The story behind Ballet Gifts La Mariposa
After years of dedication to my dance training, at the age of twenty I decided to start my own ballet school in a beautiful old mansion in the heart of Ghent. Next to the school, I opened a small shop selling ballet supplies. What started as a modest shop for my students quickly grew into a beloved place for dancers from different schools.
After twenty wonderful years, osteoarthritis began to hinder my dancing career, and it became clear that I had to shift my focus. But my heart, which has always beaten for ballet, couldn't just let it go. Ballet is who I am. That's how the La Mariposa webshop came into being in 2018, where I combined my passion for ballet with offering unique gifts. My dream was to create a concept that would make both big and small ballerinas shine, with a range that you won't find anywhere else.
In 2024, an era came to an end: with a heavy heart, I closed the doors of La Mariposa in Ghent after more than 24 wonderful years. The decision was hastened by the news that the street would be dug up for a long time, causing all parking spaces to disappear. This gave me the final push to focus my dream entirely on the ballet shop.
During the coronavirus pandemic, I expanded the range to more than 400 unique ballet-themed gifts, from toys and decorations to jewellery, bags and accessories. I deliberately kept the clothing range small, focusing on my own creations, which you won't find anywhere else.
It soon became clear that my shop at the old location was no longer viable. The enormous growth in online orders during the pandemic got me thinking, and so I decided to run my webshop from home from now on. Customers can pick up their orders in Oostakker or have them delivered to their home or a collection point. What's more, I offer free delivery on orders over £50, with the option of festive packaging in special ballerina wrapping paper.
For those who prefer to see the products in real life, I can often be found at dance competitions such as Dancestars, UDO and CODA.
It is always magical to see little ballerinas with sparkling eyes discover my stand and leave with a smile and a bag full of treasures.
Enjoy shopping and see you soon!
Kind regards,
Sofie