Raising the barre on Ballarat’s dance wear

WHEN the stars align you have to be ready to grasp the opportunity – and have your homework ready.

That is exactly the position that Michelle and Tim Bodey found themselves in, and they have certainly seized the moment with the opening of Balletic, the most exciting dancewear shop to grace the retail sector of this specialised industry.

Glance through the window at 428 Sturt Street in Ballarat and you glimpse exquisite beaded tutus with up to 15 layers of tulle, designed and handmade by Dani Legge, one of Australia’s finest creators of unique dancewear, as well as brands of graceful and practical dancewear from all over the world that are not available elsewhere in Ballarat or, for that matter in Victoria and sometimes Australia.

In starting a dance boutique for performers aged from infants to adults, Ms Bodey wanted to create a really special experience.

“Our three children love performing. Our two daughters Eleanor 13 and Isla 5 love dancing and Spencer 10 our son is a drummer in a champion highland band.

I know how important it is to create images and dreams. That’s my vision, to create an experience that excites dancers of all ages. Some of our best friends are from the ballet world and while it has been a huge and exciting challenge to go from a health educator to a small business owner, I have had such wonderful support I am determined that this is going to be something very special,” she said.

And Balletic is very special. It radiates glamour and glitter that only comes from the wonderful exhilaration from performing on stage.

“I want the young person taking those first tentative steps to the more experienced dancer to come to Balletic and find that special dancewear that takes them on a most remarkable journey,” Ms Bodey.

“We have been so fortunate that overseas specialist dancewear companies have approached us to sell their dancewear. Repetto, renowned worldwide, asked if we would consider stocking their clothing and we are the only dancewear boutique in the southern hemisphere to stock Freed of London, high quality pointe shoes manufacturers.”

Ms Bodey that while she manages the boutique, the business is very much a partnership between her and husband Tim.

“Tim is a Small Business Advisor and my financial mentor. I truly could not have embarked on this wonderful journey without him. And I owe a debt of gratitude to Sue Lockett and her daughter Brooke. They are longterm friends and Sue brings her retail expertise to the boutique twice a week.

Her daughter Brooke is a former member of the Australian Ballet and has given me so much support and introductions into really valuable networks in the ballet world,” Ms Bodey said.

While Balletic has set open hours Michelle is available for a personalised service at times to suit customers who come from Hamilton, Ararat, Stawell and even Melbourne.

Balletic can be contacted on 0429 402 237.