Meet Vanessa Solomon of Ballet Emporium in Camberwell Junction

Ballet Emporium, located in the heart of Camberwell Junction, has become a beloved destination for dancers seeking high-quality dancewear and expert fittings.

Owned and operated by Vanessa Solomon, the store offers an extensive range of dancewear and footwear, catering to dancers of all ages and skill levels.

With a passion for dance and an eye for quality, Ms Solomon has turned Ballet Emporium into more than just a retail store – it’s a space where dancers can find exactly what they need to perform at their best. Whether it’s a first pair of ballet slippers for a young beginner or a meticulously fitted pair of pointe shoes for a seasoned dancer, Ballet Emporium is committed to ensuring every customer walks away with the perfect fit.

Ms Solomon’s dedication stems from her own experience as a dancer, having spent 20 years immersed in the world of dance. Her first-hand understanding of what dancers need – both in terms of style and functionality – has shaped Ballet Emporium into a trusted name in the industry.

A passion for dancewear

Ballet Emporium first opened its doors in Sydney in 2015, before expanding to Camberwell Junction in December 2019. The store’s mission has always been to provide an extensive selection of dancewear, from leotards and tutus to shoes and accessories.

Ms Solomon was driven by the desire to offer high-quality dancewear at reasonable price points, ensuring that dancers have access to the best possible products for their needs.

“We had a vision to bring quality and choice to the dance industry, because there wasn’t a lot of choice in the market,” Ms Solomon said.

With a keen understanding of dancers’ needs, Ms Solomon has carefully curated Ballet Emporium’s collection to include a variety of brands, styles, and price ranges, ensuring that every dancer can find something that suits their requirements.

Discover a wide range of dancewear

Ballet Emporium prides itself in offering a diverse selection of dancewear and footwear. The store carries a mix of local and international brands, importing products from renowned manufacturers in France, Italy, Portugal, Spain, Russia, and Israel.

This commitment to variety allows Australian dancers to access unique and high-quality dancewear that may otherwise be difficult to find locally. The store stocks one of the largest collections of leotards, including a range of European labels that cater to different styles, from practical rehearsal leotards to elegant, stylish designs.

Beyond leotards, Ballet Emporium also offers chiffon, mesh and tulle skirts, as well as warm-up gear such as pants, leg warmers, and knitted sweaters. The store’s selection also extends to undergarments, tights, leisurewear, activewear, and yoga gear, ensuring dancers have everything they need both inside and outside the studio.

Footwear is another speciality, with a comprehensive range that includes pointe shoes, ballet slippers, tap shoes, jazz shoes, ballroom and character shoes, and dance sneakers.

Importantly, Ballet Emporium caters to women, men, and children, ensuring dancers of all ages and genders can find the right gear.

Expert pointe shoe fittings

One of Ballet Emporium’s standout services is its expert pointe shoe fitting. Ms Solomon’s in-depth knowledge and experience in this area has made the store a destination for dancers from all over Australia and beyond. The store carries an array of pointe shoe brands, including Repetto, Capezio, Merlet, Grishko, and Energetiks.

“For anyone who is a dancer, they understand the technical traits and importance of having different pointe shoes,” Ms Solomon said.

Dancers from as far as Perth, Tasmania, Queensland, and even New Zealand travel to Ballet Emporium to benefit from Ms Solomon’s fitting expertise. Her approach to fitting pointe shoes is meticulous, ensuring each dancer finds the right shoe to support their technique and foot shape.

“Every foot is different. If you’re not well-fitted, the dancer is going to find it a lot harder to execute,” Ms Solomon explained.

“There’s not one foot that’s got the same shape, toe length, and range, so it’s about having as many pieces of the jigsaw puzzle – including trying more than one brand of shoe – to get it right for the dancer.”

Ms Solomon emphasises the importance of exploring different brands to find the best possible fit.

“If you don’t try lots of brands, you don’t know that there is something out there that fits you better,” she said.

Her ability to assess a dancer’s needs at a glance is a skill honed over many years of experience.

“I can have a dancer come in and by the time they’ve taken their shoes and socks off, I’ve already, in the back of my head, worked out which brands of pointe shoes will be suited to their feet,” she said.

“It’s a lot of getting into the nuts and bolts of understanding the foot, and understanding what each shoe brand provides. And I spend a lot of time with dancers, listening to them and getting feedback they’ve had from wearing different shoes,” she said.

Ultimately, Ms Solomon’s approach is about collaboration.

“It’s about getting the right fit, look, and feel. I can get the fit and look right, but if the dancer is not communicating to me how it feels, it doesn’t matter how great the shoe looks. I rely on the dancer to vocalise that with me – and that comes down to experience,” she said.

For dancers seeking high-quality dancewear, expert fittings, and unparalleled service, Ballet Emporium stands out as a premier destination.

Thanks to Ms Solomon’s passion and expertise, the store continues to support and inspire dancers of all levels, ensuring they step into the studio and onto the stage with confidence and style.

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