Karabel Dancewear

Great clothing, but bad service was forcing me to get a shoe size that I wasn’t don’t think I will come back anytime soon :(

Best selection of dancewear in SoCal and a wonderful staff that makes shopping a joy. The prices are often less than online and you can try everything on to make sure it fits and looks good, which is why I prefer an actual store. The owner is pleasant and professional and her staff makes sure you get just what you need and go away happy with not only the best dancewear, but a satisfying shopping experience not to be found at any of the other stores in the LA area.

Karabel staff and management provide excellent customer service. The quality of products is like no other. We have to special order dance shoes for a benefit we put on yearly and Lori and her team are always on top and f things. Highly recommended for all you dance apparel needs.

I want so much to like this company because they have a huge selection of dancewear… but everytime I step into their store I am shocked at their horrendous customer service. Either they completely ignore you (I came in wanting to purchase character heels and stood at the shoe rack forever with no one asking to help me) OR they are so rude to you it’s shocking. The last time I went in the girl talked down to me like I knew nothing about ballet or what size I wear. and I’m a professional dancer. I really can’t quite figure it out– but there is just SO much attitude from every person I have interacted with. I highly recommend The Dance Store on Robertson who are always kind and have the best pointe shoe fitters in the city.

Karabel has been my trusted dance supply store for over twenty-​five years for a reason. It’s family run, and the service is impeccable. I don’t buy dance shoes online because most of the time they don’t fit. I recently took my son in for ballet slippers, and he was fitted perfectly. We have purchased everything from tap shoes, to body warmers, from dance bags to comfy (and inexpensive) socks. The prices are fair, and the experience is hassle free, informative, and fun. There’s even a play area for children, and my other two kids were able to play quietly while we shopped. I have the highest regards for Karabel, from La Cienega to Burbank, they’re the best!

Excellent supply of dance supplies. Prices on shoes are a little higher, but that’s ok. You are paying for a brick and mortar store. They have a wide range of spandex shorts, leotards, and leg warmers. I do wish they had a larger selection of more dance shoes. Other than that, the staff was very friendly and helpful. I will definitely be coming back.

Great apparel and accessories. Came here and found great options for knee pads! Very helpful and kind staff. We will be back!

I used to buy all my pointe shoes and dance gear from here many years ago. I have not danced in 10 years and just went back. I needed a leotard, leg warmers and of course regular shoes. They had a great selection. I found a great deal from the sale rack. I also found shoes which were very affordable. Canvas, split toe. They had great section to try on shoes and girl who helped me was super friendly. They had a barre and the flooring was great. I watched another customer could try his tap shoes In that area. To make it even more of a great experience they had a kid area where my toddler and kindergartener were entertained. Support small businesses! Dance gear is something you need to feel so I would definitely not resort to buying online. Great experience.

HORRIBLE. I would give zero stars if I could. I went in today to get a new pair of ballet shoes. I tried on multiple pairs and decided on one — the girl gave me the wrong pair of shoes. I realized when I got home and called and asked to exchange them for the correct ones. The girl who answered the phone was incredibly RUDE and told me they don’t do exchanges or refunds. Excuse me?! This was your mistake. I asked to speak to the manager — no one has called me back. Will not be back. And will not be referring my students here anymore.

HORRIBLE customer service. Lauren, the girl who fit me for my pointe shoes yesterday, was really condescending and made me feel like an idiot. I did ballet for 10+ years growing up and was on pointe for about half that time. I’ve gotten back into it and am going back on pointe now, which is why I went in yesterday to get fitted. I mentioned that I’ve been on toe for years before but that it has been awhile since I was last. I made sure to let her know that I had been on pointe before, etc just so she knew that I was somewhat knowledgeable and not a complete newbie. Well that didn’t matter to Lauren!!! She was really condescending and talked to me like I was a child (I’m 30).
The first shoes she put me in didn’t feel right; she asked how they felt and I said «Something is off; they’re uncomfortable and they don’t feel ‘right’». To which she replied «Well you’re wearing pointe shoes so of course they’re gonna be uncomfortable.» Throughout the whole 40 minutes I was there, she kept making similar remarks to the answers I gave her. Every time she asked me a question and I responded, she quipped back as to prove she was «in charge.» It was too weird. She also kept making little remarks about my high arches, as if that were a bad thing. Newsflash: having high arches when you’re a ballerina is a great thing. Teachers have always praised me for my feet. When I tried on another shoe she told me to go up on releve to see how they felt. As I went up on releve in first position, she said «In parallel». Once I was already in first position, she laughed like she was making fun of me and said «…Um okay or in first position».
She made me feel so uncomfortably weird that I almost left and went straight to The Dance Store (which has amazing customer service, just so far from my house.) I wish I would’ve left and gave my money to another store. I wouldn’t recommend Lauren or Karabel to any of my dancer friends. I spent almost $ 150 and left with the worst taste in my mouth. Don’t support businesses with bad customer service!

Super helpful staff-​comparable prices to other shops around town, we’ll definitely be back!

I know this company has not received many positive reviews. I have made a few purchases from them over the last couple of years and had no issues. The customer services was not terrible, some staff more friendly than others, but all helpful. I don’t like that there are no refunds or exchanges but that seems pretty typical of dance stores. I do appreciate the variety of dance-​wear and shoes. I would recommend to others.

Really seems to be a hit or miss here according to reviews, and I think no differently. I only visited twice, and felt a review was sufficient after that second visit.
First visit I was helped immediately, but the girl didn’t seem to have much information on the brand I was seeking (Bloch/​Gaynor Minden) and was basically useless, where she didn’t ‘seem sure’ of when they received shipments, and made no effort to find this out. However, Karabel seemed to have a decent selection on offer, so I decided I would visit again just to make sure this particular first visit wasn’t an off day, and I would find another girl to help me.
Turns out this off-​day is more consistent than what I would like. Not sure if the girls here are current dancers, or ones who failed to chase ‘their dreams’, but the attitude/​lack of service put me off giving them another effort. As I was giving up on a different girl initially ‘helping’ me behind the counter, another lady sitting down behind the counter half-​heartedly offered an answer; sensing my frustration, or noticing her colleague was a complete waste. Either way, it was enough that I would make my inquiries elsewhere (and I did, successfully). I don’t know why, but I left my information for when they received items in of a certain brand/​style, but I already knew that I would not be hearing from them.
In their favor, there have always been customers in the shop making a purchase while I was there, so my-​and apparently other reviewers-​lack of business won’t mean much to them.
For what it’s worth, I did NOT deal with the owner here, but I wonder if my experience would have been much better if I had.

I want to write a kind review for this place because of the employees. However, the owner is so rough, mostly angry and easily frustrated with her customers it’s tough to support this business in a positive way.
Over the years, I have avoided the owner at all costs because of her hit or miss personality and attitude. Because this place offered a vide variety of gear for girls of all ages, I have contained to shop here when I cannot buy an item on Amazon.
Their return policy is a joke. Next time I’m there I will take pictures of their signs.
Overall, if you have to shop here, at least you are supporting a small business as the good people who work their butts off for an owner I question if she appreciates them.

Great selection, nice customer service and open 7 days a week!!! I was really thankful to find them open on a Sunday when we were in need of something for the same day!

We have purchased items from this shop at least a ½ dozen times. Without fail… we have a negative experience with the shop owner. Each time we leave we get into the car and look at each other like …“Whaaaaaaaatt just happened???” The owner is rude and condescending. She is arrogant and seems to be bitter. Giving her the benefit of the doubt… we have always returned. Unfortunately, the kindness of the other employees in the shop and the proximity of the shop (w/​in walking distance from our home) are not strong enough reasons for us to continue spending our hard earned money at this establishment. I have too much respect for myself and my daughters to allow convenience to rule the day. I sure hope the owner takes a hard long look in the mirror and adjusts her attitude. If there is a public apology posted to her customers… we will return. It’s not too late for her to turn from her dishonoring ways.
Dawn Gregg

Service was good they were helpful and friendly. Their selection was great, a lot variety. The only thing I didn’t like was their prices. They were not anything special. I bought my daughter leg warmers for 12 dollars. That’s all I have to say about that.

I had a nice experience, I was helped and my daughter got the shoes we needed. I told the saleslady that I needed size 1.5 bloch tap shoes, lace up flex. I was specific in my order, as I couldn’t find this shoe anywhere. I drove 30 minutes to come here, and was in a rush to get the shoe. I mention this only because I feel I was taken advantage of.
When I went to pay all the sudden the shoe was $ 88 instead of the normal $ 58 price, and I was told they were adult tap shoes, and was not offered the ones I requested. And also there were no refunds or exchanges. At that point I was stuck, I do wish I had spoken up and had her go and find my daughter’s size that I requested. This is why I am writing it on Unilocal,hoping the owner will see this review. I won’t return to the store ever again. I should have spoken up, but I didn’t and am glad I have an outlet to voice my disappointment and I was totally taken advantage of.

I went today to Karabel after reading bad reviews because it was the nearest to me. Everyone was extremely sweet and helpful. They were clear — had everything I needed. A nice store!

I was terrified of going in here based on the Unilocal reviews, but my daughter needed a pair of tap shoes ASAP. The people in the shop aren’t super bubbly like the retail people at the mall, but this isn’t the mall. I found the person I dealt with to be informed and extremely helpful.

I was VERY skeptical that this place was going to provide good customer service based on the past Unilocal reviews and kept telling my husband that I wasn’t sure if I wanted to take our son there to get his first hip hop jazz split sole shoes but after going to a couple of other stores nearby with no success in finding a simple black pair, I gave in and we stopped by to see this shop.
was surprised how fast the sales woman came up to me and immediately knew what we needed — was on the look out for a rude older lady but was pleased to not have that run-​in.
The sales woman had my son try on a pair and walk around the floor while she obtained a second one that was slightly larger to see if that may be a better fit.
I was so at ease at the place with her warm friendly manner. When I got to the register, I was expecting to pay an arm and a leg for the shoes but was extremely surprised to know it was under $ 40! He now as a pair he would not have a problem wearing (black split toes) and I can’t wait to see him enjoy his hip hop classes.

I have this philosophy if you can’t say anything nice, don’t say anything at all.
But I would be remiss if I didn’t say that we have purchased here a few times
and unfortunately the owner was extremely rude and condescending not a pleasant experience. I think they have no competition so she can get away with it. The other people that work there seem to be nice. We live locally but drive all the way to Hollywood to another store. Their selection and prices seem fair but it just not a
pleasant experience shopping here. Hopefully she will read some of the other
reviews and rethink her customer service attitude.

Karabel is a great store with a large selection of quality dancewear, dance shoes and accessories. The store is extremely organized, well maintained and has lots of convenient parking. Keep up the great work, Karabel!
Take a look for yourself!

They do have a good selection so I have gone in a few times lately but they are really the most unhappy, rude employees! I keep going back to try and support a Burbank business but honestly they are so nasty and unfriendly that I will need to get a better deal and shop online. I am happy to support by community but expect customer service in return. I wont be going back.

When I first walked in they greeted me and offered their help very nicely without sounding too pushy about it. I walked right up to the shoe section which was exactly what I was looking for. They have a variety of shoes to choose from which I liked. I’m sure that, that is a sign of a good dance wear and supply store. A really nice staff member helped me a lot. She was very knowledgeable about the merchandise, gave recommendations and options. The shoes are very reasonably priced $ 20 and up. The leotards on the other hand are a little on the pricey side ‚$ 25 and up, but also have an assortment to chose from, but not to fear they do have a clearance section with lots of cute merchandise too. They have a fit for everyone from children to adults. They also offer dressing rooms to try on what you like. Not only do they have dance wear but accessories as well.
I haven’t danced in years and honestly I never really knew what the correct dance wear was, especially when it comes to shoes. My recent visit to Karabel’s was pretty great. Although I felt awkward walking in there at first they made me feel very comfortable. It was only my first time there but it made a good impression on me. Not to mention there is lots of parking space so invite your friends!

Really great selection, and knowledgeable, helpful staff. I’m sure I’ll be back.

I’ll give ‘em this — they really do carry any and every dance supply you’ll need. And since the only other dance stores I’m familiar with are in the West LA/​Culver City area, I appreaciate this dance store in the Valley.
Service though is spotty. Sometimes you get someone helping you that’s super friendly and sweet. Other times, you get a bitchy dance-​snob bun-​head.
Most dance stores aren’t cheap in general, and Karabel’s is not immune to this. It’s a little costly, but I doubt you’ll find the exact some product for much less online or at a different sance store.

What a great place to shop for dance wear. They have all the best and latest, the staff actually knows dance and dancers needs, the owner is a dancer and really helpful — and there’s a great sales rack!
I’ve been disappointed buying inferior merchandise on line. There is much to be said for being able to ask questions and try things on.
This store is an asset to our community. I hope they’re here forever.

Well, like all the others, good selection, decent prices, horrible manners by the older lady… I’m assuming the owner. Asking a young girl (probably less than 12) if «she speaks English why didn’t she say that they were too tight», «she has to speak up!» are you kidding me? She’s probably terrified of you because you are a b***ch.
Best thing the owner could do is not show up, the rest of the staff is pleasant and helpful, and even seemed embarrassed by the other’s behavior.

It was my first time to karabel today and I have to say that it’s a nicely sized dancewear store with various brands of dance clothes and shoes. I came in to buy pointe shoes and was surprised by how nice all of the employees were. It took me quite a while to find the perfect shoes but the girl helping me was very patient and kind. When I finished buying my pointe shoes I couldn’t help but notice how cute all the clothes were and I just had to get a leotard.
Some other Unilocalers gave poor reviews for this place but I personally found nothing rude about the employees and will absolutely recommend karabel to all my dance friends.