Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Your Trusted Source for Dance Shoes & Apparel
Teddy Shoes has been a family-owned institution in Cambridge, Massachusetts since 1957. Founded by Theodore Adelson and later expanded by his son Steven Adelson, the business evolved from selling discounted footwear to becoming a premier specialty dance retailer. With over six decades of experience, we have built relationships with major dance schools, studios, and colleges while maintaining a commitment to quality, personalized service, and community support. Our expertise spans ballet, tap, ballroom, flamenco, and contemporary dance footwear, serving both beginners and professionals.As a trusted local business, we survived the challenges of the 2020 pandemic through community support and digital adaptation. Our authoritativeness in the dance industry is demonstrated through partnerships with institutions like Boston Ballet and Tony Williams Dance Center. We maintain trustworthiness through transparent operations, expert fittings, and a dedication to preserving dance culture in New England.
Services
Dance Shoes
Apparel
Accessories
Custom Fittings
Online Store
Gift Certificates
Shoe Repair
Size Charts
Dancewear
Branded Products
Details
- Year established: 1957
Highlights and features
- Family-owned since 1957 with generational dance industry expertise
- Largest local selection of specialty dance footwear and apparel
- Expert fittings from staff with decades of dance experience
- Official supplier to Boston's major dance institutions
- Community-focused business supporting local arts organizations
What people say
Expert fittings
Community support
Generational knowledge
Wide selection
Historic institution
Services
Dance Shoes
We offer comprehensive dance footwear solutions for all styles including ballet, tap, ballroom, and contemporary. Our inventory features premium brands like Capezio, Bloch, and Salamanca. Expert staff provide professional fittings to ensure proper support and comfort for dancers at every level.
Apparel
Our dance apparel selection includes leotards, tights, skirts, and warm-ups from leading brands. We carry sizes for children through adults with options for both recreational and professional dancers. All items meet studio dress code requirements.
Accessories
We stock essential dance accessories including toe pads, orthotics, hair accessories, and practice apparel. Our collection supports both performance needs and daily training requirements across multiple dance disciplines.
Custom Fittings
Our experienced staff provides personalized footwear consultations to ensure proper sizing and support. This service combines technical knowledge with practical dance experience to help customers find optimal footwear solutions.
Online Store
Our digital platform offers 24/7 access to our full product catalog with detailed size guides and expert recommendations. Customers can order securely online with options for home delivery or in-store pickup.
People
Steven Adelson
Owner
Second-generation owner with over 40 years in the business, Steven expanded Teddy Shoes' reputation as a dance industry leader while maintaining family traditions of personalized service and community support.
Questions
What types of dance shoes do you carry?
We offer all styles including ballet, tap, ballroom, flamenco, jazz, and contemporary with brands like Capezio, Bloch, and Salamanca.
Do you provide professional fittings?
Yes, our experienced staff offers personalized fittings to ensure proper sizing and support for all dance styles.
Can I order online?
Yes, our website provides full access to inventory with detailed size guides and secure checkout options.
How long have you served the community?
Since 1957, making us Boston's longest-operating dance specialty store.
Do you support local dance organizations?
We partner with major Boston dance institutions and provide special pricing for schools and studios.
What makes you different from online retailers?
Our in-person expertise, immediate inventory access, and personalized service that online-only stores can't match.
