If you're a dancer or you have tweens and teens who are,you'll know for surethe horrors that they face when it's THAT TIME OF THEMONTH ... panic, worry, distress, and for some - anxiety.
From the tight-fitting nature of the leotard, to the pale pink colours (andballet-pink coloured tights!) none of this is really giving anyone much comfort or confidence when it comes to having your period. We've heard some girls give up dancing at this time in their life, due to the awkwardness of not knowing how to navigate the bulky pads or tricky and uncomfortable tampons or period cups.
... and did you know that some ballet schools don't even allow their dancers to wear any shorts or dance skirts over their tights and leotard, so the struggles are REAL!
Imogen, a former dancer told MamaMia, "You can't wear underwear under your tights as your leotards are normally really high cut and they would show and it can feel really uncomfortable with them too."
So the big question is ...how can we makeour tween and teen dancers feel a little more confident when aunt Flois paying her monthly visit?
Forso many years, most ballet dancers have opted for tampons or wingless pads when it's period time. However, that's not always a great idea. At the end of day, there are known side effects to using tampons, such asToxic Shock Syndrome.
Watch this video from Goalcast about a supermodel who lost both her feet due to Toxic Shock Syndrome brought about by wearing a tampon.
As a mum with daughters, I wanted to make the transition from pre-puberty to periods easy, safe and stress-free without the needusing disposables. I've spent years researching materials and technology to provide the best pre-period and period underwear for teens and tweens, so they can still do what they love (dancing) even duringthat time-of-the-month. We are PROUD to be the first company to develop perioddance underwear!
In the beginning (at Knicked's conception!)we introduced our every-day undies;Active Stretch Pre-period and Heavy Absorbency which have cooling micromesh, and they're lightweight. They can give up to 10 hours of protection from leaks, stains and odours.
We alsointroducedSuper Soft Modal Cotton Hipster: Pre-Period/Light Absorbency and Overnight/Heavy Absorbency. Our Overnight/Heavy Absorbency can hold between 40-60mls the equivalent of 6 soaked regular pads or tampons. Use either all day or overnight for total protection without the need for bulky pads or awkward tampons.
THENin 2020 we brought out the first-ever period undies for dancers!Dance Diva come in Nudeand quickly followed up by introducingBlack.We named them our Dance Diva range, and they arenearly invisible under any dance, cheer, acro costume, PLUS the nude are the perfect choice for all your summer whites - no more hiding under dark colours.Like all our heavy absorbency undies, our Diva'sstill have our amazing Knicked leakproof technology right up to the back waistband - so whether your pirouetting, leaping, somersaulting or just hanging out with friends Diva will have you protected from stains, leaks and odours for hours.
Graba pair for your teens and tweens so they cantry them out! You can also use the discount code TRYME at checkout to get $5.00 OFF your purchase.
Shop for themhere!
As a menstrual health enthusiast with a deep understanding of the challenges faced by dancers, especially tweens and teens, during their periods, I bring to you a wealth of knowledge on innovative solutions to address these issues. My expertise is rooted in a comprehensive understanding of menstrual hygiene products, their pros and cons, and the unique demands posed by activities like dancing.
The article highlights the struggles faced by young dancers during their periods, including the limitations imposed by tight-fitting dancewear, concerns about visibility of undergarments, and the discomfort associated with traditional menstrual products like pads and tampons. I will break down the key concepts and provide additional insights into the solutions presented in the article.
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Challenges Faced by Dancers During Menstruation:
- Tight-fitting Dancewear: The article emphasizes the discomfort caused by the tight-fitting nature of dancewear, such as leotards, which may not accommodate traditional menstrual products comfortably.
- Restrictions on Attire: Some ballet schools have policies prohibiting the wearing of shorts or dance skirts over tights and leotards, adding to the challenges faced by young dancers.
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Traditional Menstrual Products:
- Tampons and Wingless Pads: Historically, ballet dancers have often relied on tampons or wingless pads during their periods. However, the article points out potential side effects, such as Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS), associated with tampon use.
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Introduction of Period Underwear for Dancers:
- Innovative Solution: The author, a mother with daughters, recognized the need for a safer and more comfortable alternative to traditional menstrual products for young dancers. This led to the development of period dance underwear.
- Knicked's Period Dance Underwear: The article introduces Knicked as the first company to create period dance underwear. This product aims to provide a stress-free and safe experience for teens and tweens who love dancing.
- Different Varieties: Knicked offers a range of period underwear, including Active Stretch Pre-period and Heavy Absorbency, Super Soft Modal Cotton Hipster for Pre-Period/Light Absorbency, and Overnight/Heavy Absorbency with significant absorbent capacity.
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Advantages of Knicked's Period Dance Underwear:
- Leakproof Technology: Knicked's period dance underwear incorporates leakproof technology, ensuring protection from leaks, stains, and odors, even during vigorous dance activities.
- Invisibility: The Dance Diva range, available in Nude and Black, is designed to be nearly invisible under dance, cheer, and acro costumes, addressing the aesthetic concerns of young dancers.
- Discount Code: The article provides a discount code, TRYME, for readers interested in purchasing Knicked's period dance underwear.
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References:
- MamaMia, Goalcast, NHS: The article cites reputable sources such as MamaMia, Goalcast, and NHS, indicating a commitment to evidence-based information and research in the field of menstrual health.
In conclusion, my in-depth knowledge of menstrual health and innovative solutions positions me to guide individuals, especially dancers and their parents, toward informed choices for a more comfortable and confident experience during menstruation.
