Touring Fuzi Dance Etc…
Originally published on May 8, 2026
Every dancer and their family who read the title of this article probably smiled, nodded, and said something amongst the lines of “oh yes, I love them!” Do you know why?
Founded in 1996 by Xijan Fu, Fuzi Dance Etc. is the only dancewear and performing arts retail store in Thurston County with the next closest stores being in Kent or Bellevue. This community staple has quite a remarkable story, as their website describes:
“While dancing professionally, Fu became increasingly troubled with not being able to find a pair of dance shoes that fit comfortably and would last, so he decided to make his own. After much thought and hard work, the brand of Fuzi shoes was born.”
Many members of the dance community are familiar with and adore Fu and Fang, who present incredible performances each year at the Olympia Dance Festival in addition to their work innovating the art of pointe shoes, ballet slippers and more. Their work has allowed them to travel the world and expand their brand internationally.
Embracing this opportunity, Fu and Fang passed on the store to local performer, dance mom, and arts advocate Crystal Allenton, whose love and attention to the Fuzi storefront allows it to remain a local treasure today. Allenton invited me to tour the store, and I was truly honored to accept and learn more about the world of dance.
Overall, I found Fuzi Dance Etc. to be charming, intentional, creative, and a heartfelt community partner in our Thurston County Dance scene. Chatting with Crystal Allenton throughout, I found her to be very kind with a big heart for the community and a desire to do everything in her power to help everyone shine.
Touring
Unfamiliar with the routines, customs, and needs of dancers, I was so grateful for the way Allenton answered all my questions and went into detail about the necessity and appreciation of items offered in the store.
Shoes are not the only thing they sell! When curating the store front, Allenton pays attention to the needs and wishes of the dancers, offering diverse content for dancers and doing everything in her power to support other small businesses along the way. This is where the personal touches truly came to life!
Amongst my favorite items were Penguin Random House books about dance (including books celebrating male identifying dancers), shirts with delightful phrases like “Ballet Body: a body that does Ballet” or “Ballet is hard,” stylish leg warmers and leotards, knitted and lego roses, and artistic stationary with references to famous ballet shows.
One of the brands Fuzi carries is “Barre Trash,” a brand that uses bold colors, modern designs, and whose name brings a chuckle to every dancer. Without knowing the context, it made me giggle at first too … I love a good trash joke! Allenton described how many of the Barre Trash items are meant to be worn during warm ups on the dance bar … ah, now it makes sense!
The final destination of our tour was the fittings area where dancers come to get fit for their ballet slippers. Hearing about the fitting process was fascinating. Allenton recommends getting measurements and fitted for shoes every time you come as your shoe needs might change rapidly and for a variety of reasons.
Shoe fittings can also be a very sentimental occasion, especially for dancers getting their first pair of slippers. Fuzi offers a couple of special fitting events throughout the year for this exact reason.
To stay up to date on all special events and happenings, I invite you to explore Fuzi Dance Etc’s website and follow them on social media @FUZI.DANCE.ETC.
Upcoming Opportunities
Fuzi offers many ways dancers can grow and shine through private dance lessons and partnerships with local organizations. Upcoming opportunities include:
Summer Private Dance Lessons: taught by Natalie Allenton, a professional dancer, teacher, and choreographer based in the PNW. Individual and small group classes offer focused instruction, personalized training, and meaningful corrections tailored for dancer’s needs. Options for 30 minute, 60 minute, and 90 minute classes. Click here to learn more.
I had the privilege of watching Natalie dance the part of Aurora in Ballet Northwest’s Sleeping Beauty last year. Chatting with her once myself, I learned that she is kind, talented, and a sort of real life Disney Princess.
Summer show “The Jungle Book”: Partnering with the Olympia Dance Center, Fuzi invites you to come put on a show with them! Students 3rd thru 9th grades will have the opportunity to audition, sing, dance, workshop scenes through scripts, improv, and collaborative exploration, culminating in performances for family and friends on July 11th.
All levels of dancing, singing, and acting welcome! Click here to learn more.
Fuzi Dance Etc. is located 4704 Pacific Ave SE, Lacey, WA 98503