We've been going here for a few years now. We usually see Emily and she is always so helpful and lovely, and you are lucky if you have her helping you. That said, I am writing this review right now because the last time we were in the store, we were helped by someone we'd never seen before: Aleigha was not only energetic, fun, sweet and helpful, but somehow she got my younger son through three shoe fittings (tap, jazz and ballet) in one sitting... I can barely get his attention long enough to pick out food for lunch. She juggled my older son's three shoe fittings at the same time, effortlessly. I'm not sure how she did it, but we left with everything we needed and in record time. She went above and beyond. Aleigha is a rockstar, and I hope we see her the next time we have cause to be at SF Dance Gear. read more

exceptional customer service! staff went above and beyond to help me when i was in a hurry. they understood what i wanted were able to pull open options based on what i was looking for efficiently. thank you!!! read more

Loved all of it! Wish they opened in South Bay. Only downfall is parking situation. Have to find parking and it could be right in front or few blocks away read more

Amazing selection of nikolays! I've had ~7 pairs of pointe shoes and been to over 4 shops and nothing worked, but after getting my preferences they brought so many shoes that fit nicely. And when I asked for a size smaller, a bit harder, any minor adjustment, no problem they had it in stock. In the end I was indecisive not because I didn't like any of them but because I liked all three final contenders! Amazing deals too: elastics come with purchase of shoes not separate purchase, 6th pair (or maybe after 6) is a free one. If only I had come here for my very first pair, I'd be getting a free one now haha Staff were also kind and helpful. The week before I brought in my Gaynor's with sinking issues and told them all the different solutions I had tried that failed. They were knowledgeable and let me try a sole liner which up til now works. And since they were out of stock they let us have their sample free of charge! And this week when I was trying shoes they had some comments about how certain shoes fit, but weren't pushy at all about which one I should buy. Not great with how indecisive I am but nonetheless very thoughtful. Will definitely be back read more

The selection was great but one of the staff members was publicly commenting rude things about each of the customers calling in that day. Some things like "uhhh she asks so many stupid questions" and a lot of other comments out of annoyance that were not whispered but projected. She seemed visibly annoyed the entire time and the time before on my last visit. However the other staff member was quite nice and welcoming and actually helped me around the store. That being said I hope customer service improves. read more

Great fitting for my 16 yo with a few years en pointe - she was looking for a softer shank and something that was 3/4 shank length. She had previously been fitted in Nikolay shoes of a few different models and ended up with some R class after a fitting here. She loves the shoes and feels so stable and confident after her first couple of classes in them. The staff were friendly and helpful in finding her the best shoe for her, highly recommend. read more

Had a wonderful experience at SF Dance Gear. I scheduled a 1:1 appointment for a fitting for my daughter to get a new pair of pointe shoes for ballet since her she was outgrowing her old pointe shoes. When we got there, the staff were very welcoming and friendly. It's a small, cozy shop with various types of dance apparel and shoes. Our appointment with the fitter went really well and smoothly. The fitter was very knowledgeable in making sure the ballet pointe shoes were a correct fit. My daughter was able to try out several pointe shoes during her appointment without rush or pressure. We ended buying a new pair of pointe shoes which she absolutely adores to this day! I would definitely come back if we have to get another pair of pointe shoes. For parking, it's only side street parking. Parked a few blocks away but we didn't mind. Lots of great shops in the area. read more

5 stars. I'm a 32 year old former dancer. And by former I mean I took tons of classes all throughout my teens but haven't set foot in a studio in 15+ years. I'm currently VERY pregnant with my second baby, and have decided to start taking ballet classes again. That's how I ended up inside SF Dance Gear on an incredibly busy Saturday looking to buy my first pair of ballet slippers in over a decade. If you've done dance before, you know ballet culture can be unfriendly, to say the least. I was kind of nervous to walk into a dance store at my age - very pregnant - especially when I needed help. I could honestly cry (I blame the hormones) for how lovely Camille made me feel that day. The store was packed, there were 2 pointe shoe fittings happening at the same time, the phone was ringing, etc. Camille not only made me feel 1) not silly for my age, etc but 2) really took her time with me and made recommendations the same way I imagine she does for "real" dancers. I came in thinking there was a specific ballet slipper I wanted but after I tried it on, she asked me if she could bring me other pairs to try that she thought might be good for me. Camille brought out 2 pairs and I ended up loving both way more than the pair I came in for originally - I got both pairs! I just really appreciate the energy of SF Dance Gear. All the staff made me feel like I was still "a real dancer" and had as much a right to be there as the young girls in the back on pointe. I'm pretty sure the way they treat every dancer also bleeds into how their customers treat each other, because some of those younger dancers on Pointe and even their parents were so lovely to me as well, it was just such a friendly and fun environment to shop in. Support local! Their pricing is fair. The service is amazing. read more

I never write reviews but I have made several purchases via online and in store. Best dance gear store in the bay area. Woman are super knowledgeable and helpful. I am extremely impressed with their customer service and stock. Thank you Rose and team. read more

This store does the best it can considering the time and place we live in. It has a limited selection, and the staff seem barely adequate. I have not noticed much of high quality. But it is the ONLY dance supply store in San Francisco. As a 40 year resident of the city, it is disheartening to remember how things used to be--the great shop on Mission St for many years, and a few others--Mission St being almost NYC worthy. Where do the (SF Ballet etc) professional companies and schools source their shoes, clothes, accessories, etc? But: the pandemic. Changing demographics in SF. Fewer people who care about the performing arts and dance training. Fewer professionals who need a reliable source. A general cultural lack of understanding about so many things, such as how dance enriches life, and a willingness to let it all slide. SF needs people who pro-actively use their businesses to buck the tide of ignorance, apathy, cheap goods, and create something educational, helpful, beautiful, and vibrant! P.S. Yelp shows businesses that are not in SF, even when you filter for SF only. Beside this store, the only places for dance gear are 20 or more miles away! SF used to be THE CITY, now it's the back dump. read more

Great shop & friendly staff, that let's you try on items before purchase. I bought some really great dance specific gear that was offered in a variety of styles. read more

I was in dire need of a white leotard for my daughter's dance recital. First, I called to make sure they had what I was looking for. The lady on the phone was super helpful and friendly, and went above and beyond to answer all my questions. Upon arrival, I found SF Dance Gear to be very clean and well organized. The ladies working asked if they could help me find something, and then showed me my options. I was able to quickly find exactly what I needed. I was in and out in less than 15 minutes. SCORE for this busy mama!! Parking: There is metered parking in front of the store, and also on both Harrison and Folsom. Finally, their pricing is very fair and they have better quality dance gear than other places I have shopped. I will be back!! read more

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Camille gives wonderful service. She listened to what I needed and then made some excellent suggestions.

Great little shop for dance clothes but need an appointment to get in because they are so small.

I went in looking for dance shoes that provided arch support. The young clerk didn't even know what that meant. And no one seemed to have any suggestions about shoes to try to address my request. In fact, their selection was surprisingly sparse. The store is literally called "dance gear" but they don't seem to know much about dance gear - except maybe ballet shoes, which seemed to be what their focus was. Very disappointing. read more

We could not live without SF Dance Gear! Great selection, exquisite careful fitting, special orders, very knowledgeable, very flexible. Get your pointe shoes fitted here, Rose will spend a whole hour with you and she really knows her craft. read more

SF Dance Gear opened about a month ago and I wish I had known about it sooner. I came looking for a leotard for my daughter and found many options. They also have a nice selection of dance shoes, accessories, leggings etc. Metered street parking wasn't too difficult to find. Rose was super helpful and nice, thank you! read more

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Friendly knowledgeable staff and well stocked with dance gear. Tiny and easy to miss though.

We had an appointment for my daughter's first pointe shoe fitting. We could not have asked for a better experience. My daughter is a bit shy which may come off as stoic and Rose treated her with nothing but kindness and patience. She explained the inner workings of the pointe shoe: how it should feel and really what to keep in mind when trying on a new pair. The travel into the City is a bit cumbersome and we try to avoid it as much as we can but I'm glad we braved the travel and went to SF Dance Gear. Rose and her associate are lovely individuals. We will definitely go back! Thank you! read more

SF Dance Gear - Dance Wear Near Me - San Francisco, California

SF Dance Gear is my favorite ballet shop !! As a returning dance student, my instructor gave me the OK to get a pair of pointe shoes! I scheduled an appointment for a pointe shoe fitting, and was not disappointed! Mya was so kind, and so very patient when fitting me with the perfect pair of pointe shoes! I highly recommend this shop because of their wide variety of stock & the overall friendly atmosphere! Thanks again for all your help Mya!! read more

So I rarely write bad reviews as you can see from my profile , but I could not let this go. So I have been coming to SF dance gear for almost 3 years off and on since my son has been a part of the SF ballet. I remember coming to the other location and the women that worked there were such a joy to be around and looked as though they loved their job and liked helping the customers that came in the store. Unfortunately, This was not my experience this time around. I made an appointment for 12 pm as the website says do to so . As soon as the woman opened the door she looked at me and said " wait, you have an appointment " ? I said yes I do , at 12. She looked past me to the woman in the back and said I know you have an appointment but I don't know how multiple people could have an appointment" she asked again the same question and I gave the same answer and She finally lets us in the store. So like I said, my son has been apart of the SF ballet for 3 years and I know what the uniform is. Not only because I see the uniform on my son as well as other children, but because they give us info on what to purchase and where to purchase . So I tell the sales associate what I need for my sons class. She tells me Im wrong and what I'm asking for is not his uniform . I explained to her that I know my sons uniform and what I was asked to get from the school.With customers in the store she gets visibly upset and tells me again that I do not know what I'm talking about. Actually, she tells me from level 1-3 , the past 3 years, I have been giving my son the wrong uniform . By this time I am shaking as I try to keep my cool . I ask her again to give me the items I asked for . This lady will not stop ! She says to me, "I know you think I'm lying but I'm not! Did you read the handbook ?" Mind you there are still other customers in the store . What is this woman's problem? I told her I didn't think she was lying but I know what my son and other kids have worn for the ballet, so please just give me my items. "Fine"!She walks to the back to get the items I requested but not before she tells me my son has big feet. What the heck just happened here? . This woman was set on telling me how wrong I was , an how she knew more about my sons uniform for the past 2 years then I did . It wasn't just me she seemed to have a problem with , she had an attitude with the other customer in the store . I don't know if she had a bad morning or if she is need of a vacation but she her customer service was horrrrrrrible. From now on I will either shop online or find another dance store read more

Very helpful owner and staff. Items can be ordered if they are not in stock. Decent selection of items.

I took my daughter to SF Dance Gear the other day to be fitted for her first pair of pointe shoes. Rose was extremely knowledgeable, patient, and did a great job explaining the process. The online appt making is easy and fast. The prices for shoes and other dance gear are fair and they have a great loyalty program. Overall I'm a happy customer and highly recommend! read more

Cute shop on the bougie fancy hip shopping street in Hayes. They have a fun Xmas tree made of pointe shoes in their front window. The inventory for the store seems to be the same as online. I ended up buying from discountdance.com since it was cheaper there, with free shipping at a lower minimum price. I also shop a lot of Poshmark where dancers routinely sell great-condition gear, or sometimes even NWT (new with tag). This boutique is probably good for getting shoes, but the other stuff I didn't find anything exciting to write about. Nice idea to support local though. read more

Friendly and helpful and good selection of gear. I recommend them. Ring bell for service.

Great pointe shoe fittings here! The ladies really know what they're doing. They pointed me right toward a Grishko Allure (formerly DreamPointe), basically a Grishko-Gaynor hybrid which I didn't know existed but was exactly what I was looking for. The selection is broad with many brands and styles, though not necessarily every shank/width combo. They do offer to order extra sizes for you to try on in store. I especially like that they hand you the shoe rather than putting it on you which I've always found awkward. They also don't hover and there's no pressure to buy. The price markup for my shoes was reasonable considering it included access to a professional fitting ($100 in store, compared to $82 online). Also they have a pointe shoe club--6th pair purchased is free !! I glanced at their leos--lovely styles, different than what I've seen online and good quality. Prices seemed to start around $35 for adult, $25 for child sizes. Street parking on 9th is metered but I found free 2 hr parking just around the corner on Harrison. read more

Amazing pointe shoe fitting and shopping experience, friends. I couldn't have wished for a better experience. The TL;DR is that my fitters--yes, two of them--spent nearly two hours with my making sure I found just the right shoes. You want details, eh? You got it. Read on: I'm an adult advanced beginner-level ballet student, which means that some ballet stores write me off as "just a hobbyist." While, no, I'm never going to be a professional dancer, I am very serious about it. And pointe work, obviously, is no laughing matter. The right pair of shoes makes all the difference, not just in aesthetic terms, but for safety as well. After having had a less-than-ideal experience at a different ballet store (that led me to purchase and sew pointe shoes that my teacher promptly rejected) I scooted straight over to SF Dance Gear to see if they could help. Working first with Lauren, then Lauren and Rose together, I must have tried on at least 30 pairs of shoes. These ladies even took the time to look at me in the "pointe shoe rejects" that my teacher hated, Suffolk Spotlights, to try to help me diagnose what went wrong. (How sweet is that? They looked at me in a product I'd literally purchased at their competitor's store. If that isn't integrity, I don't know what is.) At the end of the day, I wound up with the same old pair of Blochs that had worked okay for me originally--as well as a ton of information on how to redeem the Suffolks that hadn't been working. And the ladies could not have been more gracious about me purchasing the shoes I already knew I liked, even after 2 hours of trying on other styles. I'm still on a quest to find The Most Ideal Pointe Shoes Ever. But now, I'm armed with valuable information I'll take with me to every future pointe shoe fitting. I'm not ready to take up 2 more hours of my pointe shoe fitters' time again soon...but I have a feeling that if I needed to, they would be there for me--gracious, helpful, and knowledgable as ever. Thank you, Rose and Lauren! read more

I'm super glad that this new dance store is open in the city! I came in here for ballet slippers, so I won't be able to speak to their pointe shoes. Service was pretty good, there was only one associate and around 3 customers when I went it on a Saturday morning, so there was a bit of a wait. I browsed their clothing selection and shoe selection. Small but comprehensive selection of dance supplies, I was honestly surprised that they had so much. Note on the clothing side, they didn't have a lot of different sizes, but they are able to order them if you'd like. Service was fast and the associate was super nice, she asked me what I was looking for (basic canvas flats) and brought out shoes based on my street shoe size (the reason I'm docking points here). While I only dance recreationally, my previous shoe store would actually measure my feet for the perfect fit (I have wide feet, and that causes issues sometimes). These are dance shoes after all, and I know my right foot is about a half size bigger, something she did not notice at all. Overall, I didn't end up buying my shoes here, and I likely won't come back. But this would be a great place for someone who already knew what they wanted and just needed to try on items. For all my avid dancers out there, I'd ask your instructor for help before coming here. read more

* UPDATE: After getting several compliments on my post and now this response from the store... I NOT ONLY STAND BY MY REVIEW BUT DON'T BELIEVE THE RESPONSE ROSE GAVE!!! -- several parents have reached out to me about the lack of education the employees have on shoes especially pointe shoes. And after contacting several brand representatives as to whether they were trained I can say they were NOT! Also, they are NOT affiliated with San Francisco ballet like they'd lead you to believe, they are just one of 3 stores they listed as places you "could go" to get your supplies. I don't think that saying rude comments to bad reviews is appropriate from a store. Take what people say and try and do better! Don't send private messages being rude or asking to take it down read more

So happy they opened! They're not exactly in a pretty area, but such is most of SF nowadays. The location is convenient and the times I've been there have easily found metered parking right outside the entrance. Customer service has been excellent! I had an issue with the tights I purchased and left a voicemail inquiring how I could exchange them. My message was returned 30 minutes after they opened and the person who helped me was very helpful. When I showed up a week later for the exchange it was again very smooth. Not once did I feel uncomfortable. They have a good selection of dance wear and I'm looking forward to returning when my daughter is ready for pointe. read more

I was tentative to visit this store due to a few bad reviews, but very glad I ended up checking it out! They have a good selection at reasonable prices (for a dance boutique, they will always be more on the expensive side). All employees were very friendly and helpful. I would definitely come back here if I needed other dance gear and wanted to avoid the uncertainty of online shopping. read more

If I could rate this place 0 stars, I absolutely would.! I came with my 11 year old daughter too inquire about ballet point shoes. We arrived and the women working at the front had us wait outside in the cold for five minutes, before even acknowledging us. I then asked her if she could answer a few questions. She then told me I had too wait because she was helping someone else, which is totally understandable! I digress, me and my daughter sat there and waited for about 40 minutes, while she and the other employees helped 5+ other people, who just walked into the store after me.. she continuously kept telling me to wait, as she helped more and more people coming in... I have never felt so embarrassed and mistreated from not only a staff member, but an OWNER of a store. Sure they have some nice dance gear, but the customer service is abhorrent, do not waste your time or money here... read more

We have been shopping at SF Dance Gear since my daughter was very young and they have always been exceptional. Highly recommend them for pointe shoe fittings. Not only do they carry a wide range of leotards, tights and accessories, Rose and her team are exceptional fitters and take the time and care with you to ensure a great fit!! read more

This was a great experience !! I went with my daughter and granddaughter for her first pair of pointe shoes. The customer service was outstanding. The staff was excellent. I had no idea how much goes into fitting for pointe shoes. They made sure that my granddaughter got the perfect fit for the shoes. Not all feet are the same as well as all pointe shoes are not the same. People in other reviews have complained regarding the higher prices. So well worth it to have the undivided time of the staff and their expertise in this area. I highly recommend this business. read more

These folks are terrific! As much as we liked the old dance store over on Mission, this one is far more approachable and friendly. We go in frequently because my son goes through ballet shoes all the time. They always have what we need in stock and if they don't, they can get items in quickly. Also, they have more men's stuff than other dance stores we've been to. That's great because in the past we had to order items online and it was always 50/50 that they would fit. Parking is also MUCH easier than it was on Mission. The street is a little sketchy, but not so bad that we feel unsafe walking in. So glad this store opened! read more

I want to thank the staff for taking the time out to assist my daughter and me. Being a Dad I bought the wrong size shoe. With no problem or issue and no appointment, they made the transition for the exchange warm, personable and pleasurable. I highly recommend this store, great staff, great street location and parking is findable. "Keep Dancing" read more

I went in for Jazz shoes for 11 year old and what a pleasure our salesgirl. She brought out about 10 different pairs until my daughter found the most comfortable pair. She was very helpful in explaining the different fabrics and textiles. We will continue to shop here for all our dance needs. read more

Such a helpful staff! I needed a few specific items and when I called in they knew exactly what I needed. When I got to the store they were still super sweet and had all the answers and products I needed. Thank you! read more

Love this place! This is the 2nd year my daughter asist to San Francisco ballet. I live in the peninsula so for me is really hard to go to the store, find parking, deal with traffic.....etc. They make it easier...... i call because i want to re order some items, they look at the record (last order) to figure it out the sizes, they place the order and shipped to my house! FAST AND EFFICIENT. read more

We just left our first fitting with Edith, she was absolutely wonderful. She was so patient and kind throughout the entire fitting, my daughter absolutely adored her. read more