For those of you who haven’t done so yet, stop in to take advantage of our Nutcracker’s Sweet Deal.  It’s only good through December 24th, so hurry!  (Hey, you’ll need time to wrap everything.)

We also have some big changes coming up, so you don’t want to miss those!

What does my child need for class?

That varies depending on the instructor, but generally girls will need a leotard and tights while boys will need a t-shirt and shorts.  Both sexes will need properly-fitted shoes.

You’ll probably want to resist the temptation to buy the adorable skirts just yet.  Most instructors want clean silhouettes so they can make sure the dancer is moving properly.  A bag would probably be a good idea, especially if the child is old enough to carry his/her own things.

What does my child need for a recital?

Again, ask the instructor or director.  Most studios will want certain costumes for certain pieces, and they may have a costumer on standby.

However, sparkly earrings and accessories are basic store stock.

Is my child too young for dance classes?

That depends on the child.  Most dance instruction begins at about 3 or 4, although some studios permit children as young as 2.  If the child has the necessary coordination, he or she is probably old enough.

Am I too old for dance classes?

No.

Can you tell me what size shoes my child needs?

Certainly, if you bring him or her in for a fitting!  A good rule of thumb is to start with the street shoe size, but since every foot is different the child should really be fitted in person.  Many people who buy shoes sight-unseen are disappointed.

I want everything my child will need for dance.  Do you have it?

Well, if we don’t we can order it!

How long can my child dance?

I would say up until an hour before bedtime so he or she can wind down…in all seriousness, dance can be a lifelong pleasure.  There really isn’t a “time limit” for movement!

Is this a dance store?

…Yes.  Moving on now….

I want to surprise a young dancer in my life.  What should I get him/her?  Are shoes good?

Actually, since dancewear is such a matter of personal comfort, the best surprise gift you can give is a gift certificate.  If you feel you MUST give a “real” gift, try a dance-themed accessory (perhaps a frame for recital pictures).

What color should I get?

That depends on if the teacher has requirements; some studios have a strict class “uniform.”  Otherwise, it’s pretty much up to the dancer.  What’s his or her favorite color?

Do you carry leather pants?

Um, no….

Can I shop there even if I’m not a dancer?

Of course!  We have yoga pants, workout clothes, and lots of accessories.  We even have umbrellas and mittens if the weather catches you by surprise!

How late are you open?

We are open from 12 pm to 6 pm Monday through Friday, and 11 am to 5 pm on Saturday and Sunday.

Do you carry *insert brand here* shoes?

We carry Capezio, Stephanie, and SoDanca.  We have long-standing relationships with these companies and really don’t want to hurt their feelings.

Do you have Black Swan costumes?

No, and I have not seen them from our suppliers; however, we have the basic components and can order anything else you need.

Then, there was that scream….

I was working on a fill-in order when it happened.  Out of nowhere, a blood-curdling cry filled the air.  A flickering, horrible shadow flew through the store, and I am ashamed to admit I screamed too!

Still, I’m a rational person.  A cup of coffee later, I decided it was probably just a frat boy prank or something.  I had my back to the windows, so…it could easily have been somebody running past with a costume or cutout; it was a sunny day, after all.

And then…brace yourselves.  I was taking pictures of the new Halloween merchandise, when I turned around and saw…THIS:

Boo

Remember that part about being rational?  HA!

I’m a little nervous about going in today.  I’d really appreciate it if folks came by to keep me company!  Besides, we have a 20% off sale through Halloween, and we have a lot of costumes and raw costume-type materials…why not do some shopping while you’re here?

Who knows?   Maybe we can do some ghostbusting!

We will be getting a lot of new things for the new school year soon, so stay tuned!

In addition to our growing line of streetwear (you MUST see our new Silkskyn tees), we now have beautiful velvet wrap-around jackets.  Styled after the classic “dancer’s sweater” profile, they are just the right weight for a cool day but retain a distinctive elegance and femininity.

This is what happens when we let the staff’s resident fiber nerd put together an order.

In addition, the new Zumba class over at the fitness center was such a success that Ally will be teaching Mondays and Wednesdays.  It’s busy around here!

Everyone come say hello to Ally!

I hope everyone stayed dry yesterday.  (Gazelle does sell umbrellas if you happen to need one.)  So far so good today, and just chilly enough to wake everyone up this morning.  I almost don’t need coffee.

Relax your feet in the whirlpool, meditate in the sauna, and then dance, dance, dance!

What do you think of when you hear the word “dance?”  What kind of environment, what kind of people, etc.?