At Dance Retailer News, we’re passionate about keeping you informed on the latest happenings in the dance retail industry. That includes spotlighting the newest products from the brands you love.
That’s why we’re launching a new quarterly feature: Release Radar. Four times a year, we’ll connect with manufacturers to bring you a curated roundup of their latest product launches—designed to help retailers stay ahead of the curve.
For our inaugural edition, we spoke with AK Dancewear, Capezio, Suffolk, Wear Moi, and Dragonwing about the launches you might have missed over the summer—and the fresh fall releases just hitting the market. Read on to discover what’s new from these leading brands.
- AK Dancewear dropped two exciting new releases on August 8 for back-to-dance. First up, EMMA—The AK2in1 Reversible Top, a versatile long-sleeve overlay that can be worn as a classic boatneck or a flattering V-front pinch. It’s available in both breathable mesh and the company’s elegant Hana lace, in black, red, white, and peach pink. Adult sizes go from XS to XL. “This reversible top layers effortlessly over any leotard, bringing a polished, refined look to dancers of all ages,” AK told DRN via email. RRP: $49.
- AK’s ALEXIS—The AK Mesh Bike Short also offers a fresh take on layering. A fully mesh, biketard-length short designed to be worn over a leotard, it’s made from the brand’s signature four-way stretch mesh in a unique seamless front cut. “ALEXIS creates elegant, dynamic looks, ideal for professional dancers and contemporary performers,” AK wrote. “It offers the visual impact of cut tights without any alterations, making it a standout piece for both studio and stage.” It’s currently available in some of the brand’s Core mesh colors, including black, hunter green, navy blue, purple, red, and white, and in adult sizes petite through XL. RRP: $47.
- Last month, Capezio released its new Soft Elegance line of leotards and dancewear that blends timeless style with elevated comfort. According to the brand, the collection features luxuriously soft fabrics and delicate design details, offering a refined, modern take on classic dance and activewear. Capezio also promises flattering silhouettes, subtle mesh accents, and a barely-there feel, so that the pieces in this line move effortlessly with the body. Available in adult and tween sizes. MSRP: $35 – $60.
- The Varsity Sweat Set, released by Capezio earlier this year, is a unisex sweatshirt and sweatpant duo made from a soft, cozy cotton blend. The brand identifies it as the perfect warm-up, cooldown, or relaxation outfit. “The crewneck sweatshirt has a relaxed fit, and the matching joggers feature an adjustable waistband, ribbed cuffs, and side pockets for all the essentials,” DRN learned from the company. Available in adult sizes, in olive, oatmeal, and pageant blue. New colors will be arriving later this year. MSRP: $48 per item.
- Are your customers sick of altering their shoes’ aesthetic with messy makeup and Sharpie markers? In early July, Suffolk released Pointe Hues, a liquid spray designed to dye or “mattify” the satin fabric of pointe shoes “within seconds,” according to the brand. Developed in close collaboration with a chemist to ensure the formula won’t damage dancers’ shoes, each bottle contains enough product to cover multiple pairs and is said to dry within an hour after application. Pointe Hues are currently available in six tone shades, plus matte black and matte red. Dancers can also achieve deeper or customized colors by applying multiple layers or experimenting with undertones and overtones. Pointe Hues are also proudly made in the U.S.—always a welcome piece of news amid ongoing tariff uncertainty on imported goods. RRP: $24.
- Another early-July release from Suffolk was The Ultimate Tight, which the brand describes as seamless (ensuring a polished line under leotards) and completely run-proof. The company notes that even if the tights snag or develop holes, the damage won’t travel down the leg—a fun claim for dancers to put to the test, especially if they want to cut them up to create custom shorts or footless options. Other standout features include 80-denier durability, a no-roll premium waistband that stays in place through every plié and jeté, and slight compression to support muscles without restricting movement. RRP: $24.
- Back in the spring, Wear Moi released two new contrasting leotards. The Narcisse, a new addition to the Precieuse Collection, is delicate and romantic, combining embroidered stretch tulle with soft microfiber. Key features include cap sleeves, a deep, open back, scalloped trim, and a discreet pocket for removable bra cups. It’s currently available in lilac/white, moka/white, black/white, light grey/white, pacific/white, and coral/white colorways, as well as in child sizes. RRP $99.90.
- In contrast, Wear Moi’s Ruby, from the company’s Empire Collection, prioritizes simplicity and is billed as the “perfect uniform for any performance.” Made of soft microfiber with mesh inserts, it features adjustable straps and princess seams. Color options include coral, lilac, black, white, pink, light grey, sky, pacific, moka, royal blue, burgundy, and navy. Like the Narcisse, it has removable bra cups and comes in child sizes. RRP: $55.90.
- Dragonwing released the Whimsical collection, blending high-performance design with elevated style, in late June, adding additional pieces to it at the end of August. Inspired by light, air, and motion, the items come in a range of soft lilacs, pearlized greens, and luminous silvers that aim to evoke a sense of weightlessness. While cropped tops feature clean, sculptural lines and high necklines, offering both support and a modern aesthetic, “tulle and ruffle details add texture and softness, creating fluidity in motion while maintaining a strong, athletic core,” the brand told DRN. “The skirts range from flouncy double layers to sleek, minimalist cuts—each one designed to move effortlessly with the body.” The collection also offers sleek leggings that have a smooth, second-skin fit and promise to elongate the lines of the dancer. RRP: $46–$50 (tops), $48 (shorts), $58–$62 (skirts), $72 (leggings), and $78 (dresses).
Manufacturers—don’t see your products listed and wish they were? Reach out to emay@dancemedia.com to be considered for the next Release Radar, coming in December/January!
Emily May is the editor of Dance Retailer News.