6 Hacks Every Adult Dancer Should Know

If you've been dancing for a while, you know that a big part of the journey is figuring out the little things... the tips and insider secrets that make life a bit more comfortable and seamless. Over the years I've stumbled onto a handful of hacks that have genuinely made a difference, and that I wish i'd known about sooner. And since I'm not one to gatekeep, here are six of my favorites. ☺️

(And if you prefer to listen, you can do that here)👇🏼

1. Cake's Nipple Covers: The "Headlights" Problem, Solved.

You find a leotard you love. The color is perfect, the cut is flattering, and the fabric feels amazing. Then you put it on and realize it's a bit.... thin. 🫠

It happens to the best of us — and it can make it really hard to focus on your dancing when you're feeling self-conscious. That's where Cake's nipple covers come in.

I discovered them on social media a few years ago and have used them in basically every class since. I'm still on my first pair, which tells you something about the quality. The ones I use are the "Grippy" Cakes, which have no adhesive or glue. They're made from medical-grade silicone and grip your skin using your body's natural heat, so there's no sticky residue, no irritation. They're dermatologist-approved, latex-free, and great for sensitive skin. (I can attest to this, as my skin is VERY sensitive.) After each class, I just rinse them with mild soap and warm water, let them air dry, and they're ready to go again.

What sets them apart from other options is the tapered edge. They really do disappear under even thin fabric. They also come in a few skin-tone shades. And honestly, I wear mine well beyond ballet: under fitted shirts, swimsuits, anything with an open back or strapless cut. They really are the answer to so many wardrobe dilemmas.

And this isn't sponsored! (Maybe someday...🤞🏼😄) I just genuinely love them and have recommended them to multiple dancer friends who feel the same way

2. Toe Spacers in Your Ballet Slippers

Toe spacers are usually recommended in the context of pointe shoes, but I've been using them in my ballet slippers for a couple of years now, and I really wish someone had told me sooner.

If you have bunion pain (or even just mild discomfort in the bunion area during class) slipping a toe spacer between your big toe and second toe can make a real difference. It gently realigns the toe and reduces pressure on that joint, making your time in the studio much more comfortable.

The ones I use (and LOVE) are the medium-sized toe spacers by Russian Pointe. Inexpensive, effective, and worth trying if that area gives you any trouble.

PS Even if you dont currently have bunion pain, but you notice your toes are a bit smushed in your slippers, toe spacers are a great preventative measure so bunion pain doesn't creep up on you. 🙌🏼

3. The Waistband Cut: A Game-Changer for Comfort

If you've ever put on a pair of ballet tights, looked in the mirror, and discovered that the waistband has cut you in half and created a roll where one didn't previously exist, you know the frustration I'm going to talk about...

There are two versions of this hack, depending on how brave you're feeling:

Option 1: The vertical snip. Make a small vertical cut straight down into the waistband. This relieves tension without removing any fabric, and it makes a surprisingly big difference.

Option 2: Cut the waistband off entirely. I know, it sounds dramatic. But hear me out... The body of the tight should still keep them up (especially if you wear them under your leos). Once the waistband is gone, you're left with a smooth, comfortable fit that doesn't dig into your skin.

I've done this to multiple pairs and I won't go back. Start with a pair you're less attached to and see what you think. I think you'll be converted!

4. DIY Stirrup Tights from Convertibles

Personally, I'm a stirrup tight person. I love the look, the feel, and the way they enhance your arch. But not every brand makes them, and some of my favorite tights only come in convertible.

So I just convert them myself!

It's really simple: cut along the toe seam all the way across to create an opening for your toes. The hole that was already there becomes your heel opening. You might get a little fraying, but honestly, it doesn't bother me, and I kind of like the DIY look. ✂️

The low-stakes part is that you're not cutting into the body of the tights at all. You're just snipping along the existing toe seam. If you've been buying stirrup tights from brands you don't love just to get the silhouette, this is your work-around to use the brands you actually love instead.

5. Spray Rosin for Heel Slippage in Pointe Shoes

This one is specifically for dancers on pointe. If heel slippage is something you deal with, here's a really simple fix: a light spray of rosin inside the heel of your pointe shoe. (I use this one by Bloch.)

It creates just enough grip to keep the shoe in place during relevés without affecting the shoe itself or making a mess. It takes about three seconds to apply and comes in a small bottle that's easy to throw in your dance bag. You can find it at most dance supply stores or online.

A note: Some studios don't allow rosin because it makes the marley sticky. To be respectful of this, apply the spray outside the studio or at home. Then, since you're applying it inside the shoe, it won't get on the studio floor.

And a bonus tip that pairs great with this one: If you wear convertible tights with your pointe shoes, try shifting the convertible opening to sit at your heel rather than under your arch. This leaves your heel skin exposed, and pointe shoes grip bare skin so much better than tights. Combine that with the spray rosin, and heel slippage basically becomes a non-issue. 🙌🏼

6. Put on a Hair/Scalp Treatment Before Class

This one is kind of random, but I love it.

I kept seeing hair treatments I wanted to try but couldn't figure out when to use them. Who has two hours to sit around with a sticky head?

Then one day it clicked: I was putting my dirty hair into a ballet bun anyway, so why not apply a hair treatment first?

Here's why it works perfectly: your hair is going up regardless. It doesn't matter if it's greasy or weighed down. In fact, product often makes it easier to slick back into a bun with no flyaways or frizz. You go to class, dance for an hour or two, come home, shower, wash it out, and your hair feels incredible.

You're doing something good for your hair during time that was already accounted for. No extra time cost. It's the most efficient self-care hack I've found. So if you've been neglecting your hair because you just can't find the time, slap on a mask, pin up your bun, and let class do the rest!

I use the Nourish & Grow Hair Solution by RCA Skincare. Use code AFTERCLASS10 for 10% off your order!

That's the full list! I'd love to know if any of these make it into your routine. If you try one, come find me on Instagram at @thebusybunhead and tell me what you think.

And if you want more adult ballet content, subscribe to After Class: The Adult Ballet Podcast wherever you listen.

xx, Hannah