A-1 Dance & Theatrical

Came in to get some basic tap gear and had a great experience! Staff were very helpful and didn’t make me feel silly for asking questions.

If your in need of ballroom dance shoes this is the place to go to. They have a nice selection and can order you the size that you need. Very helpful staff.

I don’t know how this place stays in business.
I came here for the first time eight days ago to get fitted for pointe shoes. As I walked in and told the sales lady what I was there for, she asked me how old is your daughter. I said the shoes are for me. I am an adult dancer who has returned to ballet after a multi-​year break.
During the fitting I got numerous indirect references about my age from the salesperson. In fact as I was paying for my purchase, she flat out asked for my birthdate. I didn’t know what she needed it for, but I gave it anyway. She responded, «oh I meant your phone number.» Clearly she couldn’t stop being bothered about my age!
She also fitted me with the wrong type and size shoes. They only carry two types of pointe shoes: Capezio and Bloch. I tried on several pairs, and each felt really uncomfortable. I told her several times my toes were not flat inside the shoe and that they felt painful. She responded each time that they are not supposed to feel comfortable, and that I better get used to it.
In the end I purchased shoes that were the most comfortable out of the uncomfortable ones, but kept wondering why my pointe shoes as a kid where more comfortable than these.
The icing on the cake was that they were out of ribbons and ballet flats in my size 8 which I also needed. They had put an order in a few days earlier and said it would be about 5 to 7 business days to arrive. As of today (2 – 3 days later than they had estimated) I got my flats but not the ribbons. I asked if A-​1 would give me a refund for the ribbons since they hadn’t arrived in the time they had promised (and especially since I had wasted $ 70 on wrong pointe shoes!). No can do! Their very inflexible customer service mandates that only store credit is given. I asked if I could buy some tights instead with the credit but unfortunately they didn’t have in stock the correct color on any size, or the right size in a different color.
I am appalled at their ageist comments, the fact that they sold me the wrong shoes (turns out, half size too small and too wide), and their inability to keep common items in stock. I am taking my business elsewhere and I recommend everybody else does the same. Its really unfortunate because I would like to support a local business.
As a comparison, few days later I went to Contra Costa Dance Wear in Walnut Creek and the experience was completely different. Instead of just asking for my shoe size, they measured my foot. They immediately brought me the correct size pointe shoe. They also said Capezio (which I purchased from A-​1) was not the right shoe for me. I purchased Grishkos, which fitted me beautifully and didn’t hurt my feet. They also had ribbons in stock and everything else I needed.

Took my niece here a month or so ago to get tights, leotards and shoes. They were so nice and helpful even when she started to meltdown at the end. Will be going back here again for sure.

This used to be my go-​to dance store when I was younger and was where I bought my first pair of pointe shoes when I was 11. I remember that and every other experience I’ve had with the workers there being very pleasant. The workers really help you find the right shoe, tights, leotard, etc. It’s a very personalized and genuine experience and it doesn’t feel like you’re just another customer. So if I could rate customer service alone, I would give this place 5 stars.
The reason I give it 3 stars is because of the selection. There are very few dance stores in the area, despite the great number of dance studios. They just don’t carry all that many styles/​brands, especially of shoes. I remember years ago that they only had two brands of pointe shoes (Bloche Sonatas and Capezio Contempras), but maybe (hopefully) they’ve started selling a wider variety. My sister recently went in for t-​strap black character shoes and they only had tan t-​straps. I understand that it’s a very specific kind of shoe, but it just shows the limited range of products that the store offers. At a store like SF Dancewear, you would find these easily. They also offer to make orders for you if they don’t have it in store though, so that’s pretty nice.
A-​1 would be a good place to go if you needed a new pair of basic shoes or any other basic dance needs on short notice, but if a dance requires something very specific, I would recommend ordering online or at least calling the store first to see if they have it, because it’s likely that they won’t.

Our friend recommended this place for ballroom dance shoes for men and women and they open on Sundays which is a plus. I called to make sure they were open and when we were running late, they said they close at 4 and not any earlier on Sundays. He tried on the shoes and was happy with them. They have Stephanie and Capezio shoes.

Friendly service! Got discount too because my daughter goes to Ballet Petit. Will definitely come back.

I have now visited this store twice. The first time to buy some ballet leotards for my daughter and this time to buy her a new pair of ballet slippers and gymnastic leotards. My first experience was fine, but this last one will probably be the last time. When I went to the store it was empty and the young woman who had short hair preferred sitting in the back room rather than assisting us. I had to continually call her out to ask her questions. It made what was supposed to be a fun trip for my daughter into a very frustrating experience. She didn’t care about what she was doing at all to the extent of handing me a pair of tights and not even checking the sizing and then insisting they were the right size when they were not. When I asked her questions about leggings she huffed and puffed and that was the end of our trip. While we did purchase her ballet slippers and a leotard here, had their customer service been better we probably would not have purchased all of her other needs (3+ more leotards, tights, shoes, bag etc.) at a different dance store. I don’t know what other reviewers are referring to when they talk of friendly and helpful professional staff, because we experienced everything but that.

Had the best time today picking out practice shoes for my character dance class. The two ladies were friendly, encouraging and helpful, and gave me great leads for more classes. Didn’t scorn me (as others have done) because I’m doing this for my health and for the love of music, and am happy to stay in the back of the class and just try. They were wonderful… makes me want to try more dance experiences. I’ll probably be back for tap shoes!

Another great experience at A-​1. Though there is a dance supply store a couple of blocks from my daughter’s dance studio in North Oakland, we drive to Castro Valley to buy our dance shoes and wear! The customer service at A-​1 is so superior there is no contest for us. It’s well worth the drive to have knowledgable sales people who actually act appreciative of our business (unlike SF Dance Co. in Oakland). Thank you for your great service A-​1!

I used to go to A-​1 when it was on Lleweling (sp). Now that my grand-​daughter is dancing I am going again, but this time in Castro Valley. The store is well stocked and the staff is knowledgeable. I’m delighted to have a need to do business with them again!

This place will meet most of your dancer’s needs. I have purchased tap and jazz shoes, leotards, and other miscellaneous knick knacks. Staff is friendly, eager to
assist, and very knowledgeable of their products.

You cannot find a friendlier place to purchase dances shoes, leotards, etc. Great selection, great prices, and kind hearts. You can’t ask for more. :)

Came to purchase new tap and ballet shoes for my little one. Great deal on the ballet shockingly only $ 10.00. Cha-​ching!!! Money saver!
Huge variety of tap and jazz shoes. I was happy to see that they now carry Zumba shoes! A little pricey, but comfy and light as a feather.
Amazing selection of tights, leotards, tutu’s, etc. They have it all here. It for sure is a one stop shop for dancers.
What was lacking… customer service. I wasn’t acknowledged. When I did ask for assistance, the young girl who helped me seemed inexperienced.

First time in shop, needed ballet shoes for my daughter and A-​1 was recommend to us. Very pleased with our shopping experience. The lady helping us took her time to find the best fitting flats for my daughter ‘s feet, which are apparently pretty narrow. Would defiantly return and recommend!

An issue came up after I’d made a purchase through no fault of the store or staff. The owner, Barbara went out of her way to make sure I was satisfied. I could not be happier with the level of customer service I received at A-​1.

Great service! I called before going in to get fitted for pointe shoes. I was told to wear tights and bring any shoe recommendations from my teacher in order to make the process more efficient. Also, weekdays are the best time to come in, as it gets super busy from Thursday through Sunday. Milda fitted me perfectly in no time and made sure I got the proper pointe shoe pads, elastic, ribbons, sewing kit, etc. After about a 12-​year hiatus from pointe, I’m ready to jump back in!

I’ve been shopping at A1 forever and have always been pleased with the service. I’m always greeted when I walk in and pleasantly asked if I need help with anything. Everytime I’ve been here the employees seem to be knowledgable and friendly. I wouldn’t go anywhere else nor recommend another shop. A1 is lovely and I have nothing negative to say.

When I walked in with my daughter, I just felt unaknowledge by the older lady who kept talking with this other lady– I believe it might of been the owner. The young sales lady was ok with helping my daughter finding her shoes.
When I walked to the register the older lady didn’t even approach me nor said hi she just moved to the side so that the young lady rang me up. Anyhow, I didn’t like the energy because I’m twenty-​five years old and grew up in retail business and will never ignore a customer even if I was busy talking, I would at least say «hi or thank you.»
I had no choice, but to purchase them because I was running short of time and I’m busy running my Bridal Shop, but if I wasn’t I wouldn’t of.
I honestly went to check out the reviews and they were positive, but when I went there it was a whole different experience.

Came here loving for ballet slippers for my very excited daughter and the staff was very patient with her. She really wants to be a ballerina on pointe, even though she’s only five. They told her that she has to practice, practice, practice, but still let her hold the demonstration pointe shoe and told her what they made from and how they were different from her slippers. They also knew the proper uniform for her new school and I was totally clueless!
We are definitely coming back to outfit my kid head to toe for her up and coming dancing career!