Where to buy dance clothes.

[Jillian]

Janelle starts ballet on Thursday and she has to wear pink dance quality tights, pink leather ballet shoes, and a solid coloured leotard...we didn't get this information till today and the school doesn't carry her size. I need either a 5 or a 4-6 (they said some brands are single sized and some are 2 sized if that makes sense) in the shoes, a 18-24 or 12-18 in the leotards, and 12-24 or 18-24 in the tights. Though 6-18 would also work for the tights, this also depends on the brand. We've given up hope of finding stuff this small by thursday, but we'd like to order it as soon as possible!

[Hilary]

I've never seen dance clothes that small. Target does have an XXS which is a 2-3. I wonder if that would fit her.

[Shel]

Danskin carries toddler size balletwear. Try this

http://www.babyultimate.com/danskin.html

[Shel]

I also found this from another link I had. They carry Bloch and Capezio. If you can get Danskin, get those as they run a little smaller and I know Janelle is smaller.

[AmyP]

You might want to try www.danskin.com. They have a toddler size, but that's a 2-3. Actually, I've heard good things about www.discountdance.com. One of my dance classmates told me that their customer service staff is great if you call them up (especially with odd sizes). They might be able to help you out.

BTW, my school recommends the Capezio Daisy leather ballet slipper for kids Janelle's age. According to discountdance.com, you size up one and they start at size 6 for that shoe. Here's a link: http://www.discountdance.com/frame_set.php3?mf=/dancewear/page_LEO_p1.html

I can also check a local dance supply store if you'd like. Let me know if you want me to do that if you don't find anything online.

[Nocona]

I've seen ballet shoes at Wal-Mart. Not sure if they're leather or they'd be the right size, but they may work.

[Jillian]

Nope, the target xxs doesn't fit, we tried that. And we got the sizing for her shoes from the dance supply store here trying them on her and saying she'd need a 5 and they don't carry them. Uhhg, who has ever heard of a child being too small for ballet, aren't dancers supposed to be petite???

[AmyP]

Let me know if you want me to check the dance supply store here.

I just checked capezio's website (www.capeziodance.com) and it looks like they start at size 6. :( I checked a website for Bloch dance shoes, and they start at 6 as well. It doesn't look like anyone makes a shoe that small. :(

Would it be possible (check with the teacher first) to put her in a size 6 shoe with a little lamb's wool stuffed into the toes? She'll eventually grow into the shoes. It's more important when she's older to have really good-fitting ballet shoes. If the 6 isn't falling off of her feet, it should be fine.

As far as leotards, it may be best to see if you can find someone to make one for her. I can't sew to save my life, but I would think a good seamstress would be able to sew a leotard. It wouldn't cost much in material for a child her size.

For tights, see how fussy they are about them being dance quality. For a child Janelle's age, I really don't think it would matter. The only time my teacher gets real picky is recital time (everyone needs to match).

Hope this helps.

[jennp]

Short term...I don't know what to tell you. Long term...do a search for discount dance supply online and they'll probably have a decent selection?

[Jillian]

The Dance instructor found 1 store with 1 pair of 5.5 ballet slippers in stock that someone had special ordered then never paid for!!! So we got those. And Tights are stretchy so we went with the 2t-4t ones and they just look a little baggy (for pictures I'll put her in normal pink tights and no one will know the difference), then we got special permission from the instructor for her to not have to wear solid coloured plain leotards till she grows a little (I told her that probably won't be till next fall, she was ok with that) so she is set!!!

[AmyP]

That's great. I hope she enjoys the class.

[Dawn]

I just saw this now.

Jillian, I was going to suggest ebay! I had the same problem with finding gymnastics outfits for Alexia...they were all so big. Even the XXS size is a little big! But I got her several XXS sizes NWT for some good prices on ebay. Just wanted to let ya know.... :)

[Jillian]

I managed to shrink the tights by washing them in HOT water and drying them on high, so they fit pretty well!

Anyway, here is a picture of my little ballerina on the first day of dance class...she didn't have her dance shoes on yet since we were still at home, but you get the idea.

http://www.jocose.net/pics/ballerina.jpg

[jennp]

How cute! Does she get to do a recital in the spring?

[Jillian]

Yep, assuming she likes dance these first 10 weeks (the season is broken up into 3 10 week sessions with a recital in the spring) and wants to continue she will be in a recital.

[Dawn]

Cute!!!!

I got an outfit similar to that for Alexia (but it's in purple and is like a velour material) on ebay. It's for gymnastics or dance. :)

[Bridget]

Jillian - what a sweetheart! I had a similar problem within the last two weeks trying to find a toddler size 6 tap shoe for Caleb. Can't do it. I ended up with a size 7 and he's going to wear thick socks. I'm hoping they don't fall off during his recital. So much for the bargain hunting, too - I had to pay full price ($35) since apparently mine is the only toddler boy in the USA who needs tap shoes. He takes dance/tumbling classes taught by a travelling school that goes to his daycare.

[mrs.knip]

Jillian- she is so adorable!!!