So many boys dance and you know what, there's not a lot for them to wear!  Obviously lots of dance schools have a uniform and exam wear but what do they wear other than this?  Girls have LOADS to choose from, what about boys?  

I've spent some time setting up some T-Shirts which the fabulous TeeMill are able to print.  The T-Shirts were primarily deisgned with boys in mind to enable them to have a T-Shirt to wear to dance that is 'cool' (I know, I know, who am I to say what's cool, I'm 'well old'...).  Who better to start with than Fred Astaire and Billy Elliot.  Fred's unashamedly dapper style and Billy who showed being working class and with society going against you doesn't have to stop you doing something you're bloody good at.

There are so many boys out there who are fab dancers with supreme athleticism.  Males are so exciting to watch; I've been in awe many at time at the men in Royal Ballet displaying immense power and strength, and I find them much more exciting to watch than the ballerinas.  It really is such a shame that boys often get put off by silly remarks from their peers passed down from their parents.  What are they scared of?

There are bags, Women's T-shirts and Mens, have a peak at the range at ​https://encore.teemill.co.uk  you might find something you like, take a peak :)

It's part of doing ballet and I'm sure some people must love doing it, but so many of us seem to find sewing on ballet ribbons such a pickle.  😡😱😩

First you have to find the right type of ribbon and often the colours don't quite match.  Pointe shoe ribbon is often too thick that it really hurts to dance in but others are so soft it pulls away from the shoe.  The ribbon for flats is also important as you don't want to make your little one uncomfortable.

It's really important that you always double check with your dance teacher the type of ribbon you are required to sew on.  Often, you don't need ribbon so do check.  Ribbon on pointe shoes is imperative and needs to be sewn on just right.

I have searched the internet and found two videos below which will give you a step by step guide on how to sew on your ribbons for both ballet flats and pointes.  I use both methods and have found them very useful. At Encore we have various types of ribbon and can offer advice where needed 😊  and of course, if you have a method which works please share in the comment box below.

Why can't ballet shoes come with ribbons sewn on?  I suppose sewing ribbons is part of the culture of ballet and if they were all pre-sewn we would miss doing it...... wouldn't we? 😜

What a wonderful time of the year, all the glowing faces excited for Santa.

At Encore we have lots of goodies which can fill stockings, Little Peepers keyrings, pencils, ballet sticker books, scrunchies....  We even have some Halos - a must have accessory for any little angel.

Herne Bay has a series of late night shopping events and Encore will be open on Thursday evenings until 7pm to ensure you can get all your Dance bits and pieces.

We are also available for Pointe Shoe fittings, please book ahead and see our page all about the process which includes some foot strengthening exercises and how to sew on those darstedly ribbons. 

Our opening hours over the Christmas Holidays 

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