Looking for gift ideas for a dancer in your life this holiday season? If you want to get a unique gift for your favorite dancer, look no further and check out these 8 #dancescienceapproved ideas!
1. Foam Roller
A foam roller is an amazing tool for any dancer for self myofascial release! I prefer the smooth ones as opposed to the torture device-esque ones, and these ones on Amazon seem to be right up my alley! I currently have a small 12 inch one, and to me it just seems too small for everything I want to do, so I am asking for the 36 inch! Less than $25, seriously this is a great gift for your dancer!
If you are unsure how to use a foam roller, there is an awesome blog series you NEED to check out. Written by Structural Integration Practitioner, Isaac Chilton, they are super short and informative blogs you can read if you are interested in foam rolling!
4 Reasons to get Friendly with a Foam Roller and How to do it:
- Part 1 –
- How did foam rolling get started?
- Part 2 –
- Self Myofascial Release hydrates fascia
- Part 3 –
- SMR wakes up your slumbering parts
- Part 4 –
- SMR organizes your fascia
2. Pinky Balls
Pinky balls, or to be more accurate, lacrosse balls are another amazing Self Myofascial Release tool for dancers. Throw these in your dance bag and you’re good to go. Roll the bottom of your feet with them and your feet will feel sweet, sweet release! These are also an easy amazon find, but you can honestly find these anywhere! Get a pack of these and you got a perfect stocking stuffer! LOVE.
3. Socks. But the good kind.
Go into Target. Walk straight back to the men’s sock section. Discover the greatest socks that no one knows about. This brand “Pair of Thieves” makes some of the best socks I’ve had! First of all they are crew height and have really cute aztec/tribal/cool patterns which I’m all about. Second of all, they are soft. And even though they are super soft, they aren’t slippery, so I feel like I can dance in them without feeling like I am going to slip and break my neck. I had a pair of these socks for literally all through high school and college until I wore them to pieces. But 8 year lifespan of socks for a dancer? Unreal.
4. Tripod
I always find myself in situations where I want to film a combo or improv and either there is no one around to film. Or I just feel awkward asking someone to film me dance for 5 minutes. Or I can’t prop up my phone to get a good angle. You see the problems. I don’t really know much about tripods but I like this one because you can adjust height, and it works with your phone! This could also be a good tool for creating film dances. Also, it could just be nice to have a tripod and take pics with your family during travel. Seems multi-functional to me! Total want!
Books:
These four books are on my list this year. I love that they are all written from different perspectives talking about the same things- dancing more efficiently with less injury!
5. Dance Science: Anatomy, Movement Analysis, and Conditioning by Gayanne Grossman
This book is by Gayanne Grossman who has done some phenomenal dance science research. She is the director of dance wellness, resident physical therapist, and an instructor of anatomy, kinesiology, and dance conditioning for the department of theatre and dance at Muhlenberg College. I am excited to read her insight! She has an extensive background in dance, physical therapy, and education. Such a valuable resource!
6. Dance Anatomy by Jacqui Greene Haas
Authored by Jacqui Greene Haas, I had this book for a time in college, but I didn’t buy it, unfortunately. So it is on the list ;). Jacqui Greene Haas has been the athletic trainer for Cincinnati Ballet since 1989 and is currently the supervisor of performing arts medicine at Mercy Health Orthopedics and Sports Rehabilitation. If you are a dancer that wants to understand dance science more but aren’t really into all the wordy anatomy and hard to understand science-y stuff, this would be a really great gift. The images are works of art, and really help you to visualize the muscles. Super good to break into the world of dance science literature!
7. Dance Medicine in Practice: Anatomy, Injury Prevention, Training by Dr. Liane Simmel
This book is by Dr Liane Simmel who is a medical doctor, osteopath and former professional dancer. This is another one I should have bought from college, and if you want something a little bit more technical then this is a good resource!
8. Keep It Moving: Lessons for the Rest of Your Life by Twila Tharp
Ok, who doesn’t love Twila Tharp?! I have one of her other books- The Creative Habit– which would be another great one to add to your list if you don’t have it and are interested in choreography/creativity. Twila Tharp is just a legend, and her books are really thought provoking and inspiring. I would be happy getting any of her work!!