I love what I do.  People ask me why I do this as I am also a school teacher.  I tell them it is like watching a bride find the perfect dress.  When a dancer finds a costume that they love and they feel good in it, their face lights up.  They get so excited,  have a huge smile and begin to dance around.  What is better than that?

Same thing for pointe shoes.  Usually Gaynor Mindens are not the first shoe people try.  (Please read my past blog on why they should by your first and only shoe!)  When dancers come to me, it is usually because they are going through several pointe shoes in a short amount of time or they can not seem to find a fit they are looking for.  With approximately 3000 size combinations it is nearly impossible not to find the perfect shoe.  When we find the perfect size, box, vamp and shank and the dancer goes up on pointe and says WOW!!!! my job is done.  It is so fulfilling to put a dancer in a great pair of shoes that will help her technique and be far more comfortable than any other shoe on the market.

If you are looking for more information on Gaynor Minden shoes or products, please email the store at info@sequelsandsequins.com.  I would be happy to provide you with information about these shoes.  Gaynor Minden also has beautiful dancewear.  The tights are beautiful and are a 70 denier which means they have the highest amount of denier that can be put in a pair of tights.  They are so soft and beautiful to wear.  Once your dancer tries them, they will not want to wear their old brand.

If you are a studio owner or know a studio owner and would like a presentation on Gaynor Minden Products, please email the store to set up an evening!  We will provide you with information about the shoes and products and why medical professionals support this pointe shoe.  We will also offer incentives to your studio dancers.

We look forward to fitting you soon!

Just recently, my daughter told me that her hip and shoulder were bothering her.  The hip, I attributed to growing.  She has grown several inches in the past year and has had to deal with the joint and muscle pain that goes along with that.  The shoulder, I wasn’t sure about but I pushed it aside and hoped it would get better on its own.  When the pain in her body started to impact her ability in class, I decided to get her to the chiropractor.  Turns out her shoulder was the easy fix.  A very tight trapezius muscle that was causing shoulder pain.  Her chiropractor did Active Release Therapy (ART) and loosened it up.  All good.  The hip is more of a problem.  But with adjustments, ice, ART, low volt and laser 2 times a week for a couple of weeks, she should be better.  Of course, like all dancers, she is her own worst enemy and doesn’t want to show weakness in class so doesn’t want to take it easy.  Why are dancers so stubborn?  Is it because they feel they have to prove something?  Is it because they are in constant competition with themselves and others?  I don’t know.  Given that she is 12, I decided to tell her teachers she has to be careful for a couple of weeks.  I knew she wouldn’t, and that was confirmed by one of her teachers.

Listen to your bodies, fuel your bodies with healthy food, and take care of your bodies.  You only have one!  I have always been a believer in chiropractic care as well as massage therapy.  I trust my health care practitioners 100%.  They have always treated my children and myself with respect, care and they are passionate about helping people.

If you live in the Oshawa area and need someone to help you call McAllister Chiropractic Clinic on Ontario St.  905-433-4131 They offer chiropractic services as well as acupuncture and Active Release Therapy.  My massage therapist is one of the best and she is located in Whitby.  Give Jennifer Densham a call at 905-391-5530.

If you are new to the dance world at a recreational or competitive level, Sequels and Sequins should be your first stop!  We have hundreds of pairs of gently used ballet, jazz, tap, and hip hop shoes.  If your child is just starting out and you are not sure if they are going to enjoy dancing, buying gently used shoes and dancewear is the way to go.  Why put out the expense of brand new when you can get perfectly good shoes at 50-70% less?

Competitive parents…we have hundreds of beautiful costumes for significantly less.  Stunning tutus, gorgeous dresses, sassy jazz costumes…you name it, we probably have it!  Don’t forget, we also embellish costumes, so if you think the costume is great, but it needs some extra sparkle to make it unforgetable, we can do that for you too.  Our prices are very reasonable and we offer an excellent quality stone.

New this year…we now except Cash, Cheque, Debit, Visa and Mastercard.  With so many payment options, you won’t have to go find a bank machine anymore.  We are excited to offer this new service to our clients.

Also new, we are the exclusive Gaynor Minden dealer east of Toronto.  Gaynor Minden make amazing pointe shoes that are actually comfortable!  They are not a paper glue shoe, and offer much more support, not to mention they make everyone’s foot look FABULOUS!!!

!!!!!COMING SOON!!!!!  Sugar and Bruno dance wear.  This is a line of t shirts, sweats and accessories, that dancers love.  The celebrity line features designs by Stacey Tookey, Mollee Gray, Chelsie Hightower and more!

With all of the exciting new things happening at Sequels and Sequins, how can you not come in!

Why should you wear Gaynor Minden shoes?  The answer is simple.  They are amazing!  Here are just a few reasons why principal dancers and soloists all over the world are switching Gaynor Minden.

1)  Gaynor Minden pointe shoes were developed in consultation with, and are recommended by, doctors and physical therapists who specialize in the treatment of dancers.

2)  Conventional pointe shoes (Paper and glue) break in unevenly so the platform ceases to be level.  This creates more potential for the dancer to be out of alignment en pointe, which stresses the joints, particularly the ankle.  Due to the improper alignment the dancer risks stress fractures and other injury due to lack of shock absorption.

3)  Gaynor Minden pointe shoes are made with high tech cushioning material.  They are made with Rogers Corporation Poron 4000 which carries the Americal Podiatric Medical Association Seal of Acceptance.

4)  The shanks are unbreakable and pre arched in 5 different shank types for strong consistent support right where it is needed the most.  We will be carrying the 3 most popular shank types unless special ordered.

5)  The elastomeric boxes cannot be softened or broken in.  The sides never round down to permit “sickling” and “winging”.  These are two issues with alignment that can cause damage to a dancers feet and ankles.

6)  Finally, Gaynor Minden pointe shoes make the dancer roll up to pointe and balance with proper alignment for correct technique.  This is why they are wonderful for dancers just starting out and experienced dancers!

Once a dancer tries Gaynor Minden Pointe Shoes, they rarely to back to the paper and glue constructed shoe.  Gaynor Minden’s have a higher price point but they last up to 28 times longer than the conventional point shoes.  I know several girls who have switched and LOVE them.  In fact my daughter says it is like being in a running shoe on your toes!!!

Not only does Gaynor Minden have amazing pointe shoes, they also have lines of leotards and tights.  We will be stocked up in some of the more simple looking body suits but will be able to order at anytime if there is something you like!  Also, the Gaynor Minden tights are fabulous.  The are micro fibre and incredibly comfortable.

Price point for Pointe shoes (unless special order is required) will be $135.00

If you are interested in a fitting, please call.  Our hours are not consistent in the summer but will be in September.  I look forward to introducing many young dancers to this amazing line of shoes.

First – Hair – If you have a young dancer, chances are you won’t have to change hair.  You will probably have a bun placed either at the back, top or side of the head and your part will either be to one side or hair could be pulled straight back.  Regardless, you need a few things.  A good brush with natural bristles works best.  You also need good gel and believe it or not, it doesn’t have to cost a lot.  I have found that good old Dippity Do does the trick for my girls.  Good hair elastics are also essential.  I try to buy the ones that match their hair colour, just in case.  When in comes to pins you are going to want hair pins for buns and bobby pins for pinning accessories to the hair.  If you are not sure the difference ask a seasoned dance mom; they always know!  You may have hair scrunchies, or ponytail extensions.  Take care of these or they start to look terrible.  Keep them separated from the other items in your caboodle or costume bags.  You also need good hairspray and you may need a spray bottle with water depending on how many hair changes have to be done.  Also, invest in a good hair straightener and curling iron.  The initial expense is worth it, when you can redo hair quickly.  Finally, make sure you have all of your rhinestone hair clips!  And remember to pin, pin and when you think you have enough pins, add one more!

Make up – Every studio has different requirements for make-up so make sure you know well in advance what you need.  Some can be quite expensive.  Also, if you are new to the studio and are not sure about how the make up should be applied ask someone to show you.  I approach my girls faces like it is a portrait.  I love doing their makeup but unfortunately they are getting old enough to start doing it themselves.  Make sure you have your primer, foundation, concealer, powder, blush, eye shadow, eye liner and mascara or fake eye lashes.  Also, remember that these items do not last forever so check them for odd odours.  That means they are too old to put on your face.  Invest in good makeup remover. 

Other caboodle needs:  Other items to carry in your caboodle are safety pins (a lot – in various sizes), a Tide to Go pen, makeup sponges and brushes, double sided tape, screwdriver (for tap shoes), extra velcor tabs for quick fixes, a small sewing kit, mints or travel toothpaste and tooth brush, deoderant, feminine products, and and extra pen or highlighter! 

After you have checked to make sure you have everything, take time to organize everything so you know where it is.  This comes in handy for quick changes.  Our caboodle has lots of little rubbermaid containers and ziplocs to help keep everything in it’s place.

Remember, you are ready!  You have worked hard.  You don’t know who will be at competition, so go, do your best, and have fun.  After all, if you can’t have fun, why are you there?

Look for our advertisements at Bedazzled Dance Champions, Let’s Get Loud, Breakthru and Believe. 

Please feel free to continue to email about costumes.  Even the the store isn’t open, I can answer email while away.

Competition season is quickly approaching for some dance schools while others still have a few months of rehersals to go but whatever stage you are in, costumes are the talk of the studios! If you already have your costumes for the year, congratulations! A large stress has been lifted, knowing that you have the costume in hand, it fits and it is sure to look great. If you don’t have your solo, duet, trio or even small group costumes yet, have a look through the closets. We are slowly getting the sizing and prices up on the pictures but it is a large work in progress with over 1100 to add captions to. If you don’t see something but know what you need, email us! Provide your approximate size, song title, type of dance your are doing and what you are comfortable wearing…it is important to know if you don’t want a 2 piece costume. Also, let us know if you have a colour in mind. Having been in and around the dance world for over 25 years, I love making suggestions.

As I said, not everything is up on the website so please enquire. We offer a wide variety of services including adding more rhinestones to the costume if you like to be super sparkly! We also do small sewing jobs, like sewing trims and fringes. We want your dance or dancer to look fabulous on stage.

All prices are in Canadian funds. While you are not yet able to shop completely on line, we do offer Paypal as a service. We invoice you to your email. Payment is quick and easy and shipment is sent as soon as payment is received.

Shipments are done through Canada Post and we find you the most economical price we can with a tracking number. Shipments within Canada and mainland U.S. are usually no more than $20.

We look forward to hearing from you.
Happy Dancing!

Don’t forget we also need some holidays, so over the break, the store will only be open Monday December 20th 5-9.  The store will be fully closed from Dec 24th to Dec 30th.  I will be available by appointment only on the 21st, 22nd, and 23rd and 31st.  Regular business hours will resume Monday, January 3rd. 

It is not to late to find your perfect costume.  We have over 1000 costumes in stock for you to try on.  Bring your music, or your choreographers concept with you and we will do our best to make you look fabulous. 

We hope you have a safe, restful holiday season and look forward to seeing many of you in competition in the next few months!

Look for our advertisements in competitive programs around the province!

We have 100′s of costumes ready for you at Sequels and Sequins.  Solos, duets, trios and even group costumes up to 10 costumes are available in jazz, tap, lyrical and ballet.  We also have a large variety of Musical Theatre, acro and Hip hop costumes. 

New this year, we have a basics area!  We have gently used bodysuits, shorts, leggings and pants.  We also have a large selection of pink chiffon ballet skirts, pink ballet sweaters, character skirts and a small stock of tights.  You could find everything here.  Can’t find the perfect hair piece or accessory?  Let us make it for you. 

The closet is being updated with sizes and prices.  If you see a costume you like, click the picture and the information will pop up. 

We look forward to serving you and making your dancer look the best they can!

Sequels and Sequins has more than 100 pairs of used shoes.  Ballet, character, jazz, tap…we have them all.   Our shoes are usually less than half the price of buying new. 

If you have used shoes can’t be used by your dancer, bring them in.  Any shoes sold get 70% back to the seller!  That is you!  Now is the time to bring them in as students will be looking…

Clean out those dance bags, you might be surprised at what you find!