[dropcap type =”circle”]A[/dropcap] passion for dance and a desire to encourage and support dancers in Bicester inspired Vanessa James to open her dance wear shop in Deans Court.
Vanessa, who has a lifelong association with dancing, opened her shop to serve the community’s need for professional dancewear and accessories services, and personal pointe shoe fitting.
She said: “I wanted to support the dance schools in and around the Bicester area through a comprehensive range of quality, sought after styles and brands known throughout the industry. Bicester Dancewear also offers a personalised pointe shoe fitting service, whether you are a new student starting out or a seasoned dancer on “pointe.” We strongly believe that perfectly fitted pointe shoes are essential to ensure the health and wellbeing of a dancer and her feet.
“Our staff have extensive training to ensure pointe shoes are fitted precisely. We educate each dancer on the care of their shoes and maintaining healthy dancer feet.”
Vanessa added: “I have always been involved with dance in some way in my life. I have run my own successful dance school and taught dance as a dance specialist in primary schools. I chose to go into primary school teaching instead of performing, and then my children and family life began and I took a break from the dance world. My girls are keen dancers and I very quickly realised the hassle of ordering on line and trying to obtain the correct sizing for shoes and dancewear and how useful it would be to have physical dance shop in Bicester. To try shoes or leotards on and actually see the quality of the product you are buying is much better. China and Hong Kong are flooding the online market with cheap products but the sizing and the quality are not good at all.
“I decided to realise my plans for a shop and started to look for premises. This was the most challenging part of the task. Bicester is an interesting place and has a lovely town centre but there are lots of unaffordable empty retail units that were all unviable for me as a new business. Finally, Deans Court had a suitable shop available and so after a quick shop refit we opened on 1 November last year.
“I have a love of all styles of dance but I would say that my true love is classical ballet and tap. Ballroom has also taken hold of us a family, as it has the nation with Strictly each year. In fact, my first ever dance lesson was at the age of three at a ballroom class, but I soon realised I wanted to be a ballerina.
“I am passionate about dancers on pointe. As a fully trained pointe shoe fitter, I am obsessed with getting students fitted correctly and safely with the correct pointe shoes, especially new starter students. The health and well-being of the dancer’s feet is paramount. I get great joy from passing on tips and guidance to students and their parents about how to take care of their feet and their shoes alike. I am happy to advise on how to sew ribbons correctly on to shoes, darn the platform of the pointe shoes to prevent slipping and elongate the life of the shoe. During a pre-booked fitting taking roughly 45 minutes to an hour I can, explain and provide all the tips of a dancer, like strapping, padding and the way to look after your shoes. Pointe shoes are all hand made from natural materials and therefore is important to allow the shoes to breathe after use.”
Vanessa added: “I am really enjoying this new phase of my life, going to work is a joy, meeting all the dancers and their families. It is lovely to hear about their performances and productions that they are involved in, the competitions they attend and the classes themselves. The lovely thing about dancing is that it is for all to enjoy, from the toddlers buying their first ballet shoes, to the teenagers, to the ‘twilight teenagers’ attending social dance events like tea dancers, zumba gold or line dancing. We can cater for them all, in fact the annual Strictly Bicester Event on in March has introduced me to new adult dancers and returning dancers, that have been encouraged to take part, but I think they have really been bitten by the dancing bug! I wish all the competitors the best of luck!
“My plea would be to come and make use of our services, products and advice we offer, please support the shops in your town to make a success of Bicester again. We don’t want to lose the lovely pastime of real shopping. Although, online buying is great, don’t forget shopping is an interactive, social and enjoyable pastime.”
Bicester Dancewear, 18 Deans Court, Bicester, Oxfordshire, OX26 6RD, UK. OPENING HOURS: Monday: By appointment only Tuesday: 10am – 5pm Wednesday: 10am – 5pm Thursday: 10am – 5pm Friday: 9.30am – 5pm Saturday: 9.30am – 5pm Sunday
For more information ring 01869 325700 or email info@bicesterdancewear.co.uk
Visit Vanessa’s shop and all the others in Deans Court this coming Saturday as part of the first ever Deans Court Open Air Market. Get to know the local shop owners, and browse market stalls selling handmade gifts, jewellery, accessories, books and beauty products. There will also be a Mother’s Day competition for children to take part in. For more information search Deans Court Shops-Bicester on Facebook.