Contrary to popular opinion, there IS another option for Dance Apparel in Anchorage and this gem has been there for the last 4 or more years. It is worth the visit!\r
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Climbing the stairs and walking into the new location of Alaska Dancer Emporium is like walking into the genie's treasure cave. She has some of everything, and it is some of everything that you just have to have, not just nice to see on the shelves. I always find something that I want when I walk in the door. While the Emporium carries some apparel that can be used for yoga and exercise, the focus remains on the dancer and their needs, be it ballet, jazz, hip hop or bellydance.\r
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Michelle, the owner, is a sweetheart. If she doesn't have what you want, she will order it and get it there as quickly as possible. She will also special order items for the hard to fit and/or hard to please. She genuinely cares about her customers and is happy to see all the customers that come through the door. She will make sure that you are happy with your purchase. If you aren't, she has a good return program in place, offering refunds for unworn items and store credit for other items. \r
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I've watched Michelle do fittings for pointe shoes (ALWAYS free). She is full of patience and clearly wants to make sure that the shoe FITS the dancer. As the only retail outlet for Russian Pointe shoes in town, she has been trained by the shoe company to make sure that she has all the knowledge necessary to ensure that the dancer has the proper shoe to fit her needs.\r
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I am a working mom, concerned about finances, the pricing is very reasonable (I shop catalogs, too, so I know when things are marked up a lot). Alaska Dance Emporium also offers discounts to dance teachers in the local areas and to students of dance schools and to the military. That is a nice extra touch that makes a difference in where I spend my money.\r
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As a dance teacher, I let Michelle know what my requirements or wishes for my students are and she makes sure that she has the items for my students when they are ready for them. I recommend Alaska Dancer Emporium to anyone, my students or not, who need to find dance or exercise/yoga apparel.
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