Merchandise jobs in Canada

Are you passionate about dance and looking to make a meaningful impact in a vibrant and collaborative environment? Canada’s National Ballet School (NBS) is excited to invite applications for the part‑time, permanent position of Pointe Shoe Fitter. This is a fantastic opportunity to become part of a dynamic team that supports the transformative power of dance across all ages and abilities.

The Shoe Room, a ballet boutique based in Toronto, Canada, was founded in 1998 by Canada’s National Ballet School to share our pointe shoe fitting expertise with the broader community. All proceeds from The Shoe Room are returned to NBS to support programs that offer meaningful dance experiences to people of all ages and abilities and ensure that talented youth can realize their full potential regardless of financial barriers. We strive to ensure every dancer finds their perfect pointe shoe.

The boutique holds over 8,000 pairs of pointe shoes in a variety of skin tones and offers the largest selection in Canada. Our expert fitters have traveled throughout North America fitting both Professional Company dancers and students from private studios. Our state‑of‑the‑art pointe shoe fitting space allows a one‑on‑one private experience with our highly trained fitters surrounded by beautiful pointe shoes, while our Virtual Pointe Shoe Fittings have allowed us to enter studios around the globe. Our dancewear collections include Canadian designers and unique finds. We understand the lifestyle of a dancer and the importance of providing inclusive styles that provide fit and function without sacrificing style.

Reporting to the The Shoe Room Manager, the Pointe Shoe Fitter is responsible for contributing to the overall success of The Shoe Room and upholding The Shoe Room's commitment to the highest standards of pointe shoe fitting in the industry, by leading pointe shoe fittings, and engaging, serving and responding to students and customers.

• Ensure that each student and customer is personally fitted with shoes that promote the philosophy of the healthy dancer. This is accomplished by determining the need, assessing the dancers’ feet, and discussing the available manufacturer options and the recommended care of dancer’s feet and shoes. Perform alterations as needed.
• Educate students and customers on how to wear and care for pointe shoes.
• Serve customers by providing information, answering questions, assisting in the selection of merchandise and processing sales for those who shop in person and by phone or mail order.

• 5+ years in professional ballet training; ballet company experience, teaching or extensive experience with pointe shoes ideal
• 1 year of prior retail experience
• Ability to manipulate pointe shoes and adapt as needed for customers
• Basic sewing skills
• Knowledge of dancewear/shoes; extensive experience with en pointe and knowledge of classical and contemporary ballet, terminology and performances
• Interpersonal skills to deal with NBS students and public (intergenerational)
• Strong proficiency in English, second language an asset

• Commitment to Work‑Life Balance
• Professional and Personal Development Opportunities
• Bright and Beautiful Campus: Work in an environment surrounded by contemporary and historic architecture, live music and inspiring artists
• Employee Discounts: NBS Ballet Programs, The Shoe Room and at the NBS Café (onsite lunch, snacks and coffee)
• Monthly Staff Socials: Our EDI and Social Committees host monthly events, i.e. Book Club, Blue Jays Games, Drag Bingo, Lunch + Learns, Costume Contests, Bake Sales, Holiday Celebrations and more!

We value enthusiasm and a willingness to learn just as much as experience. We encourage you to apply even if you don’t meet every qualification listed. If you have strong interpersonal skills, a knack for problem‑solving, and a passion for contributing to a creative and supportive environment, we’d love to hear from you!

Should you require accommodation at any stage of the recruitment process, we ask you to please make your needs/requirements known.

Successful candidates must supply Canada’s National Ballet School with a Police Reference Check in accordance with the School’s Child Abuse/Sexual Abuse Prevention Policy; this will be coordinated through the Human Resources Department at NBS.