If you are based outside London, it can be quite a treat to go to all the dance shops during a business or shopping trip. In general they have a more comprehensive stock than provincial shops who are unlikely to stock some of the imported items and relatively new makes such as Wear-moi. However, if you can't get to London, most of the shops will post items and an indication of the relevant charge is given. It is worth shopping or ringing around for a particular item and comparing total cost. In addition, check whether the shop offers a refund or credit note if the item is not suitable.

Note that in the June Magazine we will be covering how you can order direct from manufacturers.

Julienne & Porselli 9 West Street Cambridge Circus London WC2 9NE	Opening hours: Telephone: Postage:	Mon-Sat 10-6 0171 836 2862 Leotard £1.50 Shoes £3.50
A bright and recently refurbished shop with a comprehensive range of clothes, shoes and accessories. The window and display of goods are always impressive. The range of clothes includes, Arabesque, Danskin, Danzes, Wear-moi, Bloch and Capezio. The leotards are displayed in colour groups and the assistants will always find your size and another colour quite willingly. This shop has a particularly good range of items for children especially tutus and very pretty leotards with skirts. The shop is not a mail order outlet, but will send items in the post. No refunds are given but a credit note will be issued for items sent out which were found to be unsuitable.

Freed 94 St Martin's Lane London WC2N 4AT	Opening hours: Telephone: Postage:	Mon-Fri 9-5.30 Sat 9-3:30 0171 240 0432 Leotard £1.50 Shoes £1.50
A traditional shop where very little is displayed but stocks its own shoes, clothes and some garments by Wear-moi and Mirella. The assistants are particularly good at fitting pointe shoes and advising the best size and maker. In addition, they can make a custom pointe shoe (special order) if required. For obvious reasons this appears to be the only shop which stocks Freeds clothes (which includes all the regulation and exam leotards). Refunds and/or credit notes are given for items sent out which were found to be unsuitable.

Sansha 65 Endell Street Covent Garden London WC 9AJ	Opening hours: Telephone: Postage:	Mon-Fri 10-6 Sat 10-5 0171 240 0432 Leotard £3-4 Shoes £3-4
A small shop hidden away in Covent Garden whose stock includes non UK makes of Sade, Mirella, KDDids and UK makes such as Wear-moi. It is a world wide operation and has its own web site at www.Sansha.com

Dancia 187 Drury Lane London WC2B 5QD	Opening hours: Telephone: Postage:	Mon-Fri 10-6 Sat 10-5.30 0171 831 9483 Under £20-£1.95 Over £20-£3.95
Stocks most UK makes Bloch and Capezio. No refunds are given but a credit note will be issued for items sent out which were found to be unsuitable.

Gamba 3 Garrick Street Covent Garden London WC2E 9AR	Telephone: Postage:	0171 430 0704 Leotard £1.50 Shoes £2.50
Stocks Gamba, Repetto and Dance France. No refunds are given but a credit note will be issued for items sent out which were found to be unsuitable.