2023 Holiday Gift Guide for Dancers
The annual Brainy Ballerina holiday gift guide for dancers is BACK! I’ve rounded up ten of my favorite gifts perfect for the dancer in your life complete with some amazing exclusive deals!
(Looking for even more ideas? Check out my 2022 & 2021 Holiday Gift Guides!)
Heads up: This post contains affiliate links. If you click and purchase, I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Vivace Dancewear Skirts
At Vivace Dancewear, every single product is completely hand-sewn.
But that’s not all that sets their skirts apart - all Vivace skirts use more fabric than your average skirt so they flow with your movements and fan out when you turn. Plus, the tie is made from cotton with enough friction to stay put for hours of rehearsal!
***20% off your entire purchase November 24 - December 2 (discount automatically applied at checkout) - only sale of the year!
Kizik Shoes
I have tossed all other tennis shoes aside and am 100% loyal to Kizik now.
Not only are they super cute, but all their shoes are 100% hands-free. No more struggling to get out the door while lugging your dance bag, costumes, props, etc. - just step right in and you’re good to go!
The Color of Dance Coffee-Table Book
From TaKiyah Wallace-McMillian, the photographer behind the Instagram sensation Brown Girls Do Ballet, this stunning coffee-table book showcases breathtaking images of ballerinas of color of all ages and levels that reflect today's beautifully diverse world of dance.
Hypervolt Massage Gun
I am 100% certain my calves would not have made it through my professional dance career without a massage gun.
It’s an accessible way to give yourself a daily deep tissue massage to break up scar tissue, increase blood flow, increase range of motion, and improve recovery time.
Imperfect Pointes Leotards & Tights
Imperfect Pointes is a stylish, sustainable UK dancewear brand launched in 2020 by a ballet mum on a mission to change the dancewear industry for good. Boasting the world’s first sustainable ballet tights, the company uses fully compostable packaging and a zero-waste plan. PLUS, they plant a tree for every order! Imperfect Pointes will help you look good, feel good, and do good when you dance.
***Enter code IMPERFECTLYSMART at checkout to receive a 15% discount on all ready-to-wear dancewear
Kindle Paperwhite
A Kindle is the perfect gift for all the avid readers out there who want to be able to access their favorite book anytime, anywhere. Not only is there a massive selection of titles available, the Kindle Paperwhite is waterproof so you can catch up on your Brainy Ballerina Book Club picks while soaking in a relaxing Epsom salt bath!
“Ballet Core” Sweatshirt
Dancer Camille Goldsborough founded The Prima Club with a mission to make fun, lighthearted clothing that you feel GREAT in!
I especially love this sweatshirt - REAL ballet core made by REAL ballet dancers.
With an industry so deeply rooted in competition and comparison, The Prima Club’s pieces are a great reminder that dance is meant to be enjoyed!
DIME Beauty Skincare
As dancers, our skin takes a beating - between all the sweat and stage makeup, establishing a skincare routine you can stick to is essential.
My favorite brand to keep my skin fresh and glowing is DIME Beauty. I swear by The Works system - an all-in-one, simple but oh-so-effective bundle.
***Use code BRAINYBALLERINA for 20% off your purchase!
Vuori Performance Jogger
These are my absolute FAVORITE joggers (I’m wearing them as I type). The DreamKnit™ fabric lives up to its name - it is seriously dreamy. They’re super soft and stretchy for maximum comfort with a relaxed fit for a polished look. I love the basic black, but definitely have some of the more fun colors (hello Marsala Heather!) on my gift list this year!
The Ultimate Audition Guide
Is there anything more valuable than peace of mind for an aspiring dancer on the cusp of their professional career?
The Ultimate Audition Guide is a one-stop shop for EVERYTHING dancers need to know about professional company auditions. With this guide, the dancer in your life will be ready to conquer audition season like a true professional.
BONUS! Stocking Stuffers!
Gifts that are small enough to fit in a dancer’s stocking, but will still be well-loved!
Meet the Author
Caitlin Sloan is a Dance Educator and Career Mentor based in Madison, WI.
Caitlin received her Bachelor of Arts in Dance from Grand Valley State University and Graduate Certificate in Nonprofit Management from the University of Missouri.
She danced professionally for nine years with companies including Ballet Tucson and Missouri Contemporary Ballet (now Mareck Dance). Caitlin has taught at schools all over the Midwest, most notably serving as Director of The School of Missouri Contemporary Ballet and Youth Company Director for Central Indiana Dance Ensemble. She is currently on faculty at the School of Madison Ballet.
Caitlin founded The Brainy Ballerina® in 2019, a virtual resource providing support and guidance for aspiring ballet dancers. Follow @thebrainyballerina on Instagram for your daily dose of dance career guidance and inspiration.
