We just recently moved to Ellicott City. I've enrolled my five year old daughter in a county sponsored pre-ballet and tap program. Does anyone know where I can go to buy her inexpensive tap shoes? I don't know if she will even like tap dancing as she's never done it before, so I'd hate to break the bank on something she might only use a handful of times. Thanks in advance.
Thank you all for your advice. I checked Walmart, but they no longer carry tap shoes in the store (they have them on-line). Once Upon a Child was a great option, but they didn't have anything in her size. I was about to go to Payless to pick up a pair when I spoke with a neighbor who happened to have a pair that were the right size for my daughter, but still way too big for her daughter. We're going to use those, and then when my daughter outgrows them, her daughter should be ready for them. I'll keep your suggestions in mind when it's time for the next size shoes, if she likes tap. Thanks again!
You might try Craigslist or consignment shops. I've seen dance shoes there, especially this time of year. What size are you looking for? I might have a pair (I think they are size 11).
I have seen them at Walmart (rte 40) or Payless (Longgate shopping center 103)
check with that particular (?) class. They may have an exchange system. I know when I took my dayghter, they had a rack full of tap & ballet shoes that parents handed down as the kids grew out of them....I would call and just see and explain to them your child is a first timer and would like to "try" out the class. See what they say....
Hi B.,
Welcome to the area!
I usually try to buy tap shoes for my girls at "Once upon a Child" : Normandy Shopping Center, 8450 Baltimore National Pike, Ellicott City, MD 21043 - ###-###-####. It is a consignment store and the shoes are usually in very good condition and cost about $7 or $8. You might want to call in advance to check whether they have the right size. When you say a county sponsored, do you mean one of the 6 or 8 week classes run by Howard County Parks and Rec.? If you are ever looking for an ongoing weekly class then let me know and I will put you in touch with my girl's dance teacher - she is fantastic, the girls love her and her classes are in Ellicott City. I also have a five year old just had her first day in Kindergarten :)
L. P
Payless carries tap and ballet shoes. They are pretty inexpensive.
Value Village in Brooklyn Park, by Shoppers on Ritchie Highway often has tap shoes. It is a great thrift shop with clothing sizes coordinated. Kept very neatly. On Mondays evrything is 25% off or on Thursdays, but then you need a special card. The tap shoes look nearly new.
Grandma N., who even bought herself a pair to get more exercise
Hello, you can purchase inexpensive Tap shoes for a girl your daughters age at Payless Shoe Source. Hope that helps!
Payless Shoe Store has them. Visit the website www.payless.om
A few years back, my youngest daughter decided she wanted to try a ballet/tap class. I was able to find inexpensive tap shoes at Wal-Mart, of all places. Somebody else told me to check out Target, but I don't know about that for sure. They're not top quality or anything, but more than adequate for a beginner!
Good luck!
Try Once Upon a Child on Rt 40 east of Rogers Ave, Normandy shopping center. I remember seeing a lot of gently used black girl shoes in the back, maybe some of them are tap shoes. I got a pair for my daughter at a thrift store for $2 in great shape and certainly suitable for dancing with the Princesses (our first class too). Now I just need to get some ballet slippers.
