Now that Thanksgiving is in the rearview mirror, it’s time to kick shopping into high gear for the next big holiday on the calendar. Fred Astaire Dance Studios can help you explore Christmas gifts for dancers on your list.
Retailers expect Christmas to boost the industry as people flock to stores to buy gifts. Holiday retail sales are forecast to reach at least $942.6 billion in November and December, up 6% from last year, according to the National Retail Federation. Although concerns about inflation and high food costs remain top of mind, Americans will rely on savings and credit to provide a cushion for the holidays.
Finding the perfect Christmas gift can be a challenge. As you browse the aisles and search for a gift for your ballroom dancing aficionado, we have some recommendations to bring a smile to your loved one’s face on Christmas morning. Explore our top picks below.
- Insulated water bottle. Ensure your favorite dancer stays hydrated. An upscale, insulated water bottle is a gift they can take advantage of during their dance lessons and beyond.
- Portable Bluetooth speaker. A portable Bluetooth speaker can turn any location into a dance studio. Choose one with long battery life. You can even find waterproof options in case your dancer likes to sing in the shower.
- Bath salts. Help your dance partner’s tense muscles unwind with bath salts. Epsom salts are made of magnesium and sulfate, which work together to reduce inflammation and improve muscle function. Choose a bath salt with essential oils, such as lavender and mint, to provide a pleasing fragrance.
- Foot massager. Sore feet can hamper performance on the dance floor. After a particularly challenging lesson, a foot massager can make all the difference. Foot massagers come in a variety of different prices, but a simple wooden option with rollers can get the job done.
- A good book. If your loved one has a passion for ballroom dancing, consider stocking their bookshelf with some good reads on the subject. We recommend the newly released “Ballroom: A People’s History of Dancing” by Hilary French, or the light-hearted romance “Instructions for Dancing” by Nicola Yoon.
- Dancing shoes. A ballroom dancer needs the right shoes to trip the light fantastic. Upgrade your partner’s footwear this Christmas with a new pair of dancing shoes. We recommend choosing a leather shoe with a suede sole, low heel, and ample arch support.
- Book a massage. Delight your dancer with a trip to a local day spa for a massage to ease tired muscles and provide a relaxing respite from the holiday hustle.
- Schedule a pedicure. Ballroom dancing is a low-impact workout designed to improve muscle strength, boost cardiovascular fitness, and improve flexibility. Giving your partner’s toes some pampering will be a welcome relief.
- Dance practice attire. Spiff up their dance attire by adding some new elements to their ballroom dancing wardrobe. We recommend skirts for women and light pants for men. It’s important to purchase clothes that allow for mobility.
- Dance lessons. Last, but certainly not least, we recommend gifting additional lessons to help them continue to hone their craft. We offer gift cards available for purchase online and in our local studios. They make the perfect present for the couple who has everything and are an excellent option for harried parents who need a break to reconnect.
Watch a Holiday Performance
The holiday season is a great opportunity to treat your loved one to a special night out on the town. In addition to Christmas gifts for dancers, feed your partner’s passion for dance by purchasing tickets to a holiday performance to help spark the Christmas spirit. Here are a few options to consider.
“The Nutcracker” is a holiday staple. Take a look at this clip of the “Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy” from the Royal Opera House in London.
“Black Nativity” features rousing dance scenes and gospel music. The play was written by Langston Hughes, and it reimagines the Nativity of Christ with an African-American cast.
If staying cuddled under a blanket on the sofa with some hot chocolate is more your speed, pick a fun holiday flick to enjoy. Check out this dance clip from “White Christmas,” a classic holiday favorite.
Learn to Dance at FADS!
Contact your local Fred Astaire Dance Studios location to schedule a dance lesson or purchase a gift card to round out your Christmas gifts for dancers in your life.
