Backstage Boutique
Here’s a surprising little gem for the light-footed set. Tucked into the dreary strip mall that used to house Food World, the Backstage Boutique is an easily overlooked shop carrying a comprehensive line of jazz, tap, ballet, hip-hop and ballroom shoes, as well as leotards for gymnastics and ballet, flesh-toned undergarments, tights, legwarmers and all the paraphernalia dancers, ice skaters and cheerleaders need to practice in comfort and style.
Boutique owners Mario and Tara pride themselves on carrying the brands and styles that serious movers prefer, and for such a tiny store, the quality is impressive. Ballet leotards are sophisticated designs by Bloch and Danskin (mostly in black), and gymnastics leotards are by Satara, one of the leading makers of gymnastic apparel. Point shoes are by Grishko, a Moscow-based company purporting to use shoe-making techniques developed in pre-revolutionary Russian theater workshops. Special orders for local dance teams and cheerleading squads are also a big part of the business.
One caveat: hours are sometimes erratic and the owners never responded to my requests for additional information – a little mysterious. Full-time employee, Heather, however, is helpful and accommodating, and the website is easy to use.
Backstage Boutique
27 Route 303 (Tappan Plaza)
10-6 weekdays
9-2 Saturdays
(845) 359-0106
www.backstageboutiqueny.com