The UK dancewear market serves over 10,000 dance schools, thousands of performing arts students, and a thriving community of dancers at every level. For retailers and dance schools buying wholesale dancewear, the right supplier can make a significant difference to both quality and profitability.
The UK Dancewear Market
Dance participation in the UK continues to grow across all age groups. From ballet and contemporary to street dance and cheerleading, each discipline requires specific clothing and accessories. Key market segments include:
- Children's dance classes — The largest segment, with ballet being the most popular discipline
- Adult recreational dance — Growing rapidly, especially street dance, salsa, and fitness-based dance
- Performing arts schools — GCSE and A-level dance, performing arts BTECs and degrees
- Dance competitions — Festival season drives demand for performance costumes and accessories
- Dance fitness — Zumba, barre, and dance-cardio classes use dancewear and activewear
Essential Wholesale Dancewear Categories
Leotards
The foundation of any dancewear range. Stock ballet leotards (camisole, short sleeve, long sleeve), modern/contemporary styles, and exam-grade leotards in RAD and ISTD colours. Key colours: black, ballet pink, navy, and white.
Dance Tights
Ballet tights in full-foot, footless, and convertible styles are essential stock. Colours: ballet pink, tan, and black. Consider stocking in bulk — dance schools often order 30-50 pairs at a time for their students.
Dance Skirts and Tutus
Wrap skirts for ballet, tutus for younger dancers, and character skirts for exams and performances. These are high-margin items that add to every dancewear sale.
Dance Shoes and Accessories
Ballet shoes, jazz shoes, and tap shoes form the core, but don't overlook accessories like ballet shoe bags, hair accessories (bun nets, pins, scrunchies), and leg warmers.
Selling to Dance Schools — The Bulk Opportunity
Dance schools are your highest-value wholesale dancewear customers. Many schools specify uniform requirements — if you can become their recommended supplier, you gain a recurring revenue stream. Key tips:
- Offer uniform packs — Bundle leotard + tights + skirt at a package price
- Stock exam-grade items — RAD and ISTD approved products for graded exams
- Provide size guides — Dance parents need accurate sizing information
- Offer school discounts — Volume pricing for school group orders
Seasonal Dancewear Trends
- September: Back-to-dance-school — biggest stock-up period of the year
- January: New year resolutions drive new starters to dance classes
- March-June: Dance competition and exam season
- Year-round: Replacement purchases (tights, shoes) happen constantly
Browse Our Wholesale Dancewear Range
Wicked Nights offers a comprehensive range of wholesale dancewear at competitive trade prices. We stock dance tights, leotards, tutus, and accessories alongside our wider range of wholesale tights and leggings.
Looking for activewear that crosses over with dance? Browse our wholesale activewear range too. Apply for a trade account for same-day dispatch from our Manchester warehouse.