5 words for 5 routines

Two weeks to go until my first interclub for the year and for me that means only two lessons to go. By now routines are memorised and I do not have to think of what the next count is. With that being said, I still have to make sure that I maintain technique such as posture and pointed toes.

In this self-improvement post, I want to share with you how I will be simplifying my approach, dancing five routines with five memorable words. For several weeks, I asked myself what expression or message I wanted to convey with each routine. Now I have one word to focus on for each routine that will hopefully bring out my best dancing. This simple approach clears your mind so that you can be in the zone to dance. I highly encourage you to try this activity.

Lycra madness

It's leotard try on day! This is the time to choose and design your very own made-to-order leotard for Champion Girl/Lady which are the individual competitions for physie. Upon arrival I was overwhelmed with the choice of colours and leotard styles. Luckily, our club had the try-on box to ourselves due to the fact that there are several boxes circulating all around the country this month. Styles are categorised into junior and senior/ladies. Girls under 13 years old must wear junior styles and girls 15+ must wear senior styles. If you are 13 or 14 you can wear either. All leotards are stamped with the BjP emblem and since there is no expiry for designs, leotards are valid year after year. There's also pre-loved leotards on sale at the club and various places online. These are particularly good for girls who outgrow their leotards frequently or join later in the year and to save money (or for those who miss ordering one in time).

Body-stockings in each colour to find your match.

In total there were six senior/lady designs, some you can choose to have two colours if desired. There was an extensive list of colours to choose from, 23 to be exact. I can't wait to see all the girls and ladies brighten up the dance floor! Here are links colour palettes of different associations: Danz Design (BjP), Karen's Kreations (Edith Parsons) and Reedle Dancewear (APDA's new supplier). As you can see, unlike the other schools of physical culture, current BjP leotards are not embellished with diamantés and crystals which saves us money.

Being my first year I thought 'why not design my own?', so I did. Danz Designs allows an option for front lining which is dearer, but it's worth it for the comfort and security. So after trying on about seven leotards in four styles, I came to my final decision.

Leotard style, check... leotard colour, check... leotard size, check ... but I was not done yet. To complete the package, I needed fishnets, as in the stirrup tights worn by ladies. Being fishnets AND stirrup meant that it was the most expensive dance tights I've ever seen!

On a final note, I'm thankful that 21st century BjP Physie is done bare feet (some associations require silver ballet shoes which are around $70, though I think BjP had shoes once upon a time). This means that only a plain, non-embellished leotard and tights are required for competition. Now I've just got to wait until the last week of July to receive my special piece of lycra.