 
Balletlover - Balletmania
written by Vic at on 07.09. at 21:06:35 - as answer to: Re: buying pink tights by Darcey at >>>>>>>Even worse are those high-fiber moralistic old dragons who look at you like an unrepentant Gestapo when you hit the counter. I used to shop at this discount dancewear shop, but I don't go as often because the dame who owns the place is just so obviously disturbed by the concept of a man buying tights! 'Course, I haven't stopped going there altogether...-Depon >>>Depon, which discount dancewear store are you talking about here? I live in Los Angeles also and am curious...>>>Mike>>OK, have any of you tried buying Pointe shoes in person?? Even I don't have the nerve to try that!!! I ordered mine on line from New York Dancewear, and they fit fine, and look great with my black leotard and ballet pink tights!!!!>Being a bit of an internet vigin - I've only been on the web for about six months - I,ve never had the luxury of buying online so all my purchases have been face to face.>My first purchase was at the age of eleven (I can't believe I had the nerve to do it) I bought a pair of leather ballet slippers in blue.>By the time I was fifteen I was going to London a couple of times a year to stay with my older sister and had the run of the city...Gamba in Dean Street was a favourite shop for tights and shoes (still black at that stage).>When I moved to London acouple of years later I opened my horizons (and indulged my tastes) Gandolfi in Baker Street (you know near Sherlock Holmes house!!) and a shop called Dance Bizarre were the best especially for colours - three shades of pink, baby blue, red and purple slippers....still got them all.>But the best fun of all? I've bought pointe shoes from Gamba (now in Garrick Street, Covent Garden), Sansha and Bloch (twice this year) never had a problem always really friendly enquiring and open minded. I am now taking pointe classes as part of my weekly dancing but I always make it clear to the girls that I'm just as likely to wear them as slippers around the house - and the reaction last time I said that? She said "you go girl!!" cue instant Diamond cutter (The Choir Boys reference).>So don't be shy go for it and lets hear more about shopping exploits FACE TO FACE not an info board on where to buy on the web. >> I've bought slippers & tights both in person & mail order, and I must say, buying in person is good way to enhance your courage in social interactions. I don't by nature interact well in socially stressful situations, and for ME to walk into a store, get fitted in leather slippers, buy them, and walk out is the confidence-building analog of powerlifting! Anyone can look at me and tell I'm in no way a dancer (lots of lumber moving, not much limber moving!) so they know my purchases aren't because I'll on stage. (at least not for an audience of more than one!) One time was quite an adrenalin rush- it was late October, Marie & I were being waited on by an attractive young saleswoman, and on the spur of the moment, Marie takes over and says that I'd "lost a bet" and I was to be a dancer for our halloween party. That gave the clerk quite a sly grin, and they proceeded to select & fit a pair of slippers for me. I feigned a pained expression, though I don't know with how much success. The clerk then gave Marie a great, wicked, knowing look, and said "be sure he wears them around the house for a couple of hours for a few days before the party to break them in!" Marie then says to me- "hear that, honey? We have to do what the expert says!" Later that night was mmmm...hmmmm! Answers to this message: 
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