DanceSport Competition Blog

Get Tan!

Mon, 11 Jan 2010 13:49:30 -0800

Pre-competition rituals are important for dancers and athletes of every kind, helping to get you into the right frame of mind for the event ahead. For ballroom dancers, one such ritual is tanning. Even the very smell of those tanning products stirs up a competitive urge! Each dancer has particular preferences for what products to use and by what method to apply them. There are other ways to get tan, like tanning beds or the sun, but those are frowned upon for the negative impact on the skin and health. Instead, we’ll take a look at the most popular self-tanning products and how to apply them.
So why do dancesport competitors tan? Many observers outside the dance world find the color garish, overdone and extreme. But dancers do it for the same reasons that bodybuilders have long included this process in their preparation before an event--tanning makes your body look better. A good deep tan prevents you from looking washed out under strong lighting, defines your muscles and physique and makes you look slimmer, with a healthy glow. Even over the past decade, you can see that the whole entertainment industry has taken note, and you won’t find even a newscaster who is not sporting at least a little glow.
When it comes to products you have two basic kinds: creme (Sun, L’oreal, Matas, etc.) and alcohol based (Pro-tan, Super Braun, Profi-tan, etc.) tans. Creme tans are easily found in drugstores and are very easy to apply, but tend to not get as dark as the alcohol based tanners, although over the past few years, they have gotten pretty effective. Creme tans are good to start applying several days before the comp to get a base coat and then begin to use the alcohol tan the day before and of the event. Alcohol based tans will get you darker faster, although much of the color tends to wash off. Another downside to is these products is that they require more skilled application and practice to create an even streak-free finish. Another tan category on the market is the self airbrush tan, which delivers the product in a fine mist and touts the smoothness of application. One of our favorites is AeroTan from SexyHairConcepts. It is a temporary tan that washes off in the shower. Super easy to apply, great color and smells good too (really). Even ProTan now comes in a continuous spray formula as well. As brands improve their products, tanning is sure to become easier to apply and more natural looking. But if you’re still using the traditional applications, here’s how to get glowing results:
1. Many dancers have “tanning sheets” or clothes that they use during those days of tanning. A loose soft long sleeved top and long loose pants will keep your bed from turing brown--or orange. Be sure to take old pajamas with you to the competition--the housekeeping staff will be appreciative.
2. Exfoliate first! Use a body scrub several the week(s) before your event to get your skin smooth and even, which will result in a more uniform color. Take special consideration to dry areas like knees, elbows, around ankles and feet.
3. Start with a creme tan a few days before, depending on how dark you need to get. Apply with your hands, starting with the legs first and then work your way up. If you start with the upper body first, you’ll smear your application as you move down to the legs. Work in smooth strokes, being sure to get everywhere, especially the back of the legs and your back. Ensure that your strokes are overlapping and going in all directions to prevent lines and streaking. Have a partner help you with your back, if needed. After application, take a good look with a full length mirror to be sure all not spots have been missed. Reapply each day before the comp, or until you want to start using an alcohol based tanner. If you’ve reached a good color with just the creme tanner, you don’t have to go to the next steps.
4. Many dancers tend to shy away from tanning their faces and instead match their face the day of the comp with makeup. With all the fine curves and angles of the face, it is hard to get an even color. A better choice is to use bronzing makeup--be sure you’ve found a good matching color in advance. If you want to use a self-tanner on your face, do not use an alcohol based tanner, but choose one of the creme products. There are even some creme products made especially for faces.
5. The day before and/or of the comp, break out the pro-tan (or any alcohol based tan). Do not shave your legs before application, or the tan will seep right into your pores, becoming more noticeable a few days after when the rest of your legs have returned to normal color and your leg pores remain orange dots! Also, do not apply moisturizer directly before application as it will dilute the product. Alcohol tanners really dry out your skin, so be sure that you’ve moisturized it well the days before. You might want to wear gloves to be sure the drips of the brush or bottle don’t get a chance to set in on your hands before you’ve finished. It is also helpful to enlist your partner or other volunteer to paint you, especially your back. Be sure your helper is wearing gloves.
6. If you’re spraying, get in a dry bathtub to minimize tan ending up on the floors and walls. To apply, you can use the sponge brush that comes with the bottle or other sponge applicator of your choice. The key here is to work quickly before it dries! Start with the lower legs and work up. Apply in long smooth overlapping strokes, either by spraying directly on the skin or onto the applicator. You can also pour the liquid into a container and dip your sponge. To get full coverage, you a crosshatch pattern; that is apply up and down strokes and then sideways strokes on top.
7. Wash your hands after application, but be careful not to get water on the tan, as it will spot--like a watercolor painting. Sit tight and air dry or speed up the process with a hair dryer. Don’t dress until you are completely dry.
8. If you are tanning in advance, you can wash the next day and reapply to deepen the color. Alternatively you can tan the day of the comp without washing to maintain the darkest color--note: you will smell!
9. You can apply a translucent powder to your freshly applied (but completely dried) tan to minimize the transfer of color to costumes.
10. Most tanners will wash out of costumes and clothes. For washable items, soak in a basin of cold water and Woolite.
If you want to forgo the whole messy experience, a great alternative is an airbrush tan. You can either go to a salon featuring Mystic Tan, and get sprayed, or have a professional personally spray you either at a salon or by one of the tanning vendors at a competition. The upside to this is less mess, immediate results and convenience. However, it is more expensive then buying a bottle of product and also obviously you need to be sure that a vendor or salon is available at your destination, if you’ve not planned ahead. Mystic Tan at a salon will cost about $15-25.00, and custom airbrush tan around $45-65.00. For mobile service, you’re looking at anywhere from $50.00 and up.
Once you’ve finished your competition, you might find that your skin will start to look like you are molting, as it comes off patchy and rather unattractively. For the most part, you’ll have to wait out the process, although you can speed it along with a body scrub and and exfoliation. It also helps to keep your skin very hydrated with a moisturizer, as drier skin (a side effect of some tanners) makes it look even worse. If you have access to a hot tub, this also seems to help along the process, but the tan can come off in the water, so be sure you’re hanging with fellow dancesporters or your companions might think you have some kind of skin disease!
New safe products and technology are developing all the time, so old fashioned tanning beds and deep frying yourself in the sun are no longer viable options, due to the health risks. There are more options available now then ever before for self-tanning, so just start trying out a few different products and see what gives you the best results. Try your new products before your event, just in case you end up with some kind of oompa loompa disaster. With a little practice and experience, you’ll soon find that the self-tanning process is a step that prepares you physically and mentally for a great dance competition.

Holiday Classic Dancesport Championships

Sun, 13 Dec 2009 15:44:54 -0800

Despite the gigantic amount of entries, in fact the comps biggest year ever at 14,000, Holiday Classic in Las Vegas is a well oiled machine, keeping heats on time and running efficiently. A well run production is what you expect with veteran organizers Sam Sodano, Mary Murphy (of “So You Think You Can Dance”) and Wendy Johnson at the helm.
Held again at the Luxor Hotel and Casino, this year’s event packed the ballroom with spectators and dancers alike. Dancers were swept up in the competitive atmosphere and excitement, with competitors from all over making this their last event of the year. “Dancing with the Stars” pro favorite, Cheryl Burke and esteemed World Latin Finalist Paul Killick, were two of the notable faces on the judging panel.
Erik again had a strong contingent of pro-am students attending, including Bunny Barth, Sharon Butler, Jennifer Kay and Amanda Erickson. Each girl did awesome and this comp was a true indicator of their skills, as practically each event started from either a quarterfinal or semi-final. Bunny danced in the American Rhythm, winning first in almost all her freestyles and making the final in the highly competitive scholarship. Jennifer took 3rd in all dances out of a semi-final in the International Latin. Sharon also dances the Latin division, making most of the finals again in events starting from semis, and highlighted her events with a consistent 3rd in all her paso doble entries. Amanda completed the weekend with an incredible 2nd place in the Open Gold Latin A, starting from 26 couples, and took first in the rumba. Quite a feat! The Open Gold Latin is the most advanced pro-am division there is. We are super proud of the girls and of their accomplishments throughout this year.
If you plan to attend next year’s event, keep in mind that due to the popularity of the Holiday Classic, you must get your entries in on time and book your hotel rooms far in advance. For serious competitors (and those who love Vegas) this is one comp you cannot miss!

Claremont Colleges Winter Collegiate Showdown

Sat, 5 Dec 2009 15:37:19 -0800

This was the first year for Claremont Colleges to host their Winter Collegiate Showdown. For their inaugural event, it was a resounding success, with entries from colleges from all around the western United States. Claremont Ballroom Team director, Mr. Paul Roach, and competition coordinator Ms. Lauren Kinrich put together a professional, fun event that all the attendees enjoyed. The enthusiasm of the college kids was inspirational and fun for us to watch too! Many of the dancers had arrived the night before, dancing the night away at a fundraiser for the ballroom program, then competed throughout the day on Sat. and finished the night with an after hours dance! Whew! I noticed Red Bull was the preferred drink of the day, which must explain how they got through all of it and still had smiles on their faces.
The judging panel was headed by chairman of judges Mr. Trevor Luft, and included Mr. Andre Fortin, Ms. Carina Fourmyle and Mr. & Mrs. Erik & Melissa Cyr. Erik noted that after having judged some of the collegiate circuit events for a few years, the level of collegiate dancing has improved dramatically. There is more attention to technicality and a more serious approach to training. We’re happy to see these fresh faces so interested in ballroom dancing!
Besides a big contingent from host school Claremont, other notable entrants were Devil Dancesport, from ASU in Arizona and USC from Los Angeles. Many competitors danced round after round in every style (note that this included American, International, and Nightclub styles), and some events even had semifinal prequalifications. It was quite a turnout for Claremont’s first effort.
Finishing the evening was an exceptional top level professional show, one of the finest at a collegiate comp in recent memory. Organizers Mr. Roach and Ms. Kinrich are to be commended for their desire to showcase two couples at the peak of their careers as an inspiration for the up and coming collegiate dancers. The couples featured were Slawek Sochacki & Marzena Stachura, who are currently 3rd in the United States Professional Open Smooth and Alexander Andreev & Irina Domokurova were are currently ranked 4th in the U.S. Rising Star International Latin. Sasha and Irina wowed the audience with a slick cha cha and fiery paso, while Slawek and Marzena brought the house to it’s feet their clever medley showdance, with which they recently place 2nd with at the Ohio Star Ball.
With such a successful run this year, the Claremont Ballroom program is sure to come back next year with another exceptional event showcasing these young enthusiastic dancers.

Ohio Star Ball Formation Team Event

Mon, 23 Nov 2009 22:36:48 -0800

Claremont Colleges Ballroom Team came through with a fantastic result at Ohio Star Ball, placing second in the competitive formation team event. Their team presented an International Latin Medley prepared and choreographed by director Paul Roach. Erik ha the opportunity to work with the team a few weeks prior to the big event, to polish the routine. Great job dancers!

19th Annual Senior Olympics-Ballroom

Fri, 13 Nov 2009 15:43:59 -0800

Erik and I recently judged the 19th Anaheim Senior Olympics, an event we’ve been invited to for about 8 years. The city of Anaheim sponsors the Senior Olympics for a large range of activities, from archery to surfing to billiards, and of course ballroom dancing. It’s a wonderful way to promote staying healthy and active for seniors. In conjunction with the city, Mrs. Barbara Wally, former USA Dance president of the Orange County chapter and professional Ms. Samantha Potter organize the event each year. The program is so well planned, it really makes the couples feel the excitement of dancesport competition. There is a professional ballroom DJ, as well as beautiful medals for those placing 1st-3rd, and our judging panel is rounded out by the fantastic veteran judge and dancer, Nick Cotton, former 4 times U.S. 10 Dance Champion and World 10 Dance Finalist. Family and friends are in the audience cheering on the dancers during their performances providing an energetic atmosphere in the ballroom. Rudy Hernandez, professional instructor and owner of RMH Dance along with his wife Maria, was the outstanding DJ for this evening’s competition. Their studio brought several couples who danced in the rounds, scoring many of the top placements. Dale Emerman, was the MC and scrutineer. Dale is well known in the ballroom world not only as a former U.S. Pro-Am Latin champ, but also as the owner of Notably Unique, supplier of ballroom goods. The evening ended with demonstrations from three West Coast Swing couples who will be competing in the Master’s Division at the U.S. Swing Open Thanksgiving weekend.
Year after year, we see many of the same faces, and it is an accomplishment in itself to see that these couples are maintaining their fitness level and vitality. Impressively, some of the couples enter in 10 or more events--enough to give younger folks a run for their money in the endurance department! The most rewarding part of observing these seniors is watching how much they are enjoying ballroom dancing. There are two ages categories: the Senior division for ages 50-64 and the Grand Senior for 65+. One of the winning dancers of the night was in her 90s!
In the younger “Senior” division, one of the stand out couples of the was Kevin & Cheryl White. The Whites were cheered on by their coaches, Joe & Sarah Swallow, with whom they’ve been studying for 3 years. They danced in both the rhythm and smooth division and took first in their events. Making their achievement even more impressive is that Kevin received a hip replacement only 6 months ago!
In the Grand Senior division were veteran competitive couple, Donald and Joyce Radesky. One would hardly believe they would be considered “Grand Seniors” by watching their graceful and fluid movements and challenging choreography. The Radeskys compete in both styles, but their focus is on the smooth dances, which they’ve been studying together for over a decade. We’ve seen them at other competitions before and their dedication to their refining and polishing their presentation is evident in improvement we see each year.
Taking dance lessons is not a requirement in preparing for the Senior Olympics. Some of the participants clearly learned to dance in their younger years and have enjoyed this skill throughout their lives. Even without formal lessons, these dancers still approach the event with a competitive spirit and desire for fun. Dressed in their finest dance apparel, having practiced together frequently in the weeks before the event, they take to the floor, spinning and gliding with smiles, radiating the joy they feel from dancing to all the spectators. Admittedly, it is sometimes a challenge to judge this group, as often timing and proper technique are less defined but rather style and ease of movement are strong suits. Nevertheless, the genuine enjoyment the dancers show from being on the floor makes one realize that ballroom dancing is an activity to for all ages and stages of life. We are looking forward to next year’s 20th anniversary of celebrating seniors who dance!