Art Stone/The Competitor ® was founded in 1960 by Art Stone, a dance teacher and professional dancer. Because of his background, he was able to produce costumes geared to the needs and desires of dance teachers across the country. He began teaching for dance organizations, such as Dance Caravan, Dance Educators of America (DEA), Dance Masters of America (DMA), and the National Associate of Dance & Affiliated Artists (NADAA), and was soon widely recognized as a leading choreographer at dance conventions.
With his father, Jules Stone, Art started Dance Olympus ® , which became the leading traveling dance organization in the country.
When his wife, Nancy Stone, joined the company, the couple started many new facets, such as DanceAmerica ® and International Dance Challenge ( IDC ) ® .
On tour with the competitions and conventions, Art and Nancy were able to tour the United States where they were able to talk with thousands of dance teachers. Art and Nancy listened to the dance teachers' requirements and needs, as well as their problems and goals. With this information, they were able to better tailor their designs to exactly what the dance teachers needed.
Art Stone/The Competitor ® was the first costume company to use crystal rhinestones, finer velvets, brighter colors and exquisite new fabrics, which gave the dance teacher the opportunity to order professional looking costumes at dancing school prices.
This year, they have doubled their production so that costumes can be delivered on an "on-time schedule," and customer service has been streamlined so each teacher can have a "personal customer service representative."