By William Jacko
Special to The Laker/Lutz News
Dance Gear Etc., a Lutz boutique store specializing in shoes, attire and accessories for just about every technique of dance, is hosting a Holiday Open House on Small Business Saturday, Nov. 24 from 10a.m. – 5p.m.
Owner Carolyn Jackson invites you to visit her store, located at 1705 Dale Mabry Highway in Paradise Square Plaza, just before the U.S. 41 apex. Refreshments will be served, new dance fashions will be modeled and shoppers will receive generous discounts.
“We carry dancewear from basics to high fashion, for dancers of all ages for ballet, tap, jazz, lyrical, contemporary, acrobatics, flamenco, gymnastics, cheerleading and ballroom. We even stock sensory approved tights for children with those needs,” said Jaskson. As a special-needs mom herself, Jackson understands the need for inclusivity in the dance studio.
Trained by master fitters from Russia, Italy, Bulgaria, England and New York, Jackson has been fitting pointe shoes for more than 10 years and is exceptionally qualified as now a master fitter herself to size dancers with the correct shoe and perfect fit.
“There is probably no more important decision in ballet than the purchase of a first pointe shoe. An ill-fitted shoe can lead to injury temporarily or permanent.” said Jackson.
The pointe shoe has to fit perfectly, Jackson explains, because if the shank is broken, aka ‘a dead shoe,’ a dancer could roll her ankle also leading to shortening her career.
“I get to know the shape, style and dimensions of your foot, and how the foot works going from flat to demi-pointe to pointe,” said Jackson.
Dance Gear can also accommodate custom shoe orders for sizes wider or longer than the normal, we even can size pointe shoes for boys/men.
Jackson enjoys getting to know her customers and educating them so they understand the fitting process and the importance of a properly fitted dance shoes.
“Parents appreciate how I follow their children as they grow, mature and advance in each level of dance. This personal knowledge helps me fit their child for their next shoe or garment,” said Jackson. As a dance mom herself, she knows from personal experience how knowledge helped her children become better dancers.
Jackson believes in giving back to her community and local schools, and participates in the Youth America Grand Prix scholarship competition program when given the opportunity.
“Sometimes a dancer’s family may not be able to buy new tights or shoes for a performance,” she said. “I have inventory that isn’t always going to sell, which I give to local schools to help a child whose family cannot afford to buy those items.”
Jackson encourages everyone to give ballet a try.
“Any adult can try ballet if they can find an appropriate class,” said Jackson. “Ballet is about flexibility, balance and being well-centered.
1705 Dale Mabry Hwy. Lutz, FL 33548 • 813-428-6989 • dancegearetc.com
Published 11/21/19
