Well, here we are again… me, surrounded by another mountain of boxes, wondering what on earth possessed me to bring in more than 200 boxes of new stock over the course of the last three weeks. Honestly, if there was an Olympic event for "unpacking chaos," I’d be on the podium waving a price tag instead of a medal.
At 53 and in the full swing of menopause (and believe me, there’s a lot of swinging), I can confirm that hot flushes and cardboard boxes are not a winning combination. One minute I’m organising tights by denier, the next I’m fanning myself with an invoice while trying not to trip over a box of ballet shoes.
But here’s the thing… I wouldn’t change it for the world.
When the shop is bursting with tights in every colour, style and size, tap shoes, leotards and leg warmers, it’s like walking into a magical wardrobe — every corner full of colour, sparkle, and promise. Yes, it might look like a cross between Strictly Come Dancing and a warehouse sale, but it’s ours.
Of course, there are days I dream of a pristine, minimalist boutique — tidy rails, neatly folded cardigans, everything perfectly in place. Then I wake up, stub my toe on a box of jazz shoes, and remember that an empty, spotless shop is… well… quiet. Too quiet.
Because the truth is, you — our lovely customers — make the chaos worth it.
You tell us all the time that you love browsing without feeling pressured. You love that there’s so much to choose from, that we always seem to have the style or colour you’ve been hunting for, and that you can have a good rummage while we find the right size (or two). Some of you even regularly travel over 50 miles to visit us — even though you have your own local dance shop! (Which, by the way, makes us beam with pride every single time.)
And let’s not forget one of our other secret weapons — free parking and great transport links here in Garforth. You can roll up, grab what you need (and a few things you didn’t realise you needed), and be back on your way to class or rehearsal in no time.
So yes — the shop might look like a creative whirlwind exploded, but it’s a whirlwind full of heart, laughter, and a whole lot of dancewear.
Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’ve got another delivery coming in… and I think I just saw the courier reversing up the road again.
Wish me luck (and possibly a fan).
With love,
Mel – Chief Box Unpacker, Dancewear Diva, and Menopausal Marvel
💃 La Pointe Boutique – Garforth’s Number One Dance Shop