Unwrap our Holiday Dancer Gift Guide 2025

Hello!

My name is Allison Whitley, but most people just call me Ally. This year will be my second year in the Corps de Ballet at Houston Ballet. I trained with Houston Ballet Academy and was in Houston Ballet II before receiving my Apprentice contract in 2023.

My dance bag items are essential to my daily routine, and I honestly don’t know what I would do without half of the items in there! These items get me through my long days in the studio rehearsing for our upcoming performances and help me feel my strongest, most confident self.

Pointe Shoes!

I currently wear Bloch Aspirations, and they strike a good balance between being hard enough to support and stabilize, while also allowing me to articulate through the box well and feel the floor while dancing. I usually keep about 3 pairs ready to go in my bag. If I am lucky, one harder pair, one worn pair, and one pair that's probably way too dead to dance in, ha!

Perfect Fit Toe Pads

I love my perfect-fit toe pads! They are customizable and allow you to determine how much padding you need and where your unique pressure points are for your foot! I have found that my feet have been in much better shape since switching over to Perfect Fit.

Orza Brand Flats

Every morning during barre, I like to start my mornings warming up my feet in my Orza Pros 2.0 flats. They have much more support than a typical flat shoe and significantly reduce my plantar fasciitis and metatarsal pain that I used to experience a lot with other brands.

Jule Shorties!

You will almost always find me wearing my Jule Shorties in class every day. They are the

perfect combo of flowy, sporty, and feminine. They are such a hit at Houston Ballet. Our

company ladies are big Jule Dancewear fans :)

Leg Warmers/tights

I will typically have one or two pairs of legwarmers in my bag and will take them on and off throughout the day, depending on what I am rehearsing. They keep our muscles warm, particularly when we might not be involved directly in a rehearsal but need to keep our bodies ready to go at any moment. Shout-out to the Jule warm-up tights!

Warm-up accessories

I always have a Theraband, a Yamuna ball, and a small spiky ball in my dance bag. Therabands help warm up my ankles and shoulders, especially before class. Yamuna balls help roll out sore muscles and increase circulation in the body. I like to use a tiny spiky ball to break up fascia in my feet.

Snacks!

Last but certainly not least, I keep a few quick snacks in my bag to refuel between rehearsals. My go-tos are typically a beef stick for quick protein or some fruit.

I think that is just about everything! I hope you enjoyed hearing about what I keep in my bag and were introduced to items you might not have heard of before!

Happy dancing!

-Ally

Follow Ally along in her dancing journey with Houston Ballet on Instagram at @allydancer_123

• Suffolk Dance Boutique:

  *2325 S Stemmons Fwy, Suite 502B, Lewisville, TX 75067, United States. (972) 459-5556*

  As the flagship boutique of the Suffolk brand, this Lewisville shop specializes in expertly fitted pointe shoes and premium dancewear. Suffolk Dance Boutique carries the full line of Suffolk shoes and apparel, as well as curated selections from other premium dance brands. Their expert staff ensures each dancer gets a custom fit in a refined, professional setting.

• Jule Dancewear – Online Store (Ships from Austin, TX):

  All Jule products have been manufactured in Dallas, TX since 2011. Support a local dancewear maker in your very own backyard!

  Shop online at juledancewear.com

  

Jule Dancewear offers a fashion-forward collection of premium ballet leotards, skirts, and warm-ups designed by dancers, for dancers. Known for their signature mesh detailing and luminous “Jule tones,” the brand blends function and elegance with a modern edge. Orders ship quickly from Austin, TX, making Jule a top online option for dancers seeking standout styles with professional-grade quality.

• Sandy’s Dancewear – Plano:

  *3115 W Parker Rd, Suite 190, Plano, TX 75023, United States. (214) 473-6600*

  Family-owned since 1956, Sandy’s Dancewear in Plano offers an extensive collection of dancewear, shoes, tights, and accessories for dancers of all levels. Known for their personalized pointe shoe fittings and attentive customer service, Sandy’s carries trusted brands like Bloch, Capezio, Mirella, and more in a warm, boutique-style setting.

• Sandy’s Dancewear – Frisco:

  *11445 Dallas Pkwy, Suite 270, Frisco, TX 75033, United States. (972) 377-4509*

  Serving dancers in North Dallas and beyond, Sandy’s Dancewear in Frisco is a go-to destination for ballet, jazz, tap, and contemporary dancewear. The store offers high-quality options for students and professionals alike, with staff trained to assist in fittings and product selection for every discipline.

• Mimi’s Dance Shop – Rockwall:

  *811 E Yellow Jacket Ln, Suite 110, Rockwall, TX 75087, United States. (469) 314-1900*

  Located just outside of Dallas, Mimi’s Dance Shop in Rockwall offers a personalized shopping experience for dancers, gymnasts, and drill team members. Known for their friendly and helpful service, Mimi’s carries top brands like Capezio and So Danca, along with stylish apparel and accessories to suit every dancer’s needs.