From February 4–7, 2026, dance-store owners will be heading to MODE Market in San Antonio, TX, at the Henry B. González Convention Center. After the success of last year’s inaugural show in Atlanta, GA, the industry is buzzing with anticipation for what is in store.
February’s MODE Market is a four-day event created specifically for dance retailers looking to stay relevant and inspired in today’s market. “It’s part education, part buying show, part networking, and part celebration of our industry,” says Helena Hines, COO of Só Dança and co-founder and executive producer of MODE Market. “It’s designed to help store owners learn, connect, and plan their business year all in one place.”
A New Educational Partnership
The biggest new development at MODE is the recently announced partnership with The Boutique Hub. They will run the MODEvation Station, a full day of business education for attendees. The Boutique Hub provides specialty retailers with hands-on training, business strategies, and wholesale resources to empower storeowners and strengthen small-business communities. Taking place on the first day of the show, this experience will provide dance retailers with access to The Boutique Hub’s full suite of retail resources and tools, along with breakout sessions tailored specifically for dance-store needs.
Topics covered will include e-mail marketing, merchandising strategy, and online sales. Christyne Gray, founder and CEO of She Profits Now, a firm offering financial services and coaching for boutique and retail business owners, will present “From Barre to Bottom Line: Profit-Centric Strategies for Dance Boutique Success.” Jane Casper, founder of Glow Group, LLC, an automation agency that describes itself in its bio as “the leading Kaviyo partner for boutiques using Shopify,” will present “Benefits and Strategies for Email Marketing.”
“Retailers work incredibly hard, and our goal is to deliver content that not only inspires them but gives them real, immediately usable tactics they can put into practice the moment they return [to their stores],” says Keri Suffolk, co-owner at Suffolk Dance and co-founder of MODE Market.
On the Show Floor
In the exhibit hall, there will be over 30 dancewear brands presenting their lines. This year, there will be nine new exhibitors: Aluvie, Basic Moves, CJ Merchantile, Daroch, Fuzi, Honeycut, International Dance Shoes, Mara Dancewear, and Werner Kern.
While a lot of last year’s most-loved elements, such as the themed party, are on the schedule again, “we’ve made a few thoughtful adjustments based on feedback from our 2025 exhibitors and attendees,” says Hines. “We’ve streamlined the floor plan for easier navigation and scheduling, extended networking hours, and enhanced the show-floor experience to create even more value,” she adds. “The Walk-the-Floor Challenge will also give attendees exciting opportunities to win prizes while connecting with every brand.”
Additionally, retailers will be able to gain important product information that will help with sales and staff training. This year the show will close with an educational panel discussion with upper management from multiple vendors.
For Rose Kirshner, owner of SF Dance Gear, viewing new shoe styles and collections is an essential part of her trip to MODE Market. “I like to be able to view and touch new products in person,” she says. This is particularly helpful when it comes to deciding on pointe shoes to stock in her store, like the new R-Class styles she recently introduced. “I also appreciate show discounts and specials,” Kirshner adds. “Networking with the brands and fellow dance retailers is also fun and very gratifying.”
The Bottom Line
Overall, “our goal is for every attendee to leave inspired, better connected, and more confident in their business,” says Hines. “For me, both through Só Dança and MODE, the heart of what we do is supporting those who keep dance alive in their communities.”To learn more about the show, and to register, visit themodemarket.com/.
Libby Basile is a former editor for Dance Retailer News and a specialty-retail storeowner based in Cheshire, CT.