Dancers Find All They Need at Patterson's Back Bay Dancewear

Patterson’s is a name synonymous with dance wear and accessories. They have been in Burlington since 1975 and have built quite a reputation in the dance world. At one time there were 3 stores, including the one in Burlington and two others in Boston and Chelmsford. They are now sold and Patterson’s only location is in Burlington.  

Fern Patterson is the owner of , located at 185 Cambridge St. At the time of this interview, she has just come back from a dance competition in Connecticut.

“It’s a long day at the dance competitions, “she said, “It starts at 8 a.m. and can go until 1 in the morning.” Patterson brings a good amount of dancewear and supplies from the store with her to the competition to have available to the dancers.

MIT had an Open Ballroom Dance competition this past weekend, April 2-3. Many of the Boston colleges took part.

 “Recital time is coming up and we’re very busy,” says Patterson. Anything one might need for dance or gymnastics is available at Patterson’s; including shoes, dance wear and accessories. There are many types of dance styles:  jazz, ballroom, Latin, flamingo, tango and modern to name a few. Patterson’s has the vast selection of apparel available for all these styles of dance.

There’s a unique dance school in Newton where young dance couples can learn ballroom dancing. It instills a sense of creative discipline with the dance medium. Patterson says that Russian boys go to classes partnering up with the girls to learn ballroom dancing. There’s no place like that in this area, Patterson states, as most young American boys do not dance.

Thirty six years ago Patterson’s husband got laid off from his job; as a result they decided to open their own business. It was a small store about 500 square feet that sold “dungarees”, athletic wear and school jackets. Champion was a popular brand at that time. The business grew and then it moved to accommodate the need for more space and a better location. Patterson’s husband was then called back to work.

Patterson was 31 years old at the time with 2 small children and her own business. “I wonder sometimes how I did it” said Patterson. Somehow she did it and business is great.

At one time Patterson’s was located in the same Plaza as Filene’s Basement on Cambridge Street. as many Burlington residents might remember. Filene’s Basement closed and the Plaza was scheduled for renovation, Patterson’s had to move again. Luckily, they found the store that they are in now at 185 Cambridge St. and not far from the previous spot. It’s a smaller space than what they had before but has room to house the huge selection of dance, gymnastics and athletic supplies.

Patterson, now 67 years old, works hard to service the needs of the dancer or athlete. Her staff is busy filling online orders or helping customers in the store.

The phone is ringing; it doesn’t go unanswered. Purchases can be made online as well as in the store; www.backbaydancewear.com