Book a Dance Shoe Fitting in Chatham-Kent
Need ballet shoes, jazz shoes, tap shoes, lyrical shoes, character shoes, tights, or dancewear basics? Act One offers friendly, in-person fitting help so dancers and performers can find shoes that feel comfortable, secure, and appropriate for class, recital, rehearsal, or the stage.
A proper fit matters
Dance shoes do not always fit like street shoes. Different styles, brands, materials, and class requirements can all change what “the right size” means. Buying online can be convenient, but it can also lead to shoes that slip, pinch, curl the toes, or do not match the studio or performance requirement.
At Act One, we help families avoid guesswork. Bring the dancer or performer, any studio or production notes you have, and the date the shoes are needed. We will help you understand the options and check the fit before you buy.
What kind of fitting do you need?
First dance shoes
For families who are new to dance and are not sure what shoes are needed for ballet, jazz, tap, lyrical, hip hop, or musical theatre.
Replacement shoes
For dancers who have outgrown shoes, worn them out, changed levels, or need a fresh pair before recital, competition, or performance season.
Performance shoes
For performers who need jazz shoes, character shoes, tights, or other basics for a school musical, community theatre production, recital, or showcase.
Shoes and basics we can help with
- Ballet shoes
- Jazz shoes
- Tap shoes
- Lyrical shoes and half soles
- Character shoes for dance and musical theatre
- Tights
- Leotards and dancewear basics
- Hair accessories and performance basics
- Special orders when available
Product availability, colours, sizes, and styles may change through the season. If you need something specific, please contact us before making a special trip.
What to bring to a shoe fitting
- The dancer or performer, whenever possible
- Your studio, teacher, school, or production requirement
- Current shoes, if you are replacing a pair
- The date the shoes are needed
- Tights or socks, if they affect the fit
- Any notes about comfort, foot shape, slipping, tightness, or past fitting problems
You do not need to know dance terminology before you visit. Bring what you have, and we will help you sort out what is needed now and what can wait.
How the fitting process works
- Tell us what the shoes are for. Class, recital, competition, musical theatre, school production, or general replacement.
- Share any requirements. Bring the studio or production note if you have one, especially colour, style, brand, or heel-height requirements.
- We check size and comfort. The goal is a shoe that feels secure without painful pressure, slipping, or curled toes.
- You choose what works. If the right item is available, you can purchase it in store.
- If needed, we discuss special orders. Special order options depend on supplier availability, size, colour, and timeline.
Request a fitting
Use the form below to request fitting help. Your fitting is not confirmed until you hear back from Act One.
If the form is not available yet, please email info@act-one.ca with your dancer or performer’s age, shoe type needed, studio or production requirement, and the date the shoes are needed.
Visit Act One
Act One
530 Victoria Ave – Suite G
Chatham, Ontario
N7L 3B6
Current hours:
Currently open by appointment only
Grand Opening: August 8, 2026
Hours may expand during peak back-to-dance and performance seasons. Please check current hours or contact us before making a special trip, especially if you need a specific size, colour, or style.
Shoe fitting questions
Do I need an appointment?
During the early launch period, we recommend contacting Act One before visiting if you need a specific shoe type, size, colour, or fitting time. Use the request form above.
Should my dancer come to the fitting?
Yes, whenever possible. Dance shoes are best checked on the dancer’s actual foot while standing and moving. This is especially important for growing dancers, first-time dance families, and shoes needed for performance.
Do dance shoes fit like regular shoes?
Not always. Dance shoe sizing can vary by brand, style, material, and purpose. A ballet shoe, jazz shoe, tap shoe, and character shoe may all fit differently, even for the same dancer.
Can you help if I only have a studio or teacher note?
Yes. Bring the note, email, screenshot, or dress code information with you. We can help you understand the shoe type, colour, and style being requested.
Is there a fitting fee?
There are no fees for fittings.
What if the right size is not in stock?
If the right size, colour, or style is not available, we may be able to discuss a special order. Special order options depend on supplier availability, shipping timelines, and how soon the item is needed.
Not sure what your dancer needs?
That is very normal. Bring the class information, studio requirement, or production note, and Act One will help you figure out the next step.