Interview with Karin Dukehart, president and CEO
Q: How did you get involved in this business?
A: I originally opened the business as Hart’s Skating and Dancewear. We were located across from the old North Jeffco Ice Arena for the first three years. We have always catered to dancers and gymnasts, but for the first 12 years or so, we were also a skate shop. We moved to our current location in Olde Town Arvada in 1997.
Q: What distinguishes you from other businesses in your category?
A: There aren’t many businesses like ours. We offer a brick-and- mortar location for dancers and gymnasts to try on shoes and clothing. These items often do not follow regular street shoe and clothing sizes, so it is a great benefit to be able to try things on and then walk out with them the same day. We have friendly, trained personnel, most of whom are dancers and all who have worked with us for over a year. Our staff strives to properly fit (with growing room when necessary), so that customers are happy with their purchases and will continue to come back to us. We have many second- and even third-generation customers shopping with us. We understand the products we are selling, and also know what most of the local studios and gyms require for their students for class and for recitals and performances. We have two dance floors to actually try out your shoes, whether it’s tap dance, pointe or ballroom.
Q: What do you like best about your line of work?
A: It’s really a fun job. We get to see little girls and toddlers try on their first pair of tap or ballet shoes, put on a pretty dance outfit and twirl around. It’s also very rewarding to fit a young girl with her first pair of pointe shoes. This is a moment that a ballet dancer works toward for several years and is a realization of a goal and a dream. It’s also fun to help ballroom dancers select a pretty yet comfortable pair of heels, or men’s dance shoes to help them enjoy dancing more. Gymnasts are often surprised at the size of leotard they wear and are happy to have the opportunity to try on different sizes and styles. It’s very rewarding to see the smiles and the twirls, and to help people find the right product for their needs — and the perfect fit.
Q: What is your business’ biggest challenge?
A: We strive to keep the right mix of inventory on hand so that, most of the time, we have what people are looking for. As with any location, there is a finite amount of space to store stock and yet there is so much cute stuff to carry.
Q: Something people might be surprised to learn about you or your business:
A: We have been around serving not only Arvada but also Denver and the mountain communities for more than 20 years. Also, Shelby, my border collie, worked at the store for several years and helped several children overcome a fear of dogs. She would greet people at the front door with a ball in her mouth, drop the ball at their feet and “train” them to play ball with her.
Profile
Business: Hart’s Dancewear
Address: 5777 Olde Wadsworth Blvd., Arvada
Hours: 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Friday and Saturday
Founded: 1994
Contact: 303-456-5561,
Employees: 3
