About Stein's Theatrical

Stein's Theatrical and Dance Supply opened its' doors in 1937 under the name Junior Mode Bootery. Though the store has moved three times during its 60 years in business, it has never left Arlington, Virginia and remains today a reputable member of the community with memberships in The Clarendon Alliance, and The National Costumers Association.

Leon Stein, the original owner, initially offered general street shoes and corrective shoes to his customers. In the late 1950’s and early 1960’s, the Junior Mode Bootery started carrying ballet slippers following repeated requests from local dance teachers. The ballet slipper part of the business was handled from a closet in the back of the store. Mr. Stein expanded his product line to include majorette supplies later in the 1960’s, these however, are no longer available. Junior Mode Bootery had also phased out of the street and corrective shoe business completely by then, and continued to sell more and more dance and theater-related items. The store became one of the first importers of Freed toe shoes from London. Stein's had now became a supplier to major dance companies.

In 1974, while moving to a new location due to MetroRail construction, Junior Mode Bootery was renamed to Stein's Theatrical and Dance Supply Center. Having moved to larger quarters, Mr. Stein decided to expand the store's offerings to include an even larger selection of novelties and costume accessories, as well as costume rentals. The business was now a Halloween tradition in the region with lines waiting to get into the store during October.

Shortly after the move Mr. Stein passed away. His wife continued to operate the business for about two years before deciding to sell the company and retire. Stein's now had a new owner who changed the name of the store to Stein's/Capezio Dance Theater Shop, although the community still referred to the store as Stein's Theatrical, and operated the store for about five years before selling it in 1983 to the current owner. At that time, the name was changed to Stein's Theatrical and Dance Supply in honor of Mr. Stein and the tradition he had begun.

Once again the store had to move, due to redevelopment this time. In 1990 the store took up residence in it's current location, at no time in it's 60 year history has it been more than a block from where it's doors first opened in 1937.

Stein's maintains the tradition of providing a broad selection of quality shoes for the ballet and stage, and continues to specialize in expert shoe fittings. Stein's only employees individuals that have a background in theater and dance, thus insuring an understanding of our customer's needs through shared experience.