Release Radar is DRN’s quarterly roundup of dancewear manufacturers’ latest product launches designed to help retailers stay ahead of the curve. For our third edition, we spoke with Wear Moi, Capezio, Só Dança, and Bloch to discover the standout styles they’re pushing as we approach the busyness of back-to-dance season. Read on to explore what’s new from these leading brands.
- Earlier this year, French brand Wear Moi released its Illusion collection, a line of graphic leotards featuring bold, highly detailed designs set against dark blue backdrops, intended to draw attention to the dancer’s silhouette. Named Aude, Reverie, and Ninon, each leotard features a distinct neckline—from high neck to scooped with three-quarter-length sleeves to straight with thin straps—and tulle inserts in varying placements. The collection aims to balance visual impact with comfort in motion, the brand tells DRN via email. RRP: $76.90–$82.90
- Starting in July, Capezio will be shipping the Mini Hanami, the brand’s new ballet shoe designed to grow alongside young dancers. “Inspired by Capezio’s beloved Hanami,” the brand writes via email, “this children’s version features a unique butterfly-shaped stretch arch that expands up to two shoe sizes, helping extend wear through periods of rapid growth while maintaining a secure, second-skin fit.”
Key features include a single slip-on elastic strap that encourages independence for young dancers, as well as signature four-way stretch canvas and partial split-sole construction to support comfort, flexibility, and early technique development. “Finished with playful heart-print lining details and trusted Capezio craftsmanship, the Mini Hanami is the perfect back-to-dance essential for beginners and growing dancers this season,” the brand says. RRP: $30
- Capezio continues its focus on younger dancers with the Fairy Toile collection. Shipping from July, this limited-edition children’s line is inspired by the whimsy and elegance of classical ballet. “Available in sizes toddler through child large, the collection features delicate printed mesh overlays across leotards, dresses, skirts, and separates, bringing soft texture and romantic detail to every silhouette,” the brand writes. Available in dreamy pastel tones as well as black adorned with floral motifs, Fairy Toile aims to capture the magic of dance class and performance season alike. RRP: $25–$44
- Só Dança recently released Blossom, a ballet shoe acting as a midway point between soft slippers and full pointe shoes. Crafted without a shank, it allows the foot to move naturally while still introducing elements of pointe shoe structure. It features a firm polymer box, offering resistance to help build strength in the toes, foot, and ankle, while encouraging proper alignment and engagement. It’s positioned to be a useful option for young dancers aspiring to begin pointe work this coming school year. RRP: $80
- More footwear from Só Dança: a new premium full-leather Can-Can boot, which the company describes via email as moulding perfectly to the foot while maintaining the structure needed for performance. Aimed at dancers of cancan, character, and cabaret performance, it features a 3-inch braced heel that offers stability and support, giving dancers confidence in sharp footwork, turns, and extended wear. Elsewhere, a contoured upper is shaped to follow the natural line of the leg, enhancing comfort through the calf and creating a clean, elongated silhouette, while a full lace-up front also allows for a customizable fit. RRP: $280
- Bloch’s Gen Now collection, a line of youth activewear launched this spring, is also primed for the back-to-dance sales. Covering everything from tight-fitting shorts and crop tops to looser joggers and hoodies, the range has been crafted for girls ages 8 through 16 “who want to show up, stand out and move hard,” the brand writes via email. Made from Bloch’s premium performance fabrics and designed in a fresh color palette of pastels, electric pinks, black, and white, the garments are intended to move seamlessly from studio to dance convention to downtime. RRP: $23–$53
Emily May is the editor of Dance Retailer News.