer needs by clicking on the links!

Please note this article includes affiliate links to items from stores such as Amazon.com. Using these links adds NO EXTRA COST to you but does help us continue to create helpful information on this website.

10 Things Every Dancer Needs to Have!

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5. Home Dance Barre

A portable home dance barre would be any dancer’s dream present and if you are after a quality product made in the US you can’t go past Vita Vibe on Amazon. Their prices are competitive and their product is quality.

I can remember using a chair, a table, my bed end…. anything that I could grasp but the problem always is that you end up hitting you feet against whatever is on the other side and you can never find a random piece of furniture that is the right height to help you balance without having to lean slightly down towards it.

Click here to go to my review page of the best portable barres you can buy or alternatively click here to see how you can make your own DIY ballet barre as I have a whole series of videos and articles about the topic!

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6. Flexibility Stretching Bands

Resistance and stretching bands are used by professional dancers all over the world to help them increase and maintain their flexibility.

Sometimes a dancer just needs that extra push or pull on a muscle, but are not yet flexible or strong enough to reach the limb themselves and this is where a stretching band can come in really useful.

They can also be used to help keep a dancer’s limbs and muscles in the correct alignment while stretching and the best thing about them is that they are relatively cheap, small, lightweight and conveniently portable so a dancer can put them in their dance bag, school bag, vacation luggage etc… and stretch where ever they are and whenever they want.

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7. Balance or Wobble Board

A balance or wobble board can help strengthen a dancers core muscles.

Standing and balancing on one foot or en releve (on the ball of their foot, heel raised off the ground) can help develop increased balance

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8. Dance Tights

Ok dance tights – kind of obvious? Yes but the thing is dancers go through alot of them.

I am not sure whether it is how they are made today or what my daughters are doing differently but I find that they get holes so easily! We go through several pairs each a year and they need them in both ballet pink and jazz tan!

Add to that my eldest NEEDS convertible tights meaning they have a hole on the sole of the foot so you can roll them above your ankle – a must if you can’t change between ballet and basically any other dance lesson as it is a much cooler look wearing them rolled up! and convertibles are a few dollars more expensive then regular dance tights.

So if you are buying these as a gift for a friend, niece or anyone just find out their size and buy them one or three or four pairs and then they will be set for the year with hopefully a spare set to add to their dance or costume bag for emergencies.

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9. Compression Wear

Another helpful item to have on hand are compression socks, leggings or sleeves.

The best remedy for injured and sore muscles is the RICE method, rest, ice, compression and elevation, but sometimes it is impossible for a dancer however young or old to get the rest they need – whether it be because they have to perform over several days for competitions, their recital or exams.

Compression socks or sleeves worn after class or reharsal or between performances can promote healing and faster recovery.

Many dancers are skeptical that the compression will do anything for them, but after having tried a compression product wonder what they would now do without them!

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10. Dancer Journal, Diary or Organizer.

Nowadays you can get a journal basically themed on any passion you have that includes motivational quotes and space for writing goals, or a to-do lists, perhaps some bullet journaling, or even a daily planner.

Having a place to write down dance goals or journal about your day in a space specially created for dancers can help motivate and inspire them to greatness.

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BONUS IDEA!!!!!

11. SPLIT STRETCHER

A split stretcher is an awesome machine for dancers!

The more expensive ones have a wheel that you crank that gradually pushes the legs further and further away from each other helping the dancer to achieve a middle split over time with continued use and stretching.

A less expensive and more portable version requires you to push against a set of rods until you have reached your greatest stretch, the rods help you hold the position as your legs resist the stretch. A split stretcher is currently on my 10-year-old dancers wish list!

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10 Things a Dancer Will Find Useful….

1.Magnetic Bobby Pin Holder
As a parent, it is always inevitable that a bobby pin falls to the ground as I hold my daughter’s hair in place in one hand whilst clumsily trying to grab the bobby pin with the other.

Sometimes I am so daftly clever that I accidentally brush against all the bobby pins with my hand, elbow or even butt allowing them all to flow and drop to the floor.

A magnetic bobby pin holder in these cases would be a sanity saver.

Also kids love how the magnet snaps the bobby pins to its surface making that request of ‘make sure you put the bobby pins away when you take your hair out’ much more fun meaning next class you both are not scrounging around the corners of their bedroom looking for one last pin to keep their hair in place.

2.Heated Slippers
Does your dancer live in a cold climate or do your winters get really cold?

Slip a pair of these babies into the microwave for 30secs and they provide warmth to your child’s feet for up to 30minutes!

This way you know their feet will be nice and toasty and warm to begin dance class or alternatively you might use them for after class to soothe sore tired feet!

3.Tiger Balm
Tiger balm is an ointment that you massage into your skin and muscles to help relieve sore muscles.

Tiger balm is potent stuff, should be used sparingly and never on opened wounds, or after shaving or near any part of your body where it could be internalized.

Saying that many dancers swear by the stuff and state that it is a must-have staple in their dance bag.

4. Heat Pad or Cold Pad
At some point, every dancer has a few pains and strains they are dealing with and at most times they are not very prepared for these as they usually occur out of the blue!

A quality set of Cold and Hot pads for home use can be a lifesaver as can a set of reusable portable cold or hot pads that a dancer can leave in their dance bag.

5.Magnesium

Spray
A magnesium spray is another type of salve many dancers swear by to help relieve pain from sore and tired muscles.

Magnesium is a mineral that our body needs a dose of daily and it is absorbed rapidly when applied to the bodies largest organ, the skin.

A topical magnesium solution such as the spray is great for dancers with sore muscles after a class or when they get home to apply for some effective relief.

Epsom salts
At the end of a long dance rehearsal, there is nothing more inviting then dipping your feet or body into a warm bath, infused with a cup or two of Epsom salts.

Epsom salts or magnesium sulfate is not salt, it is crystalised and just look like salt and contains magnesium, sulfate, and oxygen.

Dissolve Epsom salts into a bath to help relieve muscle aches, pains, and stiffness, or to help relax and promote sleep and reduce stress. Dancers and athletes use an epsom salt soak or bath in their after recovery routine.

A big bag or 2 or 3 is best to gift as about a cup or two is recommended for a full bath (less for a foot soak) and therefore it can get used up fairly quickly.

6. Makeup Bag
A makeup bag with different compartments that can hold everything a dancer needs to do their stage make up as well as hold all their hair accessories, even the larger items such as hairspray is sometimes an expense or extravagance many dancers do not afford themselves, even though it would make their life that much easier!

A useful make up bag is one that a dancer will possibly use throughout their entire dancing journey, so why not invest in one that will last!

7.Foam Roller
Sticking out of the corner of many dance bags today you will see a long foam cylinder and you may be wondering what on Earth they would need that for?

Foam rollers are used to massage the muscles of the body before and after a class or performance, the process is called self-myofascial release (SMR).

SMR promotes blood flow and relieve or roll out tight muscles and knots in connective tissue. Consistent use of SMR can help prevent injury and keep your muscles working at their optimum level.

8. Dancer Hair Kit
I do not have enough fingers to count the number of times I have had to rush to the pharmacy or store in my lifetime, especially before a performance to buy hairnets or bobby pins because I thought I had some, finding that they have all completely vanished.

Dancer hair kits are available in sets or you can buy a few different items such as hair nets, bobby pins, hair elastic and hair spray to create your own dancer hair kit basket.

9. Dance Bag
I remember when I danced, that I pretty much used any old bag that I had around the house to put all my dance gear in, but nowadays there are specially made bags with compartments and pockets made based on dancers’ needs.

If you are a friend or relative you might find that a good dance bag may not be something that a dancer or their parents invest in as they might be more concerned with paying for lessons and other dance-related expenses so this could be the perfect gift.

10. Odor Eliminating/Freshener sachets or bags
Ok, Ok so not all recipients of this gift will be exuberant with joy when they unwrap it, but stay with me on this one.

We just talked about gifting a dance bag. But there is one thing I know about dance bags and that is that dance bags tend to overtime start to well develop a certain Eau de perfume all of themselves.

Now I am not going to say it is the most hygienic habit but I am going to take a quick guess and say that not every dancer empties out their dance shoes from their dance bag every night after class, nor would they probably do a weekly let alone monthly clean out of their bag and this is where a purifying, odor-fighting activated charcoal freshener comes in extremely handy.

So, in reality, any dancer should be extremely grateful for such a thoughtful and personalized gift!

11. Garment Bags
I don’t have enough fingers to count the number of times I used a garbage bag to cover my costumes in transit because the cheap garment bag zipper I bought had broken or I didn’t have enough garment bags for all the costumes I ended up having for a performance.

All dancers need a good set of sturdy garment bags to protect their costumes. Buying one doesn’t break the bank but having to buy 10 can! So gifting a few specialty dance garment bags to add to their collection would be a great gift for any dancer.

12. Tutu Bag
Is your dancer a ballerina?

They probably have to cart a tutu to and from recitals and competitions – maybe a few of them.

There are specially made bags made to do exactly this and if you were really organized you could get your dancers name printed or embroidered onto one to make it extra special!

10 Gifts for a Dancers Bedroom or Home

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1. Bedding
Everyone sleeps and most everyone has a quilt, doona or comforter on their bed which needs to be changed frequently for washing, so why not invest in a ballet or dance-themed quilt and pillowcase cover set for your dancer!

2. Plush Toy
And to go on that bed an adorable soft toy that your dancer can hug to sleep at night such as their favorite animal in a tutu would be the perfect addition to any dancers bedroom.

3. Pillows or Cushions
Pillows are not necessarily just for the bedroom. Adding a soft, cozy pillow to a sofa, reading nook or chair with a dance quote or image on it can just add that dancer ambiance to any home or bedroom.

4. Mirror
A full-length mirror in a dancer’s bedroom is a must!

Most dancers stretch or practice in their room and being able to see your lines and whether your foot is sickled or your knee looks straight is important! You can get one that attaches to a wall, one with a decorated frame or one that is portable depending on your space!

5. Dance Art
Imagine a huge canvas with a beautiful dance image on it above your dancer’s bed or a painting or print by a famous or not so famous artist.

Or perhaps you might print a photo of your dancer on canvas or put a few of their photos in frames and hang them around the walls of their room.

6. Dancer Clock or Watch
These clocks and watches are a fun take on the count in phrase in every dance class ‘and 5, 6, 7, 8’ which is generally what a teacher says as a count or lead in to start a dance exercise or routine on the correct beat or phrase of the music.

7. Ornament or Statue
When I was little I was given a porcelain statue of a ballerina which I absolutely loved and took extreme care of.

It used to sit on the top shelf of the bookcase on my desk and I can remember getting it down and carefully cleaning the dust out the creases of her tutu with a tissue.

Not everyone appreciates a beautiful ornament or statue, but there are some that will and it can be a wonderful gift that they cherish and keep for a very long time.

8. Dance Quotes
Do you or your dancer have a favorite dance quote? Have it framed, printed on a mug or on canvas or made into a vinyl removable wall sticker for the bedroom or a wall in their house!

9. Dance Medal Hanger or Coat Rack
What about a set of hooks to hang all your dancer’s medals?

Many of these can also be used as coat racks or even key holders.

Specially decorated for dancers – they are the perfect place to hang up a dance bag or air out their shoes whilst adding that dance flair to their room or house!

10. Ballet or Dance Themed Lamp or Night light
Everyone needs a lamp or night light in their room so why not get your dancer a ballet-themed!

There are such pretty options and some cool new 3D night lights with dancers on them you can get now as well!

11. Christmas Tree Ornament
A dance-themed Christmas tree ornament is always a good option especially around Christmas time because you can never have too many ornaments and decorations for your tree and as the gift giver, you know that it will be used as least once a year!

10 Dance Accessory Gifts

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1. Water Bottle
Every dancer needs a water bottle and having a unique bottle with a motivational quote or a dance image on it can help to inspire and encourage during, after or even before a class.

2. Dancer Stationery
Everyone loves a good stationery set, whether it be for writing old school actual mailable letters or for writing to-do lists and goals you can’t go past a pretty pen and paper set especially if it has been specially designed with dancers in mind!

3. Umbrella
Now, this is one item that I recommend buying with a little ballet paraphernalia embossed on it. Why an umbrella – how many times has a dancer turned up to class, a competition, exam or recital all dressed with makeup ready to get out of the car and it starts raining.

A cute umbrella with a dance design with a quick note advising it should stay packed in the dancer’s dance bag could be the perfect gift that no one else thinks of!

4. Jewelry
Most dancers are not allowed to wear jewelry during dance class in case it gets caught or falls out.

I had one ballet teacher ask me to remove my small gold hoops from my ears because she knew of a dancer who needed to get stitches after another dancer’s little finger hooked the earing ripping it from her ear…. ok so you really want to buy jewelry now, don’t you!!

But we are not talking about jewelry for dance class, we are talking about jewelry with dance designs such as a necklace with a ballerina charm on it or a bracelet with the word dance for wearing daily.

Now some people might say that this is just a marketing ploy and a way to get people to buy the same thing – another bracelet for example – in a different way, but when you immerse yourself in something and are constantly reminded about it such as seeing the word dance on your wrist as you scan your bus ticket or use your house key you are reminded of your passion and ignited to do your best in whatever you are doing to help pursue your dream!

5. A jewelry box or jewelry stand
Now I have to say that the old Ballerina Music Box will never get old.

It is wonderful to see someones face young or old light up when you lift the lid of one of these boxes to be welcomed by a pirouetting ballerina to the tinking of the music box music.

Alternatively, you might like to buy something a little more modern such as a jewelry stand in the shape of a dancer.

6. Key Chain
Now if your dancer isn’t yet old enough to have their own set of house or car keys you might be wondering why you would buy one of these.

But even young kids love key chains as they can put them on the zippers of their dance bag to help identify which one is theirs in case there is someone with the same or similar bag.

7. Makeup Kit
All dancers need a good makeup kit with all the dance makeup staples.

A kit is a great way for a new dancer to make sure they have everything they need!

But even if they already own everything, makeup has a limited shelf life and should be replaced frequently. Having a backup can also come in handy for those times items are lost or broken or run out!

8. Hair Accessories
In actual dance class, students are generally not allowed to wear jewelry or big bows or things that distract from the dancer or could fall out or off the dancer causing injury to anyone who steps on that item.

But dancers still need hair clips to keep the strays off their face and like to wear dance-themed hair accessories when not in class so a nice hair beret or scrunchie to go around their bun or a beautiful fun or classy bow set depending on your dancer’s personality could be the perfect gift for them.

9. Wig or Fake Hair
Did you know that many dancers add on extensions to their hair for performances, competitions, and recitals?

Wearing a wig or extension makes getting ready for performance so much easier and can mean that there is a more uniform look between performers in a group if they all wear the same hair extension in a color that matches their own hair color.

Instead of curling their hair a wig attachment in full curls can be pinned over a bun or a ponytail can be extended to make it look as though the dancer has long hair.

10. Dance Toy
Toys are the accessory of the younger dancer.

Whether it be a toy ballerina, a dance ribbon set or a doll based on their favorite dance TV show like Angelina Ballerina or Emma from the wiggles you are sure to find something your little dancer will enjoy playing with.

10 Things a Dancer Can Enjoy….

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1. Non-Fiction books about dance
When I grew up some of my favorite books were ones with pictures of dance school students demonstrating the five positions of the feet, how to execute the perfect rond de jambe or developpe, peppered with a little history about ballet.

Check the best selection of non-fiction ballet and dance books for both younger and older dancers on our resource page or take a look at these books for kids that also teach the ABC’s or 123.

2. Dance Biographies and Memoirs
When I was 12 I picked up a novel because it had a picture of ballet shoes on the cover, I didn’t realize it at the time but the story was based on the author’s life and I learned all about being a Jew during world war II. This is just a type of dance biography, there are many others that take their reader on a journey of discipline and hard work.

Sometimes the world or people around us don’t understand our passion and being able to immerse yourself into the life of someone who has trodden the path before you can be immensely inspirational.

3. Fiction Books about dance
There are many picture books and novels and even series available based on dance that cater for dancers of all ages.

If you check out the dance book resource page you will find I have a whole heap of different articles with links to the best books for boys, about diversity in dance and the best fiction books for various ages about dance.

4. Dance Movies on Dvd
Help build your favorite dancers, dance movie collection!

There are hundreds and thousands of movies that are either based around dance or have iconic dance routines in them that make dancers fall in love with watching them over and over again, stopping and pausing to learn the moves and choreography.

From oldies such as Footloose and Flashdance to more recent movies such as Disney’s Nutcracker, or the soon to be released movie version of Cats or the latest dance movie releases High Strung or Driven to Dance.

5. Dance Documentary on Dvd
Dance documentaries can be in the form of a visual history of dance or ballet, about the life of a dancer or choreographer or it might be about a dance festival or convention, a behind the scenes look into a prestigious dance school or theatre, or could even be a box set about a reality series based on dance.

6. Dance lessons or Pilates/Yoga Instruction Dvd
All dancers need to practice and rehearse outside of the classroom and having access to good training can be as easy as putting on a DVD and rehearsing in your lounge room.

Some dancers also like to enhance their dance training with Pilates or Yoga and after dancing four nights a week it can be nice to be able to stay home and train in your pajamas.

7. Online dance class subscription
Feeling like DVD’s are becoming a thing of the past?

Well, now dancers can access the expertise of a good dance teacher through a class subscription service or by purchasing an online course instead of a physical DVD set.

8. Dance Magazine subscription or copies
There is nothing like flicking through the glossy pages of a magazine with a cup of tea or coffee on a Sunday morning and what would make it even better is if that magazine was a dance magazine gifted to you through subscription from you best friend, cousin, aunt, uncle etc… in the world!

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Want to give something truly unique?

Why not gift a pay-TV subscription!

There are new programs and channels being made and produced all the time about dance as purposely made for that subscription TV services.

Is your dancer obsessed with a dance show, but can only watch it if they have paid up? This might be the perfect gift!

10. Vouchers to purchase Dance Apps
Now although you can’t actually yet gift apps to people you can gift them iTunes or google play vouchers with a list of great dance apps they should buy.

Better yet you could sit and have some special one on one time and buy and upload dance apps and play or use them together!

10 Gifts a Dancer Can Wear

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1. Leotard
Many dancers attend dance studios that have a set uniform but many others are allowed to wear whatever they choose and on occasion will attend conventions, camps, and intensive workshops or a class where they don’t have to wear their uniform and at these times they generally like to express themselves a little more.

I know my girls would love some special and fun leotards that are a bit different in cut, style, and patterning or are the latest release from a dancewear designer!

Dancewear Solutions has a great range of leotards and you can go and see exactly what they have to offer from the title link or by clicking here.

2. Active Wear
More and more, activewear is becoming the day to day clothing choice of dancers and athletes.

Want to practice stretching while doing your homework or watching TV – absolutely and you can because you are in your stretchy comfy leggings that your best aunty or uncle (insert your position here) bought you!

3. Dance Shoes
Ok so generally a dancer will have the basics covered such as their ballet, jazz or tap shoes, but you could ask if they are in need of a new pair and offer to buy them for them.

Alternatively, there are a few shoes that your dancer probably covets but hasn’t bought because they might not necessarily need them but would love to own or try dancing in them.

These might be foot thongs, foot wraps or foot gloves, dancer socks, dance sneakers or something else they really want.

4. Knee Pads
When I danced, I had a lovely pair of blue (or you could get red) pair of knee pads that saved my knees during many jazz, contemporary or lyrical classes.

Today you can buy them specially made for dancers and in more neutral colors. Your dancer’s knees will love you for them!

5. Dance Quote T’ shirts
A T’shirt – how boring you say??

Not at all my friend! T’shirts are always going to be a useful winner and your dancer will wear it whether it be to dance class, to the movies, or even to bed because you have chosen one with a witty or awesome dance quote which they just love!

6. Dance themed clothing
Does your dancer need a new pair of flip flops or socks?

Why not find a pair that has a ballerina or a pair of tap shoes printed on them? This could make a really special but also useful gift!

7. Warm-up gear
Before a dancer starts class they should be stretching and warming up their muscles and usually, they will do this with a few custom pieces of dancer warm-up clothing on.

Generally, most schools allow students to keep a few layers of clothing on over their leotards during a warm-up.

These warm-up pieces made by specialty dancewear manufacturers might include woolen tights, leg warmers, dance pants, knitted pullover and more.

8. Dance Uniform
Does your dancer want a special jacket, sweater or hoodie as part of their dance school uniform or something similar? Sometimes these items are not part of the official uniform but are offered as an extra. For example, my daughter’s dance school have a hoodie with the dance schools logo on it and students can get their names printed on the back.

She is allowed to wear it to class and to warm up in, but they have a separate tracksuit to wear for competitions and are allowed to wear any sweater to warm up in.

We didn’t need to get the hoodie, and I was going to secretly order it for a gift, but she wanted it so badly that she ended up paying for it herself with her savings. Had she not had the money, it would have been an excellent gift!

9. Costumes
Did you know that parents pay a costume fee for their child to participate in a recital?

If you are a friend or relative perhaps you could offer to pay this fee for the dancer! Or does your dancer do competitions and have their eye on a certain costume that is out of the budget you set?

This might make a great surprise present that they weren’t expecting, especially if you set them up to think they are getting the version that was on budget!

10. Period Underwear
Do you have a close relationship with the dancer you are buying a gift for? Well, perhaps period underwear is the unique and perfect gift you are looking for and coming in at over $20 a pair they are certainly giftable!

It is hard being a female dancer and not knowing when your period might arrive or be on the last days of your period and wanting a better solution than you already have.

Period underwear is reusable, washable underwear that can hold 1-4 teaspoons of liquid depending on the style chosen, making them a great option for dancers on their light days or for extra protection from leaking or when you are waiting for your period arrive.

You can check out our review and recommendations on our resource page here.

10 Experiences You Can Gift a Dancer….

1. Pay for their Dance Classes
Did you know that most dance schools charge fees on a monthly or term basis?

As a parent perhaps you could decide to add on an extra lesson your child has been wanting to do as a present or gift for them.

If you are a friend or relative maybe you could ask how much a month or term of lessons costs and pay or put money towards those.

2. Dance Camps, Intensives and Conventions
A dance camp, intensive or convention is either a class, day or week of classes taught by experts in the industry.

Perhaps your dancer has been wanting to attend one but couldn’t either because of the cost or distance.

It could be that you buy them their class tickets or even offer to drive them or pay for their bus or airfare as a gift or present.

3. Tickets to a professional performance
Everyone loves going to a good Ballet or Broadway performance.

Check out what shows are being produced both locally and within your dancer’s state and you will be sure to find something they will like attending.

And perhaps the best bit would be if you were able to personally take them and spend time with them!

4. Tickets to a performance at a school they are interested in attending
Is your dancer thinking of changing dance schools or studying dance at a pre-professional dance school or studying dance in college?

You could buy them tickets to those schools next performance to help them make their decision or help them take their next leap to further their dance training and career.

5. A private dance lesson with you
Whether the person you are buying for is a ballerina or a hip hop dancer, enjoying a social dance lesson with them will always be fun and a great way to spend some one on one time with one another and create memories that will last a lifetime.

You can find a class like this by looking for a ballroom dance school near you and either signing up for a group class or requesting private tuition.

6. A private lesson with a sought after teacher
Could you organize a one-off class or series of private lessons for your dancer with an expert or sought after teacher, dancer or choreographer that they admire?

The best way to check if someone does this is by looking at their social media pages where they might have a contact form just for these occasions, or by ringing a venue where they already teach to get in contact with them.

7. Massage or other remedial experience
I would be hard-pressed to come by a dancer who didn’t enjoy a massage or some other form of remedial experience whether it be acupuncture, cupping or reflexology.

An hour of whichever form of therapy you believe most in, will always be gratefully received by a dancer.

8. Pilates or Progressing Ballet introduction class or term
Pilates is a form of exercise that focuses on developing core strength within a person and is not just for dancers.

Progressing Ballet Technique however is a form of exercise that helps dancers connect with correctly using their muscles and increasing dancer muscle memory, but classes are not available everywhere.

Both forms of exercise are beneficial for dancers, and gifting an introduction class or a term of classes could be just what your dancer needs to help give them that edge in improving.

9. Intro class or term in a style they have never tried
Has your dancer ever said oooh I would like to try that African dance class or a salsa lesson or even learn the newest style to hit the dance class hit list the Waacking Technique?

But because these lessons would be more for fun they haven’t tried them? Perhaps an intro class in the style or a term of lessons can help keep their passion for dance burning!

10. Tour of a top ballet school/theatre
This one you might not even have to pay for! Is there a prestigious ballet school in your town or state that has an open day for prospective students?

Find out and then gift the experience to your dancer by taking them! I can remember going and watching classes at the state school of the arts on their open day and I absolutely loved it!

The problem was I went only with some other dance friends and all I thought was how inadequate I was compared to those girls and how there was no way I would ever get in – I am sure that if I had, had a supportive adult with me encouraging me perhaps I might have thought more positively and perhaps even had the courage to audition for that school!

Theatres and Ballet/Dance companies also have open days and tours throughout the year, but these you generally have to pay for and book in advance to attend, but would also make a great gift for a dancer.

10 DIY Gifts you can make for a Dancer

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1. Dance shoe bag/slip or cover
Can you sew? How about making some shoe slips or covers to help organize your dancer’s shoes in their dance bag? A simple slip can be made by sewing two rectangular pieces of material together and sewing in a drawstring at the opening. You could paint on, sew on or embroider a cute design or word as well.

2. Knitted or crotcheted dancewear
Can you knit or crotchet? How about knitting a pair of leg warmers or crotcheting a dance top for your dancer?

3. Knitted or crotcheted key chain or Christmas ornament
You aren’t just limited to clothing you could crochet or knit a ballet slipper to put on a key ring or make into a unique Christmas ornament.

4. Dancer Memory Display
Has you dancer recently grown out of their dance shoes, do they have a lot of medals or ribbons and do you have lots of photos of them in their dance gear? How about making a memory display for their wall from all this memorabilia!

5. Photobook of your dancer
Do you have a million photos of your dancer on your phone? How about uploading them to a photo book service and giving your child a copy. It might even work out as a great gift for their grandparents, godparents or aunts and uncles if they are avid followers of their dance journey.

6. DVD of your dancer
Do you get your dancers solo routines filmed at competitions but have them on a few different DVDs or USBs?

Do you have every annual recital DVD but your dancer is only in two out of the 20 routines on each DVD?

Consider putting all the performances of your child together into one move project. You could create a menu so they could access each performance individually or just press play and let them watch all of them one after the other.

7. DIY Dance Ribbons
Do you have a younger dancer? How about making them some handheld dance ribbons that they can shake and wave whilst dancing at home.

8. Wall Art
Now I am not an artist but I am fairly sure I could do a crayon melt picture or a splat painting where you cut out the silhouette of a dancer and allow the melt the crayons and allow them to drip down around the silhouette or splat on paint then remove the silhouette to get the image of the dancer left inside the paint splats.

Combine this with your dancer’s name or a quote and you have a personalized and meaningful present for your dancer.

9. Dance Wear
Can you sew? Buy some material and make your dancer a new pair of leggings or a unique crop top that no one else will ever have!

10. Hair Accessories
Hair accessories can be quick and easy to make.

Source a whole heap of ballet trinkets from the dollar store or online and use a glue gun to combine these with ribbon and rhinestones to create one of a kind dance-themed clips, pins and, berets for your dancer.