Dancia Int

Dancia International’s Brighton shop was the first in a small nationwide chain. They specialize in dance wear for women and children predominantly, although I believe they also stock menswear too. The window display is the stuff of little girls’ dreams: purple and turquoise crushed velvet leotards, pastel tutus and tap shoes vie for your attention. Inside the shop is organized into children’s and adult’s leotards and accessories. They stock all manner of leotards… sparkly, velvet, long sleeved, short sleeved, practical black as well as prettier colours. All the quintessential ballet items are there too… satin points with ribbons, wraparound angora cardies and ballet bags hang from the ceiling.
Alas, I visited the shop for a plain old black catsuit (the foundation for a festival costume rather then an actual dance outfit, I hasten to add!). The lady was very helpful indeed– although I felt about 15 years too old and 5 stone too heavy to be in the shop, she was very accommodating and helpful and didn’t laugh at all when I tried on the catsuit! Be warned the sizing runs small in this place… I guess it makes sense, as dancers are typically teensy weensy. My catsuit was a little pricey at £32, especially since it has no sleeves!