Special Offers - Dancemania Dancewear

Special Offers - Dancemania Summer Sale

Over the period of 12 months Dancemania introduces hundred's of new product lines to its website and as always we always stock sufficient quantities to make sure that we can fullfil customer orders. But as a product becomes discontinued we do end up with lots and lots of odd bits and pieces that are end of line. Right now we have dozens of crates in our warehouse full of end of line products that we would like to get rid of. Frankly we need the space to prepare for the arrival of next seasons back to school stock and of course the new lines from Milano, The Zone, Pineapple and others, so we have slashed the prices of end of line items to shift them!

Follow the link at the top of this post to our sales pages where you will find dancewear and gymnastics clothing on sale at up to 75% off the recommended retail prices. On these pages you will find cheap prices on specials, discontinued and end of line dancewear and gymnastics clothing and shoes with prices reduced by up to 75%.

All products on these pages are in stock at our warehouse and will be dispatched to you as soon as we process your order.

A Father's day gift from a dancer

Father's day in the UK and many other countries is on the 17th June this year, which means there are less than 4 weeks left to arrange a special gift for the Daddy in your life. If you are a dancer then a great gift ideal is this glass photo frame for Daddy's little dancer:

The frame holds pictures or photographs 15cm by 10cm and is made of glass, which is transparent. The glass is adorned with silver mirrored decoration that declares "Daddy's Little Dancer" and includes ballet shoes hung by their ribbons, stars and love hearts.

The frame is presently on special offer at £2 off the normal retail price and is available for next day delivery.

Accepting 2 awards for Dancemania at the Poole Retail awards 2012

Hopefully you have seen our blog post about the Top of The Shops Poole retail awards and through that discovered that Dancemania won the Best Customer Service award and the Social Media Star award. These are two mighty awards indeed and both recognise the hard work and dedication of the Dancemania staff to engage and serve our customers.

We are especially pleased to be awarded the Best Customer Service award as we prize nothing more than total customer satisfaction, which reflects the effort and determination we at Dancemania put in to serving our customers.

The social media star award is tremendous: everyone here at Dancemania puts in the extra time to keep existing and future customers informed and abreast of the latest news and views within our market sector. We particularly enjoy getting our hands on new, yet to be released products before anyone else and being able to publish reviews long before the product reaches the shelves. It allows people to form an opinion of the product and to give sufficient notice of their availability.

Here Margaret and I are being awarded the Best Customer Service:

...and here we are being awarded with the Social Media Star:

The awards were sponsored by Breeze VW and Sibbert-Gregory and organised by the Economic Development team of the Borough of Poole and they did a fabulous job too! The Quay Thistle Hotel played host for the evening and Steve Power of Wave 105 made should things went along smoothly.

Shoes for Belly Dancing

We had a belly dancer walk into our store this week to ask for shoes for belly dancing. Not too sure what she meant, it turned out that she was talking about Bloch's Elastosplit X. Apparently everyone at her belly dancing classes was wearing them because the flesh coloured shoes were less conspicuous than any other shoe that is light and as flexible; the flexibility being brought about by the minimalistic nature of the design with all unnecessary materials being removed  so the dancer’s arch becomes more visible.

So there we have it, for belly dancing get a pair of Bloch's Elastosplit X ballet shoes.

Find where to buy Gaynor Mindens within the UK and Europe

Gaynor Minden's are great pointe shoes, perhaps an evolutionary step up from other types currently available, and they are certainly worth the investment if you can can afford a pair. I've no doubt that in the long run if you do buy a pair you will soon realise that you are saving money - at a time when a normal pair of pointes would be broken and need replacing your Gaynor Mindens will still be a fresh and strong as the day you first tried them on.

Since Gaynor Mindens are still a bit of a novelty within the UK they are only available within major cities or at premium dance shops. Therefore it can be a little tricky find a stockist. To help you find where you can buy Gaynor Mindens Dancemania has created a blog post - "Where can I buy Gaynor Minden pointe shoes in the UK?".

Only 259 shopping days to Christmas 2012

A look at Dancemania's opening times will show you that now Easter Sunday is over Dancemania doesn't close again until Christmas day 2012. That's right, Dancemania is open 7 days a week all the way up to Christmas. That is because at Dancemania we recognise modern society expects a quick response to their demands, and quite rightly so. In an age that has seen the rise of the internet customers should no longer accept anything other than swift deliveries of their purchases and we accept this challenge wholeheartedly. That is why our website www.Dancemania.biz is monitored 24/7 and you can speak to a real person on our orderline +44 (0)1202 604968 each and every day.

Happy shopping!

Zooma: Clothing inspired by Zumba classes at pineapple

Zooma: Clothing inspired by Zumba classes at pineapple

As well as teaching dance in their Dance Studios Pineapple makes very eye catching dancewear, usually in avant garde colours but always with massive pineapple logos and print designs. Since the targeted customer is very young the designs have appeal but there is a new market shaper on the block in the form of the rapidly growing number of Zumba exponents.

Typically those that do Zumba or similar dance fitness are a little bit older than Pineapple's usual patrons, are equally are more mature in their fashion tastes so are less likely to want to wear brightly coloured clothing emblazoned with large logos & motifs. Pineapple has realised this and has launched a new line in dance fitness clothing called Zooma.

Zooma benefits from the years of experience Pineapple has with making performance dance clothing with a great choice of colours and fabrics, but they differ in that they appeal far more to the maturer person seeking an ideal outfit for Zumba dance fitness. Gone are the billboard sized logos and motifs and in is a small understated embroidered label identifying the garment's pedigree.

The Zooma items are light, bright and fun to wear and will soon be the clothing of choice in Zumba classes throughout the land. GET YOURS NOW!
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How to look & feel great for dance fitness

How to look & feel great for dance fitness

Many women have chosen taking up dancing or dance fitness as their New Year resolution this month and I think that is an excellent choice. The benefits of dance based exercise are well known but some women may not be looking forward to squeezing their bodies in to tight Lycra. The most important point to raise here is that your body shape should not dictate your activities but we acknowledge that many look for help in smoothing down bumpy bits and reining in wobbly bits.

Capezio have come to the rescue with their shape control underwear for dancers. There are 5 garments in the range, all are nude and come in sizes small to large.

High Waist Shape Control Briefs

Great for squeezing in those muffin tops and giving your bum a lift. Transition straps hold them high under your boobs and stops them from rolling down.

High Waist Shape Control Legging

Just like the high waist control briefs but giving total control of your thighs. If you feel your thighs are a little out of control then these are for you.

Shape Control Shorts

Being shorts they don't give an unflattering pantyline under tight fitting pants. These are great if you want localised support around your bum and hips.

Shape Control Bra Top

This bra top holds things close and gives them support. There are no clasps or hooks to bother with so a tight top won't be spoiled with lumpy bits showing through.

Shape Control Camisole Top

For lighter control focused only on your waist. Good support to your boobs is paired with controlling panels for your waist.

These garments not only support and control but compress your body. This can feel awkward until you get used to it but compression has been shown to aid in exercise and recovery, for one thing your muscles shouldn't feel so tired after exercise.

Bloch's Dance Fitness Sneakers

New Zumba fitness shoes arriving in 2012

Everyone agrees that Dance sneakers are better for you than sports trainers during dance fitness, including Zumba. But dance sneakers were made for dance studios and stages where the level of grip is known to the designers of the shoe. But of course dance sneakers are now being worn outside of dance studios and off stage in leisure centres, church halls and even carpetted front rooms. The problem is now that the soles of the dance sneakers are trying to get the right amount of grip on surfaces that they were never designed for.

Bloch have now designed an innovative modular sole that should better handle the complete range of dance surfaces the wearer will find themselves on.

Read about the new, innovative sole design on our blog post New Zumba fitness shoes arriving in 2012.

Also, watch out for the designs that will incorporate this new type of sole: Lightening S0924, Apex S0920, Traverse S0922, Apex Mid S0921 and the Traverse Mid S0923. All exciting sneakers in attractive and vibrant colours.

Capezio Bolt Dansneaker - Dancemania Dancewear

Capezio Bolt Dansneaker - Great for Zumba

It is always exciting when people come to us with an idea and recently Capezio gave us a pair of their latest Dansneakers to see if we thought they were great shoes for Zumba.

Capezio have 125 years experience of making dance shoes so we knew that these shoes would be great, they always are. The first thing that will amaze you when you hold them is how light they are. Capezio shoes are famously light but these are half the weight of standard dance sneakers yet hold their structure well. The firm yet flexible sole forms the foundation of this shoe with a low profile featuring an intriging flex notch that is positioned well for transmitting floor contact to the foot. A spin spot is present as is now the requirement for Zumba people.

We tested the BOLT Dansneaker on numerous surfaces for traction, comfort and stability and it passed with flying colours. We even performed the somewhat questionable spin on carpet so that you don't have to. We did this as most people wear their Zumba shoes at home on carpet and shoes that have too much grip will cause you to damage your knee if you attempt a spin. Our demonstrator is an experienced dancer who knows her profession so did a safe spin on carpet wearing these Dansneakers. The spin on carpet was completed without fuss or too much rotatonal drag on the knee joint so we can say these shoes are better on carpet than most dance sneakers and certainly better than ALL trainers.

Take a look at a short video on the Capezio BOLT Dansneaker page
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The Latest Gymnastics Clothing from The Zone - Dancemania Dancewear

The Latest Gymnastics Clothing from The Zone - Dancemania Dancewear

We are very lucky when choosing gymnastics leotards that in the UK we have some many famous labels to choose from - just look at the National teams at international events and you will see their leotards and tracksuits adorned with the logos of influential international brands.

But for me I look for quality not celebrity so I always start by looking at the latest gymnastics clothing from The Zone because their quality of manufacturing is top notch and their choice of fabrics and colours make for very eye catching outfits indeed.

The Zone also always ensure that their latest range includes leotards for all budgets, from top of the range long sleeved leotards with intricate yet robust styling down to the basic sleeveless leotard, which still manages to include attention to style and finish that belies its cost.

The latest Autumn 2011 range of gymnastics clothing from The Zone is available now and certainly deserves a close look. As well as new styles existing favourites have had updates such as the addition of the new Petrol colour being added to the Sparkle range of leotards and new colour combinations to the men's ACE leotard.

For top quality gymnastics leotards that offer exceptional value for money you have The Zone

What is Tap Dancing?

What is Tap Dancing?: - Sent using Google Toolbar

You may think that you know the answer to that question but you may be surprised to discover Tap Dancing's dark historical origins. The blog post at the end of the above link gives you an insight in to Tap Dancing's beginnings and it's journey in society as a specialist yet greatly loved style of dance.

The greatest dancers from the hollywood classical musicals such as Fred Astaire and Gene Kelly all used tap dance routines in their movies because they knew what the audience loved - it is hard not to eel the energy of a tap dance. With regard to great tap dancers I must add that my personal favourite tap dancer of all time is Roy Castle. He even held the World record for achieving the most taps per second whilst tap dancing - a mind boggling 24 beats per second.

In the above linked blog a future great dancer, Jordan Mills, takes you through a brief introduction to tap dancing in his video. A brilliant tap dancer himself Jordan is a member of TapAttack and is entering the World championships. Follow his progress through Dancemania's Blog.

A “God send” to nurses

A “God send” to nurses: - Sent using Google Toolbar

Footwear for dancers has come a long way over the years benefiting from very high tech research in to the stress and strains acting upon a foot during dance. The ideal dance shoe has got to support and protect the foot under extreme punishment not seen during every day life: high impact stamping, turning, rapid acceleration and decelerations linearly and angularly. Let's face it, dancing can be utter hell for feet so a shoe that protects the foot during it has got to be special. And so modern dance shoes are! The latest materials and design ideas go in to making a modern dance shoe and you will notice as soon as you put a pair on.

The great thing is dance shoes are now crossing over in to every day life, thanks largely to Zumba shoes. As more "non-dancers" take up Zumba they are introduced to the benefits of wearing shoes specifically designed for dance.

One such person is Precious Mitchell-Hilborn who took the time to write to us at Dancemania to thank us for her new shoes, which she has described as a "God send" to nurses and health care workers. Being on their feet all day long they suffer the aches and pains familiar to dancers and when Precious tried on her pair of Dance sneakers she immediately felt the protection and support these shoes give you.

One happy customer and a very welcome note of feedback to Dancemania.

Thank you.

What is a QR Code?

What is a QR Code?: "- Sent using Google Toolbar"

Making the most of technology Dancemania has started using QR Codes in their promotional material, including the carrier bags given to customers at their store. The back of the Dancemania carrier bag now has a large QR code that is large enough to be read at quite a distance, so someone sat in a cafe watching the World go by can easily scan the QR code as the carrier bag passes by.

This is exciting for us at Dancemania because we are planning treats for people who have arrived at a URL of our choosing by scanning our QR codes - we can offer prizes, discounts and rewards to all who have scanned our QR Codes :)

Expect our QR codes popping up anywhere and certainly on the signage above our shops and our warehouse.

Bloch Demi Pointe S0135 - Dancemania Dancewear

Bloch Demi Pointe S0135 - Dancemania Dancewear: "- Sent using Google Toolbar"

Before moving to wearing pointe shoes many/most young ballet dancers train their feet in pre-pointe shoes also known as soft block, break down or demi pointe ballet shoes.

These Demi pointe shoes train dancers in techniques required in pointe work and serve to acclimatise dancers to the feel of wearing pointe shoes and to strengthen the ankles and feet in preparation for dancing en-pointe in pointe shoes. The toe box allows the dancer to experience the feel of a pointe shoe, whilst the insole and outsole work together to provide the resistance needed for developing foot and ankle strength.

With Bloch's Demi Pointe shoe the shoe is styled on a traditional pointe shoe, Bloch's first in fact, and the thick leather sole provides resistance for the dancer to work against in developing the required foot strength to survive, I mean perfect, being en pointe.

What are the best shoes for Zumba fitness?

What are the best shoes for Zumba fitness?: "- Sent using Google Toolbar"

We wrote the What to wear for Zumba fitness classes post in the Dancemania blog to show people new to Zumba what clothing and footwear was appropriate for it, and that was a year ago. Now it would seem the flood gates have opened as we are receiving huge amounts of telephone enquiries from people wanting to know which shoes are the best for Zumba. The story is the same in our shop, people arriving in their droves desperate to find the best shoes for Zumba.

In our experience there is no "one fits all" answer to this question as people's abilities and requirements are unique to them, so it is best to talk to an experienced dance shoe advisor in person. But not everyone can get to the Dancemania shop in person, so to those who cannot we wrote the What are the best shoes for Zumba fitness? blog post.

This post was written for those who are using Zumba purely as an excercise and not as a dance hobby and so the shoes recommended in the post are sneaker style. Obviously, dancers would be looking for shoes more in keeping with the dance style such as latin sandals, but we didn't want to over complicate the message and stuck to sneaker style shoes.

We hope that you read this blog post and find it useful.

Dancemania Dancewear

Dancemania products on Facebook: "- Sent using Google Toolbar"

Dancemania has now copied some of the hundreds of products in their inventory across to their Facebook page for followers to browser and even buy without having to leave Facebook. Products are categorised under tabs; currently there are tabs for Zumba shoes, cheap dance shoes and offers, where you will discover discount codes revealed only on the Facebook product pages.

As you browse the products, still logged in to your Facebook account, you have the option to Like products and even share your thoughts about the products with your friends by adding a comment next to the product.

We hope you like what we have done and find that we have made it more convienient for you to keep in touch with the hottest and latest styles arriving at Dancemania.

Happy browsing!

Trampoline Socks - Dancemania Dancewear

Trampoline Socks:

Now in stock are these Trampoline Socks from the World's greatest experts on gymnastic footwear IWA.

Certainly within the UK all establishments that does trampolining requires all people to wear footwear appropriate for trampolining and that means trampoline shoes or trampoline socks. Which you choose comes down to personal preference, but typically children prefer the socks as they are soft and hug tightly making the child forget that they are wearing them.

These socks are very good quality with the silicon completely integrated in to the fabric of the sock. The knitting is sophisticated incorporating ribbing and cuffs that grip the foot tightly ensuring the sock stays exactly where it is meant to.

What size Taps do I need for my tap shoes?

What size Taps do I need for my tap shoes?: "- Sent using Google Toolbar"

Sophie has transcribed the almost mythical, ethereal laws for choosing the right sized taps for tap shoes! Why has this not been done before? Well, probably because, whilst it is an easy thing to do in actuality, it is not an easy thing to explain.

Dancemania has an extensive range of tap shoes, all with pre-fitted taps, but since juniors start with shoes with only a toe tap it becomes necessary to retrospectively fit additional heel taps. Of course, many people wish to upgrade to teletone heel taps and teletone toe taps.

Sophie's blog post provides a helpful taps sizes guide for choosing the right size taps or teletones for your tap shoes. However, this is still very much work in progress and will be updated as and when new shoes and taps come online, but Sophie has made the best first steps at documenting this awkward subject I've yet seen.

I commend this post to you :)

Pineapple clothing dancewear & kids pineapple clothing range of dance t-shirt hoody jacket pant vest sneaker bag & shoe from Pineapple dance studios

Pineapple clothing dancewear & kids pineapple clothing range of dance t-shirt hoody jacket pant vest sneaker bag & shoe from Pineapple dance studios: "- Sent using Google Toolbar"


Pineapple's latest dancewear designs for Spring 2011 are now available from Dancemania. Whilst the many of the designs may be familiar the colours and logo placement have changed subtly to give a fresh appearance for this up coming dance season.

Dancemania has managed to show off the new designs to their best with the help of their teenage models, this time photographed at The Orchard Academy of Performing Arts in Poole, which happens to be just around the corner from the Dancemania main office.

Not all this seasons designs have been released by Pineapple, in fact the final batch will be released later this month, so expect another photo session then followed closely by many more fabulous photographs of these talented girls. Some extra photos have been added to Dancemania's Facebook page as an album, so go and have a look now.