By TRILBY BERESFORD | Reporter
Terry Ross and Traci Chorna have five dancing daughters between them, so they understand the challenges of finding the right leotards and replacing items at the last minute when a growth spurt strikes or ballet shoes are misplaced.
Having identified a lack of support for these needs in Pacific Palisades, the friends opened 90272 Dance and Fitness Wear in August, taking the site of a former bike shop on Via De La Paz.
“We had never done anything like this before,” admitted Ross, though a quick examination of their backgrounds clearly presents the pair as strong candidates for a successful career in retail business.
Ross, who has lived in the Palisades for 22 years, is a former dancer who worked in immigration law before becoming a full-time mom.
Chorna once represented fashion photographers, worked at a modeling agency as a booker, was a flight attendant for MGM Grand and lived for a stint in Hong Kong.
They both said they are excited to dive headfirst into this new adventure, already conjuring up ideas for expansion of their stock based on community feedback.
The store emphasizes affordable and dependable products, carrying high-quality brands such as Bloch, SoDanca, Mirella, Ainsliewear, Ballet Rosa, Leo and Bodies in Motion. They also offer cute jewelry and gifts for dancing enthusiasts.
Upon walking in, the many tones of pink and other muted colors offer a sense of calm that encourages young dancers and their families to feel welcome.
While they generally operate from the daily hours of 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., Ross and Chorna noted that since they both live very close by, they are pleased to open in the event of wardrobe emergences. “You lose a shoe, we’ll open for you,” is their motto.
Visit 90272 Dance and Fitness Wear at 871 Via De La Paz.
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