NJ/NYC Dancewear Stores

[faststart]

Hello Gentlemen,

 

I'm new to Ballet Talk and new as a dance student. I'm soon to be 39yrs old and decided to take ballet lessons. I start next week and need to get my attire. I live in NJ and have gone to a few dancewear shops in my area but they are very limited or have no menswear.

 

I was wondering if anyone has a recommendation for a store I could go to in either NJ or New York City where I can get my tights, dance belt, and leotard?

 

I've found a number of online resources, but since this is the first time I'm purchasing these items I'd rather do it in person whereby I can see the product and ensure I'm getting the correct size.

 

Your assistance is greatly appreciated.

 

Thanks,

 

Rob

[Mel Johnson]

You're probably going to be best helped by grabbing a NJT train and going right into New York City. Capezio will usually be a safe bet for having product in stock.

[edgart6]

The Capezio on Broadway has a good selection but there is also a nice little shop on 34th and Madison Ave called On Stage and whenever I am in there a gentlemen has been running the shop which may be a plus for you.

[MJ]

Sansha has a shop off eighth avenue in the 50s

sansha.com

 

Bloch has a shop on the upper west side.

blochworld.com

[olddude]

... And now that the big guns have weighed in, hello and welcome from another late starter!

[faststart]

Thank you, guys. I'm trying to schedule a day off so I can take a trip to NYC and check out the recommendations. If I can't get the time off I'll probably have to take my chances and order on line. Class starts 1 week from today. . .

[davidg]

Bloch store is gone.

 

There are two Capezio stores on B'way, one around 51st St. and one around 57th. Why two so close, I don't know.

 

You really do need to get into a store, since many of the items you need are not returnable.

[MJ]

Bloch store is gone.

 

There are two Capezio stores on B'way, one around 51st St. and one around 57th. Why two so close, I don't know.

 

You really do need to get into a store, since many of the items you need are not returnable.

 

From Bloch's website:

 

BLOCH NEW YORK STORE

Address

304 COLUMBUS AVE NEW YORK, NY 10023

Phone

212 579 1960

 

I just called the number, it was disconnected! I like their ballet slippers.

 

Capezio and Sansha shops are all within 4-5 blocks of each other. Sansha sells M.Stevens tights, which are better and more comfy than capezio tights. Capezio Dancebelts are better than Sansha.

 

Capezio has outlets in NJ, but the menswear selection is sporadic. Sometimes they have lots of stuff, but recently it is minimal. Sizes tend to be small or xxl.

 

Dancefactoryoutlet.com

 

Rob,

 

at a minimum. you need a Men's Dancebelt, ballet slippers, black tights, and a white t-shirt.

 

Word to the wise, the first few classes will be very frustrating, don't give up!

 

Cheers,

 

MJ

[olddude]

... If I can't get the time off I'll probably have to take my chances and order on line. Class starts 1 week from today. . .

Just in case you have to fake it:

 

1) Be aware that a 34-35" waist, which is M at Penny's, is an XL at the dancewear store

 

2) Be aware that sizing is pretty erratic in the dancewear world.

 

3) A tight T-shirt will do the job, if leos or dance shirts are hard to find. Tight is good, the teacher needs to see your bones and muscles moving.

 

4) Bike shorts and running tights are workable alternatives

[faststart]

This info has been very helpful. I've read a number of comments throughout the board where the M.Stevens tights and Capezio dance belts are recommended. I'll try those to start. Two additional questions please. . .

 

1) I've noticed that some dance belts are described as quilted, padded, or molded. Aren't all dance belts padded?

 

2) Any recommendation on a brand of leotard? I was thinking the M. Stevens if I can find it.

 

Thanks,

 

Rob

[Hans]

I've never even heard of a padded dancebelt. Capezio dancebelts are quilted; M. Stevens uses two layers of miliskin.

 

Hopefully someone can help with a leotard recommendation; I never wore them.

[Jutty1224]

One of the Capezio store is on the corner of Broadway and 51st St right above Ellen's Stardust Diner. the entrance is on 51st between 7th Ave & Broadway. You take an elevator up to the 2nd floor and your right in the store.

 

The other capezio store is on the corner of 57th & Broadway, the entrance is on Broadway and there are stairs up to the store.

 

Sansha is at 888 8th ave. The entrance is on 53rd st.

 

On Stage is a smaller store on the east side of Madison Ave just a few steps south of 35th st.

 

Oh, there is also a new Japanese dancewear shop on W. 46th st. which I have not yet been too.

 

The Bloch store must have closed recently because I was there in early December.

[olddude]

...

2) Any recommendation on a brand of leotard? I was thinking the M. Stevens if I can find it.

...

I have an M. Stevens leo, bought as a class requirement at one time. I rarely wear it. The thong back is generally preferred to avoid VPL. The problem is that a gap can develop between it and the top of your tights if they are merely belted and are slippery nylon. I like the "dance shirts", basically a leotard on top, a T-shirt at the bottom. If I've fallen behind in laundry, I just wear a tight T-shirt. The only real problem with T-shirts for me is the small neck hole gets hot; leos leave a lot more neck exposed.

[faststart]

I was able to make it into NYC today and to On Stage Dancewear on Madison & 34th. It was a very nice store and the staff extremely helpful. I was able to get everything I needed. Thank you all for your suggestions. Next time I'll try and get to Capezio and Sansha. Thanks, again!!!