For dancers in the Bay Area and beyond, finding the right dancewear and pointe shoes can be transformative. Enter Sf Dance Gear, a San Francisco-based boutique dedicated to providing dancers of all levels with personalized service and top-quality products. Founded by Rose Kirshner, a lifelong dancer with a passion for the art form, SF Dance Gear is more than just a store – it’s a community hub where dancers can find expert advice and gear that truly supports their passion.
Rose’s journey into dance began at the young age of four at Berkeley Ballet Theater and continued through her education, culminating in a BFA in Dance from Cornish College of the Arts. Her extensive performance background with companies like Hanna Rose Stangebye and Blue Scorpion Dance Theater, combined with four years of experience as a pointe shoe fitter at San Francisco Dancewear, uniquely positions her as an expert in the field. When San Francisco Dancewear closed, Rose seized the opportunity to create SF Dance Gear, channeling her expertise and love for dance into a space where dancers feel understood and catered to.
SF Dance Gear
Inside SF Dance Gear dancewear store in San Francisco
What truly sets SF Dance Gear apart is Rose’s commitment to personalized pointe shoe fittings. Understanding that each dancer’s feet are unique, Rose dedicates up to an hour per appointment to ensure a perfect fit. This individualized attention, whether for a beginner or a seasoned professional, allows dancers to explore numerous shoe styles and sizes without feeling rushed, ultimately leading to the best possible choice for their individual needs. This dedication extends beyond pointe shoes, creating a welcoming atmosphere where every dancer feels valued and supported.
The heart of SF Dance Gear lies in its connection to the Bay Area dance community. As a native herself, Rose cherishes the tight-knit nature of the dance world. Her store fosters this sense of community, creating a space where dancers not only find their gear but also connect with fellow artists. This welcoming environment is what Rose loves most about providing dancewear – witnessing the shared passion and camaraderie within her store.
SF Dance Gear proudly stocks a diverse range of brands, from well-known names to smaller, local designers like TangentFit, a dancewear line created by a former dancer. This curated selection ensures that dancers have access to a variety of styles and price points, catering to diverse preferences and needs. Beyond pointe shoes, best-selling items include a wide array of leotards, from basic essentials to fashion-forward pieces, and the ever-popular stretchy ribbon.
Pointe shoe fitting at SF Dance Gear
Addressing a common struggle for dancers, Rose emphasizes the importance of professional pointe shoe fittings. While acknowledging the convenience of virtual fittings in a pinch, she strongly advocates for in-person appointments at SF Dance Gear or any local fitter. Her advice is clear: your feet are unique, and finding the perfect pointe shoe requires dedicated attention and expert guidance. “Keep looking until you find ‘your shoe’,” she encourages, highlighting the personalized approach at her store.
When asked about must-have items, Rose shifts the focus to personal joy. She believes a “must-have” is anything that brings happiness to a dancer – be it a stylish leotard, comfortable warm-ups, or a fun accessory. This philosophy extends to her decision to carry Pointe Paint, recognizing the need for inclusive options that allow dancers to customize their pointe shoes to match various skin tones.
Ultimately, Rose’s driving force behind SF Dance Gear is her deep love for dance. As a dancer herself, she understands the challenges and joys of the art form, from preventing injuries to the excitement of new pointe shoes. Her store is a reflection of this passion, a place where dancers are understood, supported, and equipped to pursue their dreams. “Dance is always in our hearts, no matter what,” Rose affirms, encapsulating the spirit of SF Dance Gear.
For dancers seeking exceptional service and a wide selection of sf dance gear in a welcoming, community-focused environment, SF Dance Gear is the premier destination in San Francisco.
Contact SF Dance Gear:
Website: www.sfdancegear.com
Location: 551 Hayes St., San Francisco, CA 94102
Phone: 415.901.3491
Instagram: @sfdancegear
Facebook: SF Dance Gear Facebook
