Brand Spotlight: Yumiko

Yumiko Takeshima was a professional ballet dancer when she began sewing her own leotards.  Other dancers liked her designs, and the brand grew from there.  Yumiko dancewear is constantly adding new styles, colors, and fabrics to keep its reputation as the cream of the crop of ballet fashion.  The brand is fully customizable; dancers can choose a style of leo, top, skirt, or pant, then pick the fabrics and colors in which the item will be made.  Be aware that advertising or selling Yumiko dancewear over social media is prohibited.  If you are ordering through a “yumigirl” (sales rep), talk to her in person, on the phone, or over private e-mail.  Second-hand sales over e-bay are permitted.

pronunciation	Yoo-mee-ko
website	global.yumiko-online.com
styles of dance included	ballet, jazz, modern/contemporaty/lyrical
types of items	bodywear
country of origin	Brand owner is from Japan, items manufactured in Spain
price point	luxury
quality	Very good
availability	Poor in most of the US and abroad.  Few local dancewear stores and websites carry the brand.  Only readily available special order through official website, NYC, Tokyo, and Berlin boutiques, or through “Yumigirl” reps.  Sometimes available on E-bay for purchase secondhand.
sizing	Leotards run small.  Go one size up from what is listed on the size chart. (I am 5’4” 97 pounds long torso, and prefer a size medium)
Jillian’s top pick	“Wendy” cap sleeve style
Jillian’s item to avoid	none to speak of, but pay attention to how each style will look on your body type.