Release Radar is DRN’s quarterly roundup of dancewear manufacturers’ latest product launches designed to help retailers stay ahead of the curve. For our second edition, and our first of 2026, we spoke with Virtisse, Gaynor Minden, Capezio, Eurotard, and Shades Dancewear to discover the standout styles they’re pushing as the new year unfolds. Read on to explore what’s new from these leading brands.
- Eurotard has two key releases scheduled for early 2026. First up is its Latin Dance Skirt. “Crafted from high-quality polyester fabric for durability and comfort, the sleek design features an asymmetrical overlapping front with a gently flared hem, enhancing freedom of motion and creating a flattering silhouette,” the brand writes via email. Coming in red and black in small to extra-large sizes, there’s also an elasticated waistband to ensure a secure, comfortable fit. Elsewhere, Eurotard will be releasing an elegant Long-Sleeved Ballroom Leotard, featuring sleeves made from impression mesh, a microfiber body with an empire-waist seam, built-in support with removable cups, and a practical snap gusset for ease of wear. Both items have been designed to pair with Merlet’s ballroom footwear, for which Eurotard serves as the exclusive distributor in the Americas. RRP: $42 (leotard) and $45 (skirt)
- Virtisse’s newest pointe shoe model was originally scheduled for release in 2025, but production was delayed due to a fire at the company’s warehouse. As of January 2026, the Sisu, named after a Finnish concept symbolizing resilience and determination, is now available for purchase by online customers and retailers. Key features include a newly designed last that promotes natural alignment and reduces pressure points, as well as an inner sole construction that ensures seamless transition from demi-pointe to pointe. “Combining flexibility and support, the shoe provides exceptional stability and a tailored fit for dancers of all arch types,” the brand writes to DRN. “With enhanced outer sole construction for increased durability, the lightweight Sisu empowers dancers to move with grace, confidence, and the unwavering spirit of sisu.” MSRP: $131.50
- Between teaming up with private-equity firm Argand Partners and acquiring key assets of Discount Dance Supply, 2025 was a big year for Capezio. The company rounded it off by launching its limited Jet Setter collection in December, an assortment of “dancer off-duty wear” for adults and children including coordinated sweatshirts, sweatpants, and matching sets. “Built for the convention circuit, rehearsal days, and the commute to and from the studio, these pieces blend comfort, flexibility, and trend-right style,” the brand said in a press release. MSRP: $26–$60 across the collection
- Capezio is kicking 2026 off with a bang too, with a wide range of new footwear styles arriving on January 15. First up, the Roxy Boot is a reimagining of the brand’s best-selling Roxy Tap Shoe, crafted from 100 percent premium Brazilian leather. Available in black, black paisley, and hot pink paisley, key features include TeleTone toe and heel taps, a sturdy STK metal zipper for quick changes, and a signature C-icon snap closure at the back. And, for full ankle mobility, there’s adjustable laces and a flexible upper. A stitched double-layer leather outsole and stacked leather heel also offer durability and a resonant, reliable tap. MSRP: $320
- Elsewhere, Capezio is expanding its performance-sneaker category with its new Ignite Dance Sneaker, a shoe designed specifically for the demands of hip hop, urban choreography, and high-impact studio work. Offered in both a sleek low-top (offering increased ankle mobility for quick footwork and grounded styles) and a supportive high-top (following the natural curve of the calf for elevated support through jumps, slides, and directional changes), the sneaker provides a combination of structure, cushioning, and ultra-lightweight feel.
“Both silhouettes feature a 100% action leather upper reinforced at key points for long-term durability, plus a breathable mesh tongue and padded collar for stability without bulk,” writes Capezio via email. “Inside, an OrthoLite® insole with X-Sorb™ technology provides high-level shock absorption, pain reduction, and energy return—ideal for dancers who train hard and move explosively.” A multi-surface rubber outsole ensures traction indoors or out, and each pair comes with Spin Spot stickers to enhance turning. Available in unisex sizing, the sneakers come in up to four different colorways (only three for the low-tops). MSRP: $80–$86
- To round off Capezio’s sole-ful line-up is its Shannel 3-inch Character Shoe. Crafted from premium Brazilian leather like the Roxy Boot, and available in black and chai colorways, the shoe features a soft suede sole as well as a Broadway-inspired 3-inch contoured heel. The latter offers lift without sacrificing balance, and, writes the company, “the Y-strap design and rounded toe box create a secure, flattering fit,” not to mention the “cushioned insole [that] molds to the foot for long-wear comfort.” MSRP: $234
- In November 2025, Gaynor Minden released several of its existing products in new colorways. The ultralight Liberty technique slipper—featuring meticulous stretch canvas pleating that is flat underfoot; comfortable stretch binding with no drawstring; and pre-sewn crisscross elastics—is now available in black and white as well as pink and Natural 2.0. MSRP: $25.99
- Also in November 2025, Gaynor Minden’s Fierce and Madame X styles became available in limited-edition Vintage Pine and Terracotta Rose shades. Inspired by John Singer Sargent’s celebrated portrait of Madame Gautreau, Madame X features a low mesh back and a built-in shelf bra. Meanwhile, Fierce offers an emphatic V-shaped back accented with geometric mesh panels. Sarabande—Gaynor Minden’s filigree-patterned leotard inspired by the 17th-century Baroque court dance—has also been newly released in white as of December 2025. MSRP: $81.99 (Fierce & Madame X) and $77.99 (Sarabande)
- At the end of last year, DRN profiled UK-based brand Shades Dancewear alongside the launch of Shadify, its AI-powered skin-tone-matching platform. But this isn’t the only development Shades introduced in 2025, or will continue championing in 2026. In September, the brand debuted its casualwear line, TIRED by Shades, featuring everything from easygoing hoodies to classic crewnecks. The following month brought Embrace Your Ethnicity, a collection of kids’ and adults’ tees and mugs. Emblazoned with the brand’s motto, the pieces serve as a reminder that “your identity doesn’t need to be explained, softened, or made palatable,” Shades writes via email. “We each exist boldly, beautifully, and without apology.” RRP: $18–$53 (Embrace Your Ethnicity) and $37–$53 (TIRED by Shades)
- Shades Dancewear also partnered with several brands to bring its inclusive ethos to a wider audience. In September, the company became the UK distributor for Rac N Roll’s dressing rooms on wheels—along with accessories such as collapsing privacy curtains and folding stools. Earlier in the year, they also joined forces with KitBrix to develop Shades-branded tote bags (which can transform into backpacks with padded, adjustable straps) and SKNFIT to offer its wide range of skin-tone underwear exclusively through the Shades website. “Together, we’re shaping a space where dancers of all backgrounds feel empowered in their own shade,” Shades writes of the latter collaboration. “From warm undertones to deep complexions, we see you—and we’re designing for you.” RRP: $16 (SKNFIT), $86 (KitBrix), $33–$66 (Rac N Roll stool, garment bags, and privacy curtain), and $343 (Rac N Roll dance bag)
Emily May is the editor of Dance Retailer News.