IMO it's much more fun to buy your dancewear in person and I have never had any problems doing so, in fact, my experience in London dancewear shops mirrors yours in that the assistants have always been polite and helpful. Pink tights? No problem I have been buying them for years both the seamed and non seamed variety. Same with leotards bought many, always women's ones, in variety of colours from traditional black to shocking pink. It must be said it took more nerve to ask for pointe shoes, and having asked I've had little success, the size issue being apparently without solution, all I can say is you're lucky Darcey to be able to find ones which fit in such a variety of London shops. Given one day I'll find pointe shoes which fit, there remains just one more psychological hurdle, .... purchasing that tutu!