Community Insights: Fame Of Surrey

• Posted Sunday, 31 March 2024
• By Natalie, Founder & Director

Welcome to the first in a new series of blog posts called Community Insights about related organisations and businesses within the local communities where we offer classes.

Fame Of Surrey is a fabulous local and independent company providing clothing and general apparel for budding dancers. At Live Love Perform, we recommend that various parts of our standard class uniform are sourced from them. Hazel is the owner of Fame Of Surrey and the one answering our questions!

The founder, Maureen, along with her daughter Hazel (who's the current owner), and her sister

Can you tell us a bit about the history and mission of your dance apparel shop?

Hazel: We are a family-run business which was established back in 1991. Back then there was a lack of areas to access dance uniform and the internet wasn’t a thing! Maureen the founder was trained in dance and having the knowledge, started fitting shoes and uniform from the Old Arcade in Redhill. The business grew and became too much for her alone so her late husband Graham jumped on board. After moving to Linkfield Corner and many years later, their daughter Hazel (me) also a trained dancer, has taken on the business and hopes to carry the legacy on.

Do you offer any personalized fitting services or consultations to help dancers find the perfect attire?

Hazel: We pride ourselves in offering a personal service to every customer offering advise and a expert fitting for all things dance. Our knowledge of brands, sizes and syllabus requirements is sets us apart from buying online. Our dedicated team takes pride in offering expert advice and fittings tailored to your unique needs and preferences. Whether you’re a seasoned dancer or just starting out, we are committed to helping you find the perfect attire that not only fits impeccably but also enhances your performance.

What sets us apart from online shopping experiences is our deep understanding of various dance brands, sizing nuances, and the specific requirements of dance syllabi. With years of experience in the industry, we have honed our knowledge to ensure that every dancer receives the guidance they need to make informed decisions about their dancewear purchases. From recommending the most suitable brands for your style to ensuring that your attire meets the standards of your dance curriculum, we go above and beyond to provide a level of service that simply cannot be replicated online.

What advice would you give to aspiring dancers who are just starting to build their dance wardrobe?

Hazel: For aspiring dancers who are just starting to build their dance wardrobe, I would emphasize the importance of investing in the right footwear. While it’s true that you can dance in almost anything, having the appropriate shoes can make a significant difference in your performance and overall experience. You can dance in anything but the footwear will enable you to either get the right sounds, or execute the moves the best!

Hazel helping with a pointe fitting for a budding ballerina!

How do you ensure that your products meet the needs and preferences of dancers of all ages and skill levels?

Hazel: We stock all styles of dance, however we are driven by schools and the uniform needed. If we do get an enquiry out of the ordinary we try our best to source that item if wanted. Our knowledgeable staff members are trained to provide personalized recommendations based on dancers’ age, skill level, and style preferences. Whether it’s selecting the right shoe for a beginner or suggesting advanced performance wear for seasoned professionals, we strive to offer tailored guidance to every customer.

Could you share some tips for dancers when it comes to selecting the right dancewear and shoes for their needs?

Hazel: We rely on professional dance brands only to ensure our reputation on offering the best quality dance attire. Unfortunately there are cheaper alternative available online but we cannot stress enough that most of the time these items are inferior; while it’s tempting to opt for cheaper alternatives, investing in quality shoes can prevent injuries and enhance your dancing ability in the long run.

How do you stay updated on the latest trends and innovations in dance apparel, and how does this influence your product selection?

Hazel: We stay updated on the latest trends and innovations in dance apparel through a combination of strategies. We have a close relationship with our suppliers and attend the latest seminars that give a good insight of new ideas coming to market. Following the pros on social media too help us keep up to date. We also actively listen to customer feedback and requests to understand their evolving needs, and collaborating with industry experts such as dance instructors and choreographers to gain valuable insights in this area.

How has the dance community in our local area responded to your shop, and do you have any memorable customer stories you can share?

Hazel: We have been around for over 30 years and seen many dance schools come and go. Some of which used to completely rely on us to provide there uniform, of course this has changed over the years and sadly not all support us. It’s lovely that Live Love Perform do!❤️

In what ways do you support the local dance community beyond providing apparel, such as sponsorships, workshops, or collaborations?

Hazel: Beyond providing apparel, we are committed to supporting our local dance community in various ways. One of the ways we contribute is by offering to share posts and display leaflets or posters in our store to promote local dance events, workshops, and performances. This helps raise awareness within our customer base and encourages participation in community activities.

Conclusion

We would highly recommend popping into their shop (4 Linkfield Corner, Redhill RH1 1BB) to discuss your requirements. Alternatively check out their Instagram or their Facebook page.