About us

Hi, let me introduce myself. My name is Marie and I am married with two delightful teenage children whom I adore. My youngest, Nicholas, is passionate about performance and dance.

Marie's Discount Dance Shoes was an inspiration set up following a tragic loss in my family. On the 11th August 2004 my 16 year old God daughter " Lizzie" (who was also my cousin) was tragically killed in a car accident in New Hampshire, USA. While attending the memorial service for Lizzie I was introduced to her good friend Marguerite.

Marguerite's parents invited us for dinner one evening and while we were talking a pair of dance sneakers arrived by courier. The dance shoes were the same as the ones I had been purchasing for my son in N.Z but at a much more reasonable price. I was surprised at the difference in prices of the shoes in the States compared to N.Z and bought a few extra pairs back for him to "grow" into.

Demand has grown so much that I am now supplying dance schools and teachers throughout N.Z with dance sneakers, tap shoes and jazz shoes. All the shoes are highly respected brands and represent excellent value.

I believe that "Lizzie" showed me an opportunity and has provided me with the insight, passion and desire to help dancers and their families obtain good value dance shoes at reasonable prices.

Through the selling of the dance shoes I have met many wonderful people involved in dance and the performing arts who have contributed to the growth of my small business. I thank you all for your continued support and encouragement.

In Memory of Elizabeth Channon Smith 1988 - 2004

It's all about the faded blues and rock n 'roll
No time for sitting on the side lines looking
cleaned and pressed.
Had to be part of the action,
All contact nothing less

I don't have patience to stand and glance.
I won't accept the job of acting polite
and fanciful.
Baby I want it wild.
I wanna dance.

Liz Smith