SPOTLIGHT: STARDOM DANCE COSTUMES
We love our local connections, and Stardom Dance Costumes is one of our favorites! We had the pleasure of connecting with Stardom co-owner, Allie Hinsperger, this summer to discuss her journey with Stardom, and what’s coming next for this fantastic Calgary-based professional dance costume company:
TDC: Can you share the exciting journey of how Stardom was founded? What inspired the initial idea, and what were the first steps you took to bring it to life?
Allie, Stardom Dance Costumes: The idea for Stardom came out of necessity. While managing a dance studio I noticed holes in the costume ordering process and began to think of ways to streamline the process. While discussing this with my entrepreneur minded husband, Dan, the idea started to formulate. Dan started the research by embarking on a month-long trip overseas to meet with designers and production teams and understand the process. After meeting with many companies we found a team we wanted to work with who was also partnered with a designer. After we found an amazing group of people to partner with, we launched a website and online shop out of our small, but mighty, condo. The company grew within the walls of the condo for 6 years until we were busting at the seams and we moved into a warehouse in 2023.
TDC: What amazing values and principles guided you and your team through the early stages of building this company? How did these core beliefs shape the foundation and direction of your business?
Stardom: At our core, we wanted to focus on quality customer service and making the ordering process as smooth for teachers and studio owners as possible. We try to make it so that there are no surprises with regards to pricing, ship dates, and what exactly the costumes will look like when you receive them. As we expanded into the US, we also wanted to make it easy for international shipping rates and delivery. Another core value we strive for is inclusivity. As the company has grown, we have been able to continue expanding our size chart and are now able to offer all costumes in CXXS - AXXXL sizing. On top of this, we offer custom sizing and color matching as needed so that every dancer feels confident in their Stardom costumes.
TDC: What is it about the specific community you serve that makes you so passionate and dedicated to meeting their needs?
Stardom: As a former dancer and dance teacher, being able to stay active in the dance community has meant the world to me! It has given me a creative outlet as well as continuing to build the connections I have had since I was a child dancing in small town Alberta. We sponsor many local dance competitions and festivals and have been able to donate over 100 free solo costumes and over $10,000 in studio costume credits. We make sure to attend 1-2 events each season so we can not only see our designs on stage but connect with our local community and dance studio owners to show them our appreciation. We have received so much feedback on our offering of custom design boys shirts to match any of our collection costumes so each boy dancer can feel just as special.
TDC: How have you tailored your products or services to uniquely benefit the community you serve? What feedback have you received from your customers that confirms you're making an incredible impact?
Stardom: As we mentioned earlier, we hope to make all products inclusive to every dancer. The opportunity to recently expand our size chart and have an amazing production team that allows for additional custom sizing and color matching has allowed us to fulfill the vision of teachers and dancers alike. Additionally, being able to keep our shipping rates for both Canadians and Americans has been a great benefit! We strive to make sure there are no additional mailing or duties costs for any customers, no matter where in North America they are and have cultivated relationships with the shipping companies to allow for expedited shipping if something goes wrong.
TDC: Looking to the future, what are you most excited about in terms of growth and expansion within the dance community in Canada? Are there any incredible new projects or initiatives on the horizon that you look forward to sharing with your amazing customers?
Stardom: Initially, when thinking of growth, we are excited to continue to grow the space we have! As we expanded into the warehouse initially the number of in stock costumes we had also grew. This allows for us to get the costumes sent to our customers even quicker. With the additional space, we have also needed to add additional members to the team. What started as a small husband-wife operation has grown out of those four walls and we are excited to keep the team momentum going. Additionally, we are also growing into a bigger classwear space. Working with our production team, we have recently launched a new large collection of leotards, tights, and skirts for all ages, in all colors and hope to see continued growth there before stepping further into dance shoe production.
