To be honest, when I was seeking places online for my son's dance needs, even though Chicago Dance Supply was the first one to pop up, I tried to find other places to go. It was just a little too far from my house. But ultimately, I made the trek. When I arrived at the front door, I wasn't sure I was in the right place. Is there a store at the top of the narrow staircase? Sure enough, this unique set-up on the second floor felt warm and humble and authentic. I was on a tight budget and had to purchase several items but upon communicating that to Mike, the sales person, sprung into action to find me the most affordable ways to complete my goals. He was not only helpful, but charming and genuinely kind. He engaged my young one and conversed fluidly and I wasn't the only one to experience this-- he was just as courteous to the family that walked in after me. Guys, it's been so long since I've had genuine kind customer service without the saccharine manufactured sales pitches, I've forgotten what it should look like. It should look like Mike. He told me my items should last my kid for a long time, but I know where I'll be going should the need arise. read more

This is the only place I was able to find that has larger sizes in men's tap shoes. But, living 3 hours away, stopping by in person was not really an option. Mike took the time to talk with me on the phone, answer my questions, and give me his professional opinion, which was spot on. The shoes arrived quickly, and they are amazing! read more

Worth the drive! I was immediately by a young man who understood exactly what I wanted. Found me the perfect ballet shoes on the first try! I didn't even ask the price they were so perfect. Turns out they were very affordable. Then I picked out a pet leotard that was on sale. And free sticker with purchase! I left so happy! read more

Chicago Dance Supply - Shoe Stores Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Because. Dancers come in all sizes. Fabulous selection and service and I'm glad it was a local business!

I'm not a dancer-dancer, but I do dance fitness, and running shoes just don't cut it. They're not made to spin, turn, and go side-to-side. I needed dance sneakers, and anything I found online was either pinching my toes or falling off my feet. CDS had a variety of dance sneakers, and I was able to try 2 different brands. When they didn't have my size in one style, they took my info and called me when the new shoes were in, and voilà, they fit. And they work great! And they were less expensive than the ones online. read more

This store is amazing!!!! I must say how much I enjoy coming here.... 1st of all, let me start how inviting the store is, upon entry the store is located at the second level, when I come here I come with a stroller/my little one and the staff is so amazing they help me carry everything upstairs. Now that's what I call amazing customer service to begin with. Once you get upstairs you will see a great variety of dance supplies, I cannot speak much on their inventory since I only come here to get Tango shoes :-). They always have amazing selection, brands, colors and you can try them all on. The staff is so patient and they will help you find a good fit. Besides the shoes, the store is super clean and organized. I highly recommend if you are looking for dance shoes. I sure cannot get enough of this store and I keep coming back. Keep up the great customer service... Top notch. read more

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Great selection of tap shoes, great prices, and excellent service! Highly recommend this store!

Being new to the dance and dance wear for my daughter, I went because of several reasons: 1. It was recommended from her dance school 2. I had a coupon for it. 3. I was in Andersonville for a meal (did you say Big Jones?). Located on the 2nd floor, I was scared to walk around because the floors were creaking. I was welcomed by an employee who was very helpful and helped us to pick out a leotard, stockings, and ballet shoes for my toddler. She was a dancer herself and was able to pick out things that would be best for my baby. I went in to buy one leotard and shoes but I ended up walking out with 2 leotards, a skirt, stockings and shoes. I wasn't scammed but or anything. They had great sales and I also wanted to pick out dresses of different color so it was perfect. I definitely recommend this place. read more

They never seem to be stocked. One would think that with a dance school down the street they would know by now that peak times for dance supplies are at the beginning of the academic year when classes start and the end of the academic year before camps start, but after all these years in business they have not seemed to figure that out read more

Came here on a Sunday morning at 10 a.m. and was lucky to find plenty of FREE parking on the street. I was looking for a pair of Ballet shoes for my 2 1/2 year old. I didn't want to buy them online because I know shoes vary and I thought I would get the size wrong. The store was easy to find but it's upstairs, not a store front location. The lady who was there was very helpful and quick in helping me find a great pair of shoes for my daughter. We also bought her a cute Ballet bag to put her shoes in. It's a great little store, very well stocked! I saw lots of leotards and tights. I'll definitely come back here in the future! read more

Great service everytime I've been here. I lost a flat before a show, called to see if they had something in my size, and when I got there it was at the register. Always helpful. Pretty store. read more

All the staff is very nice and they have a wide selection of dance essentials for all different styles.

As a mom who has never shopped for dancewear, what a perfect place to shop! I would prefer to shop local! Walking up two flights of stairs I was greated by a smiling face who was more than happy to show my 3 1/2 year old the kid area. The associate was happy to show us all of the leotards she could pick from (although her first pick was her final sale :) ) and my kiddo got perfectly fitted for her new ballet slippers. The whole package (leotard with skirt, slippers, and tights) ran around $70. Which I thought was a steal!!!! Will definitely be returning if the little one enjoys ballet bc I really believe in supporting area businesses! read more

Chicago Dance Supply - Shoe Stores Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Wonderful experience! I needed to get a pair of shoes to teach ballet in as all the time on my feet has caused some stress. Mike helpfully set me up with a few pairs to try and did not even bat an eye when I asked for various sizes multiple times. Additionally, he helped with a pointe fitting for a new student. I appreciate the time and patience he had with that appointment as well as his experience. I'm pleased with the selection of Bloch, Russian Pointe, and Grishko that was available. In general, I was pleased with the selection of all shoes, leotards, and fun items (cutest leg warmers, pointe accessories, and little keychains); with Mike's prompt, polite service; and with the overall pricing!! Please shop local - you can't get this kind of service from Amazon. :) read more

Such a great local business! My friends and I (who are not dancers) came in looking for ballet stuff for Halloween and Michael was SO friendly and welcoming and helped us out, they have everything dance-related you could want or need! I never leave reviews but we had such a positive experience so I wanted to show them some love! read more

I should get commission for how many people at my dance studio I refer to Chicago Dance Supply. I already have my sales pitch down to "Chicago Dance Supply is the only dance supply store I know of in Chicago. Though you can buy your shoes online you should at least go to CDS for a shoe fitting. CDS is located on Clark and Berwyn on the second floor above the North Community Bank and across from the Starbucks." Seriously. After taking months of ballroom dance classes, I noticed I wore my Capezios down to the nail, and was in dire need of replacements. My instructors told me to call some companies online but I didn't like the idea of describing my feet to find the perfect fit - hence, my visit to Chicago Dance Supply. Ballroom dance shoes can be quite expensive, and CDS does have a bit of a reputation for making them even more expensive. However, I was comfortable with paying $100 for my fabulous, memory foam footbed, suede bottom, 2.5 inch Go Go Dance brand ballroom sandals because I spent an hour asking for expert opinions from CDS' staff. I was quite happy with my purchase. Then I realized 2.5 inch heels aren't good for the 8+ hours of dancing I do per week. I returned to CDS to get low-heeled, suede-bottom shoes and was happy with the service again. Even if dance shoes are labelled as your street shoe size, they may not be correct. For example, the low-heeled shoes I just purchased are labelled size 12!!! (No, my feet aren't huge!) My second shoe purchase could have been expensive, but thanks to the FREQUENT BUYER REWARD CARD program (ask about this!), the $100 I spent on my 2.5 inchers gave me a nice $10 discount on my low-heels. CDS offers sale items every month which are noted on their website. CDS also has their own brand of ballroom dance shoes, has gorgeous Argentine Tango shoes, ballet shoes, flamenco/character shoes, Irish gitties, dancewear and dancer gifts. So why not 5 stars? I'm waiting for the day CDS offers Comfort brand ballroom dance shoes and will let me custom order some red nubuck sandals :-D read more

Chicago Dance Supply has an enviable selection of shoes. The ballroom and practice dance shoes make me drool, they are so gorgeous! Helpful sales folk found an attractive pair of tap shoes that fit my extra extra wide feet. These $98 shoes look perfect on the outside, but the inside was disintegrating! Although no discounts were given for the shoes' poor condition, I bought them because they were the only tap shoes that have ever fit. You can't always get what you want. But you'll get what you need. 3 Days Later CDS just contacted me through Yelp and apologized for the condition of the shoe. They offered a nice discount on a future purchase. They do have great customer service. read more

Everything I have for dance is from here. They've got a solid selection of ballroom, Latin and Argentine tango shoes (other stuff too, but those are the ones I dance) and the staff is always really friendly and helpful. They often have discounts on certain days of the week for certain things or coupons on their website so check them out online and figure out when to go. They can also help custom order if you want. read more

Chicago Dance Supply - Shoe Stores Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Shop and team are super attentive, quality of shoes I've selected is just ok to start. There were amazing shoes if the budget is above 100 for a pair. I had mine for 70$, recommend this shop for all dancers. read more

Chicago Dance Supply - Closed toe leather shoes for salsa - Shoe Stores Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Maybe they've read some of these reviews but the service was much better this last trip. Also it's not so crazy in the way that it's organized. They have changed their layout so it's not so overwhelming and crammed anymore. I've had some hit or miss experiences there. It is a small place with some staff that really is very knowledgeable but I've had the luck that when I've been there they've been really busy with lots of kids. They have such a big selection of shoes for being such a small place and this last time they have even offered to special order anything for me if they didn't have what I was looking for. With Dance shoes, sure you are tempted to order them online to save a few bucks but especially with something like dance shoes, you really want to make sure they fit right. The last time I was there they were very patient with giving me recommendations and patient about having me try on different similar styles and sizes. I've had luck going during the day when kids are not likely to be there with their wacky parents. Going off peak makes a HUGE difference in the level of service as well as the parking situation. read more

I needed decent-quality tap shoes that would not break the bank or hurt my hard-to-fit feet. The young woman working at the register helped me try on six (!!) different types of tap shoes. One pair was nearly but not quite comfortable, and I said aloud that it was the best I could hope for. Another employee gave me advice on how to stretch the shoes and options that might help alleviate pain (metatarsal pads and such). I also got advice on exchanging the taps for ones with a higher tone, should I wish to at a later date. As I'm a dance student at Old Town School, I also got a discount! The shoes are breaking in nicely, and it's a win all around. read more

Helpful - yes. Knowledgeable about colors? not so much. I needed an unusual color for a project, so it occurred to me to call a dance supply company. I called ahead, since I don't drive. I asked for pink, specifying 'pepto bismol' pink. I asked if she knew what that color was, again noting that it was a very vibrant color, I was assured they definitely had it. 2 buses later -- I'm at the store and she brings out the tights ... baby pink ... not even baby pink - it was more of a peach. Don't get me wrong, it was a VERY PRETTY SHADE ... but *not* what someone who does not drive wanted to see / hear after traveling specially to get something they were assured was in stock. I'm disappointed yes ... not completely dissuaded from going back -- service is everything, and while she didn't really know what vibrant pink was ... I'll go back again. read more

I was in a horrible pinch and the nice young ladies at Chicago Dance Supply went above and beyond to make my costume a reality! I needed bunny ears for an emoji party I was attending, and that is something you can't just find willy nilly at the last minute. To my surprise, the wonderful woman went in to the depths of their storage warehouse to make our costume a reality. Best customer service ever! Thanks ladies! read more

I had to buy a pair of shoes for my daughter because the weather caused a delay in delivery for the other pair we purchased online. 15 minutes after making the purchase I got a notification that the delivery had arrived so I called to see, since so little time had past, if I could return the shoes. I was very disappointed to learn that even though, we had purchased them less than 30 minutes before, I could not get a refund. I would understand if there was even a chance that I might have purchased them for a single show and wanted to return them. But it had been less then 30 minutes and there was no chance that would have been the case. Very short-sided. read more

For a small store, they definitely have lot of options. The sales people were friendly and knowledgeable once i asked them for help, but they didn't say hi when i walked in or ask what i was looking for, which is kind of a downer in my book. However, just before i entered the store, a group of 20 kids came in search of shoes for a performance and creating some chaos, so my experience may have been outside the norm. Also kind of bummed that they don't do refunds, only exchanges. read more

Thank you Mike for being there on short notice and after closing hours on Sunday to get my son's jazz shoes. I really appreciate you taking the time to show us all the shoes that you stocked and you took the time to find the right brand and fit. Thank you so much...your customer service is awesome and I recommend anyone looking for dance apparel or accessories to check them out. read more

The store is a bit hard to find but once you do, it's just a long flight of stairs away from a helpful staff and practical choices for dance class. I am an adult beginner in ballet but despite the small, cramped size of the store they made the space work to showcase shoes for tap, broadway, modern, etc. The blonde staff boy was very helpful and patient with me, considering I know next to nothing about dance, only what the studio wished me to wear. He went in depth on the make, quality, and differences in the types of shoes. He even shared anecdotal experience and advantageous pricing information that employees usually dont give (theyll just push promo products for the store, not the cheapest options). I was very pleased with that and my first dance class, and I look very forward to coming here again. I love supporting local businesses as well as the arts. Now I am not thin or very fit, which made me nervous coming here originally because dancers tend to have those qualities. I am also a person of color. The staff never made me feel uncomfortable. That was greatly appreciated. Thanks for making my nervewracking first time more enjoyable. read more

Yes, it's true, you can buy your stuff online, sometimes at a better price, but there is nothing like trying on the shoes in the store yourself. Stepping into a new pair of ballet shoes is something best done in the company of other dancers and amongst multi-colored belly dancing gear. read more

Seriously, the nicest and most helpful staff I've ever encountered in any kind of retail stop. Ever.

Brian helped me with my purchase of a pair of Mary Jane tap dance shoes and regular dance shoes. The service was great, Brian was attentive despite being by himself and the store was busy. read more

These ladies helped me find things a I was looking for and things I didn't even know I needed! Awesome place staffed by great people! My first stop for dance supplies! read more

So if you are in the market for some dance gear for that ballroom or ballet class, definitely check this place out. They also have a good shoe selection...try the tango shoes for a comfortable replacement to those painful peep toe pumps or one of their ballet wrap sweaters. read more

Decent selection of men's dance shoes. Pleasant service.

Location was pretty hidden so it took some effort to find it. There was a pretty long wait for help with the shoes since only one person was on staff but once they assisted, they were helpful. Unfortunately they did no have the size shoe my dad needed so we had to place an order and wait 8 weeks. We did not end up buying that pair but an alternate pair. read more

Let me preface this review by saying that I am not a "dancer" per se. I signed up to take my first ballet class ever at a local studio and they require all students to wear leotards and tights so I headed over to Chicago Dance Supply to get some first timer supplies. The two salespeople working were extremely nice and helpful. The shop was quite busy when I got there but I was immediately greeted and guided to the right area of the store. Everyone was friendly and helpful despite my lack of knowledge. The selection was a little small and they didn't have a skirt in my size but I was able to get something comparable. I will definitely return for future dance supply needs. read more

Somethings are reasonably priced, others could be a bit on the pricey side. I really like their frequent buyers club, if you shop there often it's great. Used it a couple times now. Rating is based on employees, I had really good service and then I've had horrible service. It depends on who is there. I could even say that they at times they feel bothered or aggravated by having to many customers at once, well isn't that the point, to have shopping customers. But overall this is my go to dance supply store, just wished they be nicer since you are a paying customer. read more

If there was more than one person working here the day I went, I would have had no idea. But the man who was working there was so absolutely helpful that I'll forgive the wait to be helped. I was purchasing some character shoes for a performance (I'm a singer and definitely not a dancer, so I had absolutely no idea what I was doing shopping for them). But he seemed really kind and invested in what I needed, and he seemed to be giving the same kind of service to the other customers who were there, since he was juggling customers. If I ever need to purchase more dance shoes/gear (and as a singer, who knows - maybe I will!) I'll definitely make this my first stop. read more

I really enjoyed shopping here. I purchased some ballet slippers and had to try on many before I settled on some leather ones. The saleswoman was super patient and really nice. The store had lots of shoe options. I would go there again. They have a frequent buyer card :) read more

A great place for dance shoes of any kind. They have a nice selection of ballroom/latin shoes and ballet shoes (both pointe and demi-pointe). They always have a select few on sale. The only disappointing thing is the parking! If you can walk or take public transit to get there, do so. Street parking is rough. read more

Reasonably priced for a local dance shop. Friendly and patient workers. Anytime I need something quick for dance class I'll be sure to come here! read more