FRIENDLY FITNESS: “I want women to come in and feel they are trying on clothes in a friend’s home. I wanted to create an elegant and serene environment, where women will feel comfortable and happy to shop.” Liz Compton, owner of Perfect Performance Fitness & Dancewear, is enthusiastic about her new store.

Perfect Performance Fitness & Dancewear at 25 Route 31 South, Suite 11B in Pennington is the place to go for work-out aficianadas and dancers. This new shop opened last August, and has a great selection of fitness and dancewear for all ages. Little leotards, tutus, and tights for tots, as well as a complete selection for adult exercise enthusiasts and dancers are all on display.

“This is a new adventure for me,” says owner Liz Compton. “I had previously worked in sales and marketing consulting, but when this space became available, I saw an opportunity for something different. When an opportunity presents itself, I don’t think you should let it go by. I decided to offer dancewear for kids and adults and fitness wear. My children dance, and I danced as a girl, and I am familiar with the dance world.”

In addition to her enthusiasm for tap dancing, Ms. Compton goes to the gym, and knows what is comfortable and conducive to good work-outs. “A lot of people in this area are pretty religious about their work-outs,” she points out. “And another thing, nowadays, women can wear work-out clothes all the time. This clothing is very versatile and comfortable, and quite acceptable to wear in other settings.”

A selection of regular sportswear, including sweaters, tops, and fun vests that can fold into a little bag, is available.

Fashionable and Functional

Indeed, the choices at Perfect Performance offer options that are versatile and interchangeable. Tops and pants are fashionable as well as functional.

“The Beyond Yoga line is really fantastic,” reports Ms. Compton. “The PrismSport line has a lot of colorful patterns, with little skirts that can be worn over tights or leggings. And almost all of our inventory is made in the U.S. A lot is cotton and organic cotton. We also have a lot of high performance fabrics. Color is very personal. Some people are most comfortable in dark pants; others like brighter colors, and remember, patterned work-out pants can hide bulges, ripples, and sweat!”

Ms. Compton also points out that she doesn’t carry a lot of the same items and that customers will not see her outfits elsewhere. “First, there is really nothing here like our shop. In a town like this, I didn’t want two women on the treadmill next to each other finding themselves wearing the same thing. I decided to get a big variety of clothes. For as many types of different body shapes, there is a piece of work-out clothing for someone. It’s important to find out what a person is comfortable in and what works for her.”

The dancewear section offers a selection of tights and leotards for girls and adults, as well as dance shoes, including ballet, tap, and ballroom, from Capezio and Block and others.

The shop also offers a selection of jewelry and accessories, such as SweatyBands headbands, handbags, travel bags, I.D. and cell phone cases from Cinda B?, and little clutches. Sports bras include “Coobics Bee” for total comfort, with one size fitting most. A variety of small items for children, including stuffed animals, ballerina music boxes, and little jewelry boxes, is also available.

Ms. Compton enjoys talking with customers and getting to know them and their tastes. “I like to talk with customers who come in, and I’ll often get information from them. I like to have their recommendations, and I do special orders. I’m still honing the inventory according to customers’ tastes, and I really love talking to them.”

Styles for Everyone

Prices are mid-range, she adds. Sports bras are $20; jewelry from $15, and regular sales are offered.

“What I especially want to emphasize is our personal service, and that women will be very comfortable here,” says Ms. Compton. “I want them to feel that they are buying clothes from a peer, who faces all the same insecurities and body issues they do. I am my client! I work out, and I sure know a lot about shopping! We have styles for everyone — whether they are serious athletes or those who just want comfortable, flattering clothes to enjoy life in.

“And, we’re still a work in progress. I look forward to the store evolving. I want Perfect Performance to be the place that people think of when they say, ‘Oh, I need a pair of work-out pants.’ And it’s super fun for me to go somewhere and see someone wearing something they got here. I am so encouraged already. We’ve only been opened a few months, and we have regular customers already.”

Perfect Performance offers gift cards, and gift packaging, and is open Tuesday, Thursday, Friday 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., Wednesday 12 to 8, Saturday 9 to 4. (609) 303-0320.