Celebrating a partnership built on shared values, meaningful connections, and a passion for the next generation of dancers.
We are proud to announce that AK Dancewear is an Official Dancewear Partner of National Ballet Competition (NBC)!
At AK Dancewear, we have always believed that dance is about so much more than what happens on stage. It's about the friendships formed in the studio, the confidence built through dedication, the mentors who inspire us, and the community that supports us along the way.
That belief is at the heart of our partnership with National Ballet Competition, and we're excited to take it even further by supporting every participating NBC dancer with specially created AK Dancewear.
Where Our Story Began
Like many of our most meaningful relationships in the ballet community, our connection with NBC began with a simple invitation.
Last year, NBC Director Taylor Ciampi reached out and invited AK Dancewear to be part of their competition event as a vendor. What started as an opportunity to connect with dancers, families, and teachers soon became something more.
Through our conversations and experiences together, we discovered how much we shared in our approach to supporting young dancers and their artistic journeys.
Our collaboration continued beyond the competition. During the summer, we had the pleasure of bringing AK Artist Ommi P. Leffler to the NBC community for a special ballet and choreography masterclass event, creating another opportunity for aspiring dancers to learn, grow, and be inspired.
Each experience brought our communities a little closer together.
Today, we're excited to take that relationship into its next chapter.
Getting to Know the NBC Community
Beyond the competition stage, it's the people, stories, and shared passion for ballet and dance that make this community so special.
AK Dancewear's owner and founder Alina Khoo had the opportunity to sit down for a conversation with Taylor about National Ballet Competition, the inspiration behind it, and the experiences it hopes to create for aspiring dancers.
Take a moment to get to know the people and passion behind NBC.
Embrace Comfort. Embody Confidence. Empower Community.
We believe dancers deserve to feel comfortable and confident as they pursue their goals. But just as importantly, we believe in creating opportunities that encourage them to keep growing, learning, and discovering what they're capable of.
Through competitions, educational experiences, mentorship, and community connections, organizations like NBC play an important role in the journeys of aspiring dancers.
We are proud to support that journey as NBC's Official Dancewear Partner.
For us, this partnership isn't simply about dancewear. It's about the dancers who wear it, the teachers who guide them, the families who support them, and the experiences that shape their love for ballet.
Something Special for Every NBC Dancer
To celebrate this partnership, we're bringing something especially meaningful to the NBC community.
AK Dancewear is proud to sponsor every participating NBC dancer with a specially created dancewear piece from our upcoming 2027 collection.
Each dancer will receive either our signature CHRISSY Leotard or the all-new 2027 COEN Shirt, both in a beautiful new burgundy colorway inspired by NBC's signature color.
Developed especially for this partnership, this rich burgundy shade will become an exciting new addition to AK Dancewear's 2027 color offerings.
And the best part? This new colorway won't be limited to NBC participants. We're looking forward to making it available to dancers everywhere as part of our 2027 collection, alongside the debut of the new COEN Shirt.
For us, this initiative represents more than providing dancewear. It's a meaningful investment in the dancers we believe in and a tangible expression of our commitment to the ballet community.
We can't wait to see the NBC dancers bring this special burgundy to life, both in the studio for masterclasses and beyond.
Stay tuned for the 2027 COEN Shirt and our new burgundy colorway.
Supporting the Dance Community, Together
Our partnership also creates another opportunity for the wider dance community to give back.
Enjoy 10% off AK Dancewear with code NBCxAK.
With every qualifying purchase using the code, AK Dancewear will also give 10% back to support National Ballet Competition.
It's one more way we can turn everyday support into something meaningful for the ballet community.
Whether you're preparing for your first ballet competition, training for your next performance, or simply finding joy in the studio, we're honored to be part of your dance journey.
A Celebration of the Dancers
To mark this exciting announcement, we collaborated with Taylor and a wonderful group of dancers from First State Ballet and the studio community to create a special partnership film.
From the quiet moments of preparing for class to the beauty of ballet in motion, the video celebrates the dedication, friendships, and artistry that bring dancers together.
We are incredibly grateful to Taylor for coordinating and filming the project, and to every dancer who shared their time and talent with us.

The Story Continues
What began with an invitation has grown into a partnership that reflects so much of what we love about the dance community.
We look forward to continuing our journey with National Ballet Competition, celebrating young talent, creating meaningful experiences, and supporting dancers as they pursue their dreams.
To the NBC community, we're so happy to be part of your journey.
And to every dancer who continues to show up, work hard, and believe in what's possible, we're cheering you on.
Embrace Comfort. Embody Confidence. Empower Community.
Explore AK Dancewear: https://akdancewear.com
Learn more about National Ballet Competition: https://www.nationalballetcompetition.org
