The Ultimate Small Dance Business Directory
While it is often convenient to purchase your dance items from huge companies, small dance businesses help to fulfill the needs of our special kids in a unique, personal way. But as a small business owner, I know just how difficult it can be to get the word out. That’s why I wanted to promote the small businesses that have served members of our dance community well. I solicited feedback on this Facebook post, and included the reviews below.
I tried to categorize the listings, but please visit each website for the full list of their offerings.
My hope is to continue to add to this list; I want to promote any and all small businesses that offer something special to dance families everywhere. If you would like to recommend one, please leave a comment on this blog post. I’ll check it out, and include it as soon as possible!
Thanks to everyone that already contributed!
Dancewear, Costumes, and Shoes
Bobby’s Dancewear – According to their website, “Bobby’s Dancewear carries apparel and shoes for all types of dance including ballet, tap, jazz, lyrical, pointe, hip hop, clogging, liturgical/worship, theater and ballroom as well as items for gymnasts, cheerleaders and figure skaters.” They have two locations in Nebraska.
By Nana’s Hands – Owner Heidi says, “As a competition mom and a seamstress, I get to combine the best of my worlds by creating custom dance costumes! Also on IG heidi.cushman. Custom requests always welcome!!!”
Cecilia Ray Designs – Owner Meg writes, “I’m a 23 year veteran dance mom owned small business. My shop is focused on custom, trendy apparel and gifts. I work with local studios to supply them with unique custom gear and accessories. I’ve been around the dance block and know what dance families want and need. Don’t see something listed? Contact me directly. One of my favorite things to do is make your vision come to life. That crazy idea you have or product you want, but can’t find, I can!”
Cinnamon Tree Dance Shop – A pointe shoe fitter servicing the northern Virginia area. Also, you can shop for dancewear and more on their site.
Dance Culture Designs – “She has been amazing in prior years to work with! Even takes your design and adds her touch to it!”
Dancespiration Designs – Recommended by customer Randi, this site features dancewear, gifts, accessories, and more.
Elevate Dancewear – Recommended by a dance mom whose girls love it! Take a look at the tops, bottoms, and more.
Encore Dance & Activewear – This is our local mom-and-pop shop for all of our dance needs, but they also ship if you order on the website. The help we received during my girls’ first pointe shoe fitting was invaluable! For more, check out A Good Pointe, Parts 1 and 2.
ISP Dancewear – “…makes the cutest most comfortable Dancewear for littles! They make AMAZING Dancewear that we just love. Colleen, the owner, is a lovely woman”
LemonBerry Dancewear – “…has some cute designs for younger dancers!”
Linden’s Dancewear – Sarah wrote,”Linden’s Dancewear gave us the best customer service. We ordered online pointe shoe paint from them. They wrapped it in tissue and ribbon and included a hand written note wishing my daughter luck in her competition. They offer a variety of dancer products.”
Lucy Lu Dancewear – “…by far my favorite for dance wear! Adorable, durable, high quality and affordable! I also have gotten all my daughter’s solo costumes so far from them!”
Maryann’s Dance and More – According to the owner, “Pointe shoe fittings are very important to us. We take the time to educate the dancer and the parents about pointe shoes, how to care for pointe shoes, the life expectancy of pointe shoes and the care of the feet before we start the fitting. We feel that it is important that you understand the entire pointe “story” before we fit.
We are recognized as consistent sponsor of local organizations both dance and non-dance related as well.
We’ve been featured in the national dance retailer magazine, Dance Retail News numerous times and as a Spotlight Retailer. We’ve appeared several times on MassAppeal on WWLP-TV22 the hour-long lifestyle program focusing on Western Massachusetts. And we’ve been featured in the ‘Lifestyle and Balance’ section in Retail Minded Magazine.”
MK Dancewear – Teresa wrote, “MK Dancewear is my 2nd job and we have online options. Locally owned with 3 locations and a website.”
Prodigy Dance Designs – “She was amazing to work with and really understood the struggles of having a small dancer! She is amazing!”
Rosie Pollie Creations – According to the Instagram site, “I make custom made dance wear outfits, costume bases and full costumes. I offer child sizes 4-14.” Customer Crystal wrote, “Beautiful custom dancewear made by my dear friend!!”
Tiffany’s Dance Boutique – If you’re local to Spring Hill, Florida, check out the selection of shoes, dancewear, and more.
Accessories, Gear, and Gifts
Attraction Magnets – “My 14 year old dancer makes sparkly magnets to hold convention tags in place. She also makes earrings just for fun! She is doing this to help pay for competitive dance and learn about running a business!”
Avon – Representative Kerri wrote, “Avon has makeup, lotions, hair products, makeup organizer, bath and body products, jewelry and more!”
Bright Side NJ – My friend Kelly R. runs this amazing Etsy store, filled with fun, unique, game-changing gifts for dance, cheer, and sports. You’ll definitely want to check out the personalized jewelry cases, ornaments, pin boxes, and more! And be sure to tell her Danielle sent you 😉
Cecilia Ray Designs – Fun dance shirts for dance moms!
Fanci Footworks – I’ve been able to order some essentials from this website, and always was pleased with my purchase. They bill themselves as a dance boutique, but also offer gymnastics and skate products. Some featured categories include bags, accessories, training tools, gifts and fun stuff, clearance, and Nutcracker essentials.
MeDelia Studios – Customer Lauren writes, “A huge recommendation for MeDeliaStudios on Etsy for customized name patches for your rolling duffels! She does all the major brands (Glam’R, Dream Duffel, Ovation) and they are beautiful. She buys her Glam’R patches directly, so you can get a match, or a coordinating color (or do a color inset). We did a two color patch and my kiddo loves it. She’s a grandma of two competition dancers.”
Pins Dream On – These magnets help keep audition numbers in place (instead of safety pins). Kelly wrote, “The owner is the sweetest person with 2 very talented dancers of her own. Her products are always being ‘tested’ and have saved all sorts of expensive dancewear for my girls!!!”
That Dance Mom – According to owner Shanita, “That Dance Mom is a subscription box dedicated solely to Dance Moms and take the guess work out of getting what you need for competitions. We always makes sure our dancers get what they need and often forget about ourselves. This box will take care of you and have you ready with the essentials for comp time!” Shanita recently sent me one, and it was filled with all sorts of goodies – a fun water bottle, t-shirt, bracelet, and more!
Other Essentials
Cheerables – Teamwear, t-shirts, and more are available from Terri of Cheerables! She and I go way back, and I can tell you that she is committed to creating beautiful, eye-catching designs to make your dance, cheer, gymnastics, or other sports teams stand out.
Creative Trackers – “I create printable goal trackers. They would be a great visual for dancers to set and meet goals!”
Honest Eldeberry Co. – “We use Honest Elderberry Co to keep our immune systems up during the height of dance season. With their bodies under stress, they are more susceptible to getting sick so I’m always trying to find ways to boost their immune systems back up.”
KT Danz – “We teach Dance & Fitness to Doncaster. We also sell Temple Spa & The Body Shop products to fund raise for our Dancers Show Funds.”
If you know of a small dance business that deserves a shout-out, please COMMENT on this post! Thanks so much!
For more reviews from real dance moms, check out The Ultimate Dance Bag Review!
33 Comments
Julie
http://www.ispdancewear.com makes the cutest most comfortable Dancewear for littles!
Danielle
Added – thanks!
Kaisha McManis
My official request for Lucy Lu Dancewear to be added to this list!
Elizabeth I
We use Honest Elderberry Co to keep our immune systems up during the height of dance season. With their bodies under stress, they are more susceptible to getting sick so I’m always trying to find ways to boost their immune systems back up.
Danielle
Added – thank you!
Danielle
Added – thanks!
Randi Cordell
Lemon Berry Dance wear!
Danielle
Added – thanks!
Lauren
A huge recommendation for MeDeliaStudios on Etsy for customized name patches for your rolling duffles!
She does all the major brands (Glam’R, Dream Duffel, Ovation) and they are beautiful. She buys her Glam’R patches directly, so you can get a match, or a coordinating color (or do a color inset). We did a two color patch and my kiddo loves it.
She’s a grandma of two competition dancers.
Danielle
Thanks – do you have a link?
Lauren
Yes! https://www.etsy.com/shop/MeDeliaStudios
Meg McKibben
I’m a 23 year veteran dance mom owned small business. My shop is focused on custom, trendy apparel and gifts. I work with local studios to supply them with unique custom gear and accessories. I’ve been around the dance block and know what dance families want and need. Don’t see something listed? Contact me directly. One of my favorite things to do is make your vision come to life. That crazy idea you have or product you want, but can’t find, I can!
Danielle
Thank you – added this morning!
Randi D. Cordell
Dance Culture Design
Danielle
Added – thanks!
Randi D. Cordell
Prodigy Dancewear! She is amazing!
Danielle
Added – thanks!
Randi D. Cordell
Dancespration Dance Wear
Danielle
Added – thanks!
Lynette Pierce
I sell printable goal trackers. They are a great tool for helping dancers visualize and meet goals!
Danielle
Added – thank you!
Mary Ann
Mary Ann’s Dance and More
Pointe shoe fittings are very important to us. We take the time to educate the dancer and the parents about pointe shoes, how to care for pointe shoes, the life expectancy of pointe shoes and the care of the feet before we start the fitting. We feel that it is important that you understand the entire pointe “story” before we fit.
We are recognized as consistent sponsor of local organizations both dance and non-dance related as well.
We’ve been featured in the national dance retailer magazine, Dance Retail News numerous times and as a Spotlight Retailer. We’ve appeared several times on MassAppeal on WWLP-TV22 the hour-long lifestyle program focusing on Western Massachusetts. And we’ve been featured in the “Lifestyle and Balance” section in Retail Minded Magazine.
Danielle
Added – thanks so much!
Meg McKibben
I’m a 22 year veteran dance mom. My oldest is a coach now and I still have 1 competing. My small business does Studio merch and fun dance mom apparel!
Danielle
Thanks – I will add it to the directory! Best of luck to you in 2023!
Lisa
Custom Stitches on Facebook
Danielle
Would you be able to give the link? There are several listings on Facebook for “Custom Stitches.”
Shanita Beard
That Dance Mom is a subscription box dedicated solely to Dance Moms and take the guess work out of getting what you need for competitions. We always makes sure our dancers get what they need and often forget about ourselves. This box will take care of you and have you ready with the essentials for comp time!
Danielle
Added! Thanks so much!
Heidi cushman
Hey!
As a competition mom and a seamstress, I get to combine the best of my worlds by creating custom dance costumes!
Also on IG heidi.cushman
Custom requests always welcome!!!
Danielle
Thank you – added this morning!
Sarena
Hi! I’m the manager and a pointe shoe fitter at The Cinnamon Tree Dance Shop. Our website is ctreedanceshop.com. Please check us out!
Danielle
Thank you – added!