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Empowering Entrepreneurs: the path to Growth

Support for businesses and start-ups in the dance and performing arts fields.

Aleksis Gailans Jul 27, 2024

I love being an entrepreneur.

To me, business is all about solving problems.

You identify a problem that hasn't been properly addressed, devise a solution, and voila - there's your business.

As your venture grows, you'll encounter an array of new challenges - some anticipated, others unexpected.

Challenges

Anyone who has built a business knows that cash flow is the first significant hurdle, and it never entirely disappears.

Beyond that, there are other challenges like recruitment, retention, securing premises, and establishing procedures.

And, of course, there is the biggest challenge:
scaling the business.

Scaling is so often underestimated and is far more complex than simply buying or selling more.

A great Network

Throughout my journey, I've had the pleasure of meeting and collaborating with numerous entrepreneurs, exchanging insights and experiences, and continuously learning.

I've cultivated a close network of trusted, experienced individuals - a resource I deeply wish I had access to when I was starting out.

Which got me thinking…

What can I do as an entrepreneur, and we do as a business, to support other businesses and start-ups in the dance and performing arts fields?

So today I’m really excited to announce: The Costume Source Business Catalyst.

We’re seeking innovative businesses in the dance and performing arts sectors that are eager to grow.

What we're looking for

Our focus is on businesses in one of the following stages:

  • Growth: Your business needs investment and/or mentoring to reach the next level.
  • Hurdle: Your business is viable but has encountered a challenge that requires support to overcome and continue growing.
  • Exit: You’ve taken your business as far as you can and are looking for a clean exit, ready to hand over the reins with confidence.

If you have a business that you're looking to expand with the help of experienced entrepreneurs or are considering selling on fair terms, we’d love to hear from you!

Aleksis Gailans
Founder, Costume Source

The Pointe of View

Articles for dance teachers who want to build successful dance schools
— with the occasional bit of news thrown in.

From the people that brought you Costume Source

Show Season Survival

Keep calm and quick-change — our show season tips are here

May 12 • Costume Source

One month to go: are you Show Ready?

The last-minute to-do!

May 5 • Costume Source

Two months to go: get Show Ready!

What you need to tick off now for your summer show

Apr 24 • Costume Source

A look back at 2024

Faster returns, smarter features and a great reputation

Dec 12 • Aleksis Gailans

Our Social Media Journey - Part 4

We've saved time, increased engagement, and you can too — by at least 36%

Oct 25 • Veronika

Our Social Media Journey - Part 3

How to create consistent content easily

Oct 18 • Veronika

Meriton Foundry, Meriton Street, Bristol BS2 0SZ

Prices are for a 14 day hire unless otherwise stated and include VAT where applicable. Images are for illustration only. No accessories are included unless stated.

© Copyright 2025 Costume Source. All rights reserved. Costume Source and the leaping dancer logo are registered trademarks. Costume Source is a trading name of Dance Source Ltd. Registered in England and Wales number 8941214. VAT 342848680.

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Size Guide
  CXS Child Extra Small CS Child Small CM Child Medium CL Child Large CXL Child Extra Large CXX Child XX Large
Girth 94-104 104-112 112-119 119-132 132-138 138-145
Bust 56-61 61-66 66-71 71-79 79-84 84-94
Waist 56-58 58-61 61-64 64-70 70-75 75-84
Hips 57-64 64-69 69-76 76-85 85-90 90-99
Inseam 41-50 50-57 57-64 64-71 71-75 75-77
  AXS Adult Extra Small AS Adult Small AM Adult Medium AL Adult Large AXL Adult Extra Large AXX Adult XX Large
Girth 141-146 146-152 152-157 157-160 160-165 165-173
Bust 81-86 86-91 91-99 99-107 107-114 114-122
Waist 61-66 66-71 71-79 79-86 86-97 97-109
Hips 84-89 89-94 94-102 102-112 112-122 122-132
Inseam 74-84 74-84 74-84 74-84 74-84 74-84

Sizing Tips

The most important measurement is the Girth.

If a dancer is between two sizes, always opt for the larger size.

Because we stock lots of different styles from lots of different manufacturers, we standardise our sizes to make it easier for you.

Girth
With them standing straight, measure from the top of one shoulder, down the fullest part of their chest, through their legs and back up to the same shoulder.

Bust
With their arms down at their sides, measure the fullest part of their chest.

Waist
Ask them to bend to one side and place the start of the measure at the natural indentation. Once they have straightened up, measure from this point around the waist.

Hips
With their feet together, measure around the fullest part of their hips and bum.

Inseam
With them barefooted, measure the inner leg from their crotch to the floor.

All dimensions are in centimeters and should be treated as a guide only.
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