Dance belts are something one must become familiar with when becoming acquainted with dance retail. I typically describe them as “a jock strap for dancers…only softer.” When I first starting handing them over to men, it was for the local beginning ballet class offered at CSU. This was back when outside majors were still allowed to take dance classes, (the department had to close the doors on everyone but Dance majors after budget cuts). I allowed guys to try on the belt over their boxers so they could get an idea of what they were in for. This usually resulted in quite a few exclamations of “Oh My God!” through the dressing room curtain. Simply put, the dance belt is like a tight pair of briefs with a little extra padding for support. Trust me, fellahs, you want to be wearing one while executing multiple jumps across the dance floor. Below is a picture of a full seated dance belt, (typically professionals are required to wear thong belts under their tights):

Notice the seam in front? This usually indicates a good dance belt…also the quality of the cotton mixed with a touch of lycra. I learned more about dance belts as I matured into dance retail. For instance, most guys will buy a dance belt too large–for whatever psychological reason–and end up ‘falling out’ of the belt. Usually after purchasing the first one, most guys become more comfortable with the idea of needing one and immediately become experts. This is fine, because on the whole, men are much easier customers than women. They know what they need, they usually know their size, and they put up very little fuss. Part of this is the simple lack of choices men have in the dance retail world.
Now, most of you know that I have been currently struggling at the local dance store. It’s gotten so bad, that sometimes I fall into a deep depression when I realize I have to go back to work after a nice long weekend. I’ve had deep suspicions that no one knows what they’re doing, and I’ve had a very hard time keeping quiet about it. I think my past experience as a manager has really been hard to squash–I just have so many good ideas! I know how to make a dance store successful! I know my product, and I’m very good at selling it! People come to me specifically with questions about character shoes, the difference in leotard cut per brand, and for detailed pointe shoe fittings. I love sending off a little kid with a brand new leotard, ballet slippers, and tights. I enjoy helping older women find a way to squash their bunions into a 1.5′ inch character shoes–wait did I just say that?
This is why I have been so torn over quitting…I have the vain hope that somehow it will get better. Maybe I figure someday I’ll be in charge and I can really turn this defunct store around. I love dance retail, I hate to see it go. If I knew how or had the money or was delusional I would start my own goddam dance store.
Anyway, why the sudden rant, you ask? Because yesterday I learned that the store had been selling cheerleader briefs as dance belts….(see example of so-called ’spirit briefs’ below):

Now, I know the picture is sort of fuzzy and I know I just went into a brief explanation about what the product is but HOW CAN ONE POSSIBLY CONSIDER THIS A DANCE BELT? I can’t describe how flabbergasted I was when I started checking in these cheerleader briefs as dance belts in the computer. Are you KIDDING me? In fact, I think I was vaguely insulted. When I brought it up with the current buyer she blamed it on the past buyer: “This is what she used to bring in for, like, years! I don’t know…” Here’s the thing: It is apparent that none of these women have really taken a look at a dance belt…and chances are, the male customers go home, see that it’s wrong, and are embarrassed to return to the store.
I have to quit. I can’t be the lone pioneer on a quest to liberate the store from its embarrassing dance belt mistake. I can’t continue to fight an uphill battle…but I can’t seem to find a replacement job. I’ve been putting plenty of ‘irons in the fire’ and either it’s just taking a long time or I can’t seem to get anyone interested. People don’t call back in this town–even after two interviews, or a follow up visit, or whatever…It’s everything I can do to choke down my bitterness. The dance belt scandal only heightens it–but at least I had a good laugh.