PRESS RELEASE:<P>DANCE BOOKS TO LEAVE LONDON<P><BR>Dance Books is to leave London at the end of November this year, and relocate to Hampshire.<P>David Leonard, Managing Director of Dance Books, said:<P>"The lease on our shop in Cecil Court has recently expired, and we have been unable to agree on new terms with our landlords, or to find suitable premises elsewhere in central London. In addition, the amount of 'over the counter' business has steadily declined over the last few years, whereas the publishing, mail order, and educational supply parts of the business have greatly expanded.<P>With considerable regret, the Directors have therefore decided that the time has come to leave central London and concentrate on these activities, and we have located suitable premises in Alton, Hampshire. We are grateful to our many personal clients for their support over more than thirty-five years, and shall look forward to continuing to supply them by mail order. All our other activities, including the publication of our journal, Dance Now will of course continue as usual."<P>The move is expected to take place at the end of November: full details will follow in due course.<P>

This is sad news, but all the bookshops in the Charing Cross Rd. area are at risk as leases come up for renewal. These gorgeous and idiosyncratic book, print and antique shops will probably all be gone in 20 years or so to be replaced by tourist knick-knacks and designer cafes.<P>As far as anyone knows Dance Books is the only specialist dance bookshop in the world and for dance fans far and wide a visit to London would not be complete without a visit to the affable David Leonard's delightful shop.<P>I'm sure everyone will wish David and his staff very best wishes for the new incarnation of Dance Books in Hampshire.<P>Wet afternoons in Central London will never be the same.<P>

My cousin connected me to say there is a sale at Dance Books.<P>The news of the 'shop' relocating is devasting. A whole afternoon spent in this shop is the nearest this to bliss. For overseas danceaholics a trip to London is not complete with out the short walk from Leicester Square tube station to Cecil Court. Rather like to trip to Gandolfis ballet shop, with the 'gentleman' himself, leather apron and all.<P>A confession though - my husband will be pleased not to see Dance Books featuring so frequently on the master card accounts. More is spent on purchases at that little 'haven' than any where else. <P>Oh well - I guess the master card will have train fares to Hampshire now as well.

The latest news is that the lease has been extended till the end of January, so Christmas presents can still be purchased in the Dance Books shop.<P>However, the new Hampshire base will be a mail-order/internet activity and will not be able to cope with personal visitors. The good news is that we will still have a specialist dance book retailer/publisher. <P>I have to say that from the way that retailing is going I think that it is a smart move to focus on the market of the future now.<P>Still.....<P>