Since 1976, The Red Shoes in South Pasadena has been more than a dancewear store—it’s a hub of service, skill, and community. Founded by Alice McIntosh after encountering poor treatment while shopping for her daughter’s pointe shoes, the store began as a mission to offer dancers personal, expert care. On opening day, a visitor gifted her film stills from her favorite movie, The Red Shoes, which inspired the shop’s name and the images still grace its walls.

Alice, her granddaughter Lily, and longtime employee Jacqueline lead the business, offering over 100 years of combined experience. The store is celebrated for its precise pointe shoe fittings and serves dancers across many disciplines—ballet, jazz, tap, musical theatre, gymnastics, and more. Its inclusive inventory accommodates all sizes, genders, and needs.

But, modern retail shifts pose serious challenges. Customers increasingly try on shoes in-store to then buy them online for a few dollars less. Some even attempt to return online purchases to the shop. Still, The Red Shoes stands firm in its commitment to quality over convenience. It refuses to inflate prices and plans to launch a simple online store for essentials—preserving in-person service as its core value.

As its 50th anniversary nears in 2026, Alice plans to pass the torch to Lily and Jacqueline. With their leadership and loyal community support, The Red Shoes hopes to continue assisting dancers with care and expertise.

Thank you to the English as a Second Language (ESLN) students from Pasadena City College for partnering with us on this special project. As part of their U.S. Cultural Traditions and Social Change class in Spring 2025, the students gathered stories and information directly from local legacy businesses, capturing their unique contributions to our community. We are proud to showcase their authored profiles and celebrate their hard work. A special thank you to Xiaohui Li (Ines), Lijie Qian (Lyia), and Lanfeng Fang (Frank) for working closely with The Red Shoes. Your dedication has brought these stories to life beautifully!