Grand Jete

Best dancewear store in the county! Nationally recognized business. Ruthena and her staff are so knowledgeable, I send my students there for pointe shoes and can rely on sound, accurate fittings. Friendly people, excellent staff!!! Great selection of fun dance clothing too.

I have been going to Grand Jete since I was a tiny two-​year-​old «ballerina.» I hopped and bopped around in a little pink outfit and ballet slippers and thought I was obviously the real deal. Well, Grand Jete took me from that phase of my ballet life to the professional one, and it’s never disappointed me.
Anyone who’s taken class before will know that getting dance gear ain’t cheap. It’s just like any sport: an intial investment but, if you treat your gear right, it should last. I stopped in a couple of days ago for soft shoes (ballet slippers), pointe shoes, and a new leotard. It’s been a little while since I was en pointe, and the woman at the store helped me try on probably a dozen pairs. Funnily enough, I ended up with the same ones I used for years and years back in the day.
The staff seemed helpful, patient, and knowledgeable. As a disclaimer, I’m not new to the process. I CAN tell you that when I was brand-​new to point when I was nine — no, I won’t say how long ago that was — Grand Jete was an invaluable resource in helping me get started with the right shoes. I never felt like I was being pushed to buy something that didn’t work for me, and I had as much, or as little, help as I wanted.
I’d like to think I’m come a long way since I was a little pirouetting thing standing two feet high, but every time I walk into Grand Jete I find the same excitement for dance that I had way back then. Ruthena is a huge advocate of the local dance community, and Grand Jete couldn’t be a better resource, or guilty pleasure, for anyone who needs to move their feet and DANCE!

I’ve been to this store a couple of times in the last year: every time the service worst than the last. And today (more precisely about 15 minutes ago) was rock bottom.
I knew going into it that it’s a small store with lots of moms and their children. I’m fine with that. I get my number and wait. Next to me a young man is helping out 2 moms and their children. Well. That’s nice. This lady comes up and starts helping me out with my shoes. I know what color and style I want– so all I really need help with is sizing. Is that too much to ask?
Apparently for Grand Jete employees. It is. I am basically ignored as the lady is helping other customers. I try on all the shoes myself. And go up to the register to wait in line. She then tells me «thank you for tending to yourself». Really? How about an apology.
I spent $ 130 because my shoes broke. I’m hoping to either get the same pair on amazon for cheaper (even paying next day delivery) Or at least I tried on multiple brands and next time I can order online.
Short story? Non existant customer service.

I went to Grand Jete yesterday to find a pair of dance fitness shoes. I did find them, but I was appalled at the poor customer service, rudeness and lack of knowledge of the products. Far from personalized service, I was «helped» by a very low energy, unfriendly, and disinterested young woman who had no interest in whether I found a pair of shoes. She knew nothing about the shoes or how they should fit and apparently did not care that she knew nothing. She did not even attempt to answer my questions, nor did she even so much as bend down to test the fit of the shoe on my feet. How is is personalized service? I could do better ordering on Zappos or Amazon and clicking on the reviews or «Help» icons to find out information. As far as I could tell, I was the only customer in this small, messy, unpleasant store, and yet neither clerk could offer me the most meager service. I can only assume that these employees were hired based on nepotism of some sort, because they were extremely incompetent and unfriendly. I’m sorry to say, I was so eager to get my shoes the same day, I spent $ 86.00 there. (Not exactly small potatoes). It seems to me that if I were a small shop owner in this market, I’d make sure I offered something over and above (like friendly, knowledgeable service) what a customer could find online. That sure wasn’t the case here. In fact, I intend to return my shoes since they’re unused and order from Amazon at a $ 25.00 discount! Their review and sizing tips were actually helpful.

As luck would have it, I had a spare hour yesterday after work, and Grand Jete is open until 8pm on Tuesdays! It’s been about ten years since I have danced en pointe, so I was well overdue for a fitting… and a new pair of shoes!
They have a really nice shoe fitting area, with plenty of chairs and staff on hand. The numbering system is great — no wondering who was there first, or whose turn it is to get fitted.
Riley, the gent who fitted me for my shoes, was a total ace. The first pair he picked fit well, the second pair fit like a dream. He’s been fitting dancers for shoes for over five years, and he’s an instructor, too. Whenever you need shoes, come to Grand Jete!

The staff here are so helpful and patient. I have a daughter that is very particular about the fit of her ballet slippers and leotard and they are always helpful in making sure we get the right stuff.

Grand Jete’ sells dance wear, dance shoes, and related accouterments. This covers some ground. For shoes alone, we are talking about footwear suitable for pointe, ballet, jazz, tap, swing, ballroom and flamenco. On top of this you have your leotards, tights, etc. etc.
As the father of a young dancer, I particularly appreciate the service and advice offered by the store’s owner and staff. All who work here are dancers or former dancers. As such, the staff can make authoritative recommendations on fitting, sizing, selection and so on. This is important because poorly fitted dance shoes cause poor dancing, if not actual injury.
The store’s web site offers deals and coupons. They also have a frequent customer card that rewards return visits. Too, Grand Jete is a small business owned by a local human (not some megacorp) that has supported the Twin Cities dance community for over 20 years.
If you are a dancer, or buy shoes and such for a dancer, delay not one minute longer: get thee to Grand Jete. (applause)