Whether you're shopping for an aspiring prima ballerina or a semi-professional tango artist, we've got plenty of gift ideas that will have the dance lover in your life strut, swing, and sway with joy.
See also: The Dos and Don'ts of Holiday Gift-Giving
The Red Shoes at Zia Record Exchange
Director Martin Scorsese has called this 1948 film one that "plays in [his] heart." And it's easy to understand why. The film tells the story of an aspiring ballerina torn between love and her need to dance -- and it does so in beautiful fantastical color. You can purchase a used copy at Zia for $15.99 or a new one for $30.99. Call ahead to locate a copy or to have it sent to the store closest to you.
Tickets to a Studio Spotlight at Ballet Arizona
There's no need for ballet to be a stuffy, foreign affair. If you're looking for a more casual and intimate experience, get tickets to one of Ballet Arizona's Studio Spotlights. The performances take place at the company's newly built Dorrance Theatre and give a behind-the-scenes look at a show before it opens. The company performs selected scenes from the upcoming show, and attendees participate in a question-and-answer session. Studio Spotlight performances take place now through April and cost $30 for the public.
Gift card to Barry's Dancewear
You'll find everything a dancer could need at Barry's Dancewear in Scottsdale. The store has been around for generations and can provide pointe shoe fittings and all the tights, leotards, and shoes a dancer needs. Though any dance lover would love to find a pretty hot pink leotard (like this one) and matching leg warmers (like these) under the tree, avoid the need for returns with a gift certificate to the store. You can even purchase them online and send them to the recipient via e-mail.
One month of classes at Abby Bella Dance Studio
Give the gift of fitness and fun this year by signing your loved one up for a month of unlimited classes at Abby Bella Dance Studio. The dance/fitness studio offers all sorts of classes, including ballet, belly dance, jazz, tap, barre, hip-hop, yoga, and Pilates. In short, no matter whom you're buying for, they're bound to find something they enjoy. The studio offers a new student special that's $39 for a month of unlimited classes and can be purchased online.
Tickets to Mark Morris Dance at Mesa Arts Center
Choreographer Mark Morris has been celebrated for his one-of-a-kind musicality. His company, the Mark Morris Dance Group, was once the national dance company of Belguim. They will come to Mesa Arts Center this January for two nights. They're known for their commitment to live music, which has been a feature at every performance since 1996. Tickets cost either $30 or $60 for the show on Tuesday, January 28, or Wednesday, January 29. Performances begin at 7:30 p.m.
