How to Write a Dance Classified Ad That Actually Sells

9 Apr

A cluttered closet overflowing with clothes

Selling your old costumes, shoes, or gear on Canada Dances Classifieds is an amazing way to declutter, make money, and help fellow dancers—but how you write your ad can make a big difference in how fast (or if) your item sells.

If you're dealing with a messy, overfilled closet that’s basically an avalanche of rhinestones waiting to happen, this is your sign. That tutu from five recitals ago? The jazz shoes you “might wear again someday”? Time to let them go, dancer.

Whether you're a parent clearing out recital wear, a studio owner finally cleaning our that storage room link to A Studio Owner’s Guide to Decluttering with Canada Dances Classifieds or a dancer switching styles (or just finally admitting that you will never, ever wear that neon unitard again), here’s how to write a classified ad that gets attention and moves your gear quickly!

Start with a Clear, Specific Title

Your title is the first thing people see—so make it count. Be descriptive and mention the key info buyers care about.

✅ Good title examples:

“Child Size 10 Lyrical Costume – Mint Condition”
“Adult 6.5 Capezio Jazz Shoes – Barely Worn”
“Boys Tap Shoes Size 3 – Excellent Shape!”

Avoid vague titles like “Costume for sale”—it won’t grab attention, and buyers may scroll right past.

If you’re a dance studio or dancer serving business, having a solid business listing links to How to Write the Perfect Dance Business Listing for Canada Dances is a great foundation. If someone clicks to check your credibility, you want to make sure you look professional and ready.

Include Detailed Descriptions

Once someone clicks, your description needs to answer all their questions.

What to include:

Size: Be exact. If it’s custom, list measurements!
Brand: Especially for shoes, many dancers look for trusted names.
Condition: Be honest! Say whether it’s “like new,” “worn once,” “minor wear,” etc.
Color and Style: Describe it well, especially for costumes.
Use history: Mention if it’s been used in competitions and classes or just tried on.
Why you’re selling: It adds a personal touch and builds trust.

💡 Bonus tip: Use bullet points to make it easy to read!

Add Quality Photos

Photos are everything when it comes to selling dancewear.

Use natural light and a clean background.
Show the front, back, and details (like rhinestones, lace, or logos).
Include a photo of the tag or label, if helpful.
If you can, add one of them being worn—either on a model or laid out styled.

A good photo can make the difference between a quick sale and a listing that lingers for weeks.

Here are some examples of great photos to make your classified ad stand out. Note how they are simple and free of clutter in the background.

How to Write a Dance Classified Ad That Actually Sells

Set a Fair Price

Think about what you paid, the item’s condition, and how often it was worn.

Costumes typically resell for 30–60% of the original price, while shoes may go a bit lower unless they’re barely worn.

Include whether your price is firm or negotiable, and always be friendly and clear when discussing offers.

Make Communication Easy

Respond promptly when people contact you. If you’re listing more than one item, mention that too!

Buyers will click the Contact Member button on your listing to message you directly through the site.

You’ll get an email notification every time someone sends you a message, so you’ll never miss a potential buyer.

💬 Example:

“Message me here if you’d like more photos or have questions. I’m happy to bundle it with other listings!”

Choose the Right Category and Tags

Canada Dances lets you list by category (shoes, costumes, accessories, etc.), so pick the one that fits best.

Add tags like:

“Child jazz costume”
“Adult tap shoes”
“Ballet solo outfit”

This helps your ad show up in searches!

When You Don’t Want to Ship

When you're selling items that are heavy, fragile, oversized, or just too much of a hassle to pack—think mirrors, or a bin full of dance costumes—shipping really isn’t ideal. In these cases, you definitely want local buyers.

Be clear in your post that the item is for local pickup only, and make sure to include your location right up front.

That way, people nearby can find it easily, and you won’t waste time answering messages from folks three provinces away.

Keep It Positive and Professional

Even though it’s casual, aim for clear writing, no typos, and a friendly tone. Think of it like writing a message to another dancer.

Bonus charm never hurts! A line like “Hope this finds a new stage to shine on!” goes a long way.

Give Your Dance Gear a Second Chance to Shine (and Make a Little Cash Too!)

So instead of tossing that sparkly number or stuffing another pair of shoes into storage, why not give them a second chance to shine—and maybe make some extra cash while you're at it?

Those pieces represent memories, effort, and creativity. They deserve more than to be hidden away in a box.

By passing them on, you’re not only clearing space in your home—you’re also helping another dancer access quality gear they might not otherwise afford.

That tutu might become someone’s first competition outfit.
Those jazz shoes could carry someone through their first solo.

The dance community thrives on connection and support, and that includes sharing what we no longer need. Selling your dancewear isn’t just practical—it’s sustainable, generous, and a smart way to keep our creative economy moving.

So go ahead and turn your old gear into an opportunity and help someone else take the stage.

How to List Your Classified on Canada Dances

Head to the Classifieds section on the Canada Dances website.
Set up a free or premium account—it only takes a minute (faster than double time!). Skip this step if you’ve already set up an account on our site!
Business listings have free access to post classified ads, so just log in to your account to get started.
Once you're logged in, you can:
Upload your images
Add all the important info about your item
Your listing will include a Contact Buyer button so buyers can message you directly through the site.
You'll receive an email notification whenever someone reaches out, so you never miss a message.