Dancia International is a long-established dancewear shop in London's Covent Garden, stocking shoes and kit for dancers across styles. Its central location makes it a convenient stop for dancers passing through the West End. It caters to everyone from young ballet pupils to adult beginners. Fittings, particularly for pointe shoes, are a mainstay of what it does.
Many customers praise the welcoming, encouraging service, with adult beginners noting they were treated without any of the elitism some fear from dance shops. Reviewers highlight knowledgeable, patient staff who take time over fittings, though a minority have found service quieter on busier days. On balance it comes across as a helpful, well-stocked shop in an easy-to-find spot.
Dancia is a retailer rather than a teaching school, so it does not run dance classes itself, but it equips the dancers who attend them across London. Whether you are after pointe shoes, ballet slippers or footwear for salsa and latin dance classes, staff help match the right product to your needs. Adult beginners in particular find it an approachable place to get started. If you are joining classes in the capital, it is a practical first stop for kit.
Expect friendly help and, for shoes, a proper fitting rather than a rushed guess, so allow a little time. Knowing what your class requires makes things smoother, though staff can advise. It can get busier at peak times, so a quieter slot may suit if you want unhurried attention.
The shop sits in the heart of Covent Garden, easy to reach on foot from the surrounding West End, and checking opening hours before you visit is sensible.
Lovely shop sitting right in the middle of Londons Covent Garden . Not too hard to find either which was good and not that busy which was awesome ! I got my first pointe shoes fitted there and the lady was very helpful ! I like to be sure what I'm buying is comfy before we leave and she was very patient with me whist waiting for me to decide. I really want to go back and have another fitting !!! Got Merlet N2 first time round and would love to get maybe a different brand , I'm sure they'd be able to help me again as they seemed lovely !! Definitely reccomend 🙂
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since my first visit I've— M M
I visited the store to find new pointe shoes. I'm an adult beginner, and find a lot of dance shops can be rather judgemental and elitist if you're not professional/in formal training.
Both advisors in the store were fantastic – welcoming, encouraging, knowledgeable, and didn't pressure me into one particular brand, or to make a purchase. I would recommend considering Dancia, especially if you're an adult beginner like me. They stock a range of makes and styles.
Thank you, Dancia, I will be back!— Grace Pictures
I came here to buy a new pair of dancing shoes for my Salsa Class. One lady was busy selling some Ballet shoes to a family of a young girl. The other one was not very talkative or helped in any way. So I pretty much helped out myself. Asked for 3 pairs in my size, one wasn't available. Tried the other two pairs of shoes. In the end I found a pair which fitted perfectly. The shop itself has really everything and anything you may need as a dancer. From Ballet to Salsa to all other styles.— Isabell Drees
Came here with daughter for pointe shoe fitting. You can't book an appointment but we got there just before 11am and there were 3 people in front of us. There were 2 girls doing the fitting and they took their time with everyone. We only waited 30mins and the girls with long blonde hair and glasses served us. She was fantastic and my daughter was very pleased with her fitting. She didn't pressure her to buy a certain style and left the choice to her. Really great service— Rod Pat
Styles such as cha-cha or rumba are gentle first choices thanks to their clear rhythms. A beginners' latin class lets you try a few.
Yes, latin styles are sociable and beginner classes break the steps down carefully. They are a popular way into partner dancing.
Many styles are learned solo or in classes where partners rotate, so you can start on your own. Ballet and solo styles need no partner at all.
Comfortable clothing you can move in, plus footwear suited to the style, which the shop can help you choose. The right shoes make a noticeable difference.
That depends on the school and format rather than the shop, so ask the class provider directly. Costs vary between drop-ins and blocks.
It depends what appeals to you, from ballet to social latin styles. Trying a beginners' class in your preferred style is the best test.