Whether you are a musical theatre student gearing up for your first cabaret number or an experienced jazz dancer hunting for a reliable character heel, the Bloch Chorus heel is one of the most searched-for shoes among New Zealand dancers. At Total Dance, Australia's home of premium dancewear, we ship tracked to New Zealand every week, so finding authentic Bloch footwear has never been more straightforward for Kiwi dancers and their families. This guide walks you through everything you need to know before you buy, from sizing and fit through to styling and what to wear alongside your new heels.
What Are Bloch Chorus Heels and Who Are They For?
The Bloch Chorus is a character-style heel designed specifically for dance. It sits in a category of shoe that sits between a full ballroom heel and a soft jazz shoe, making it a popular choice for musical theatre, cabaret, jazz, and syllabus-based character work. The structured heel provides the elevation needed for performance lines, while the flexible sole allows dancers to point, roll through, and move with confidence.
Bloch is one of the world's most trusted dancewear brands, founded by a ballet dancer and built on a commitment to performance-driven design. If you want a broader overview of the full Bloch range before you decide, our complete Bloch buying guide for kids and adults is a thorough starting point that covers shoes, clothing, and accessories across all ages and disciplines.
Who Should Consider the Chorus Heel?
- Musical theatre students working on syllabus character work or stage productions.
- Jazz dancers who need a low to mid heel for choreography that blends technique with performance.
- Adult learners returning to dance who want a stable, supportive heel rather than a fashion shoe.
- Senior students preparing for exam work where a character heel is a specified requirement.
Key Buying Criteria: What to Look for in a Dance Heel
Not all heels are created equal, and buying the wrong shoe can affect technique and comfort. Here are the most important factors to consider before purchasing Bloch Chorus heels in New Zealand.
Heel Height
The Chorus is available in different heel heights depending on the specific style and size. Lower heels (typically around 1.5 inches) suit younger students or those new to character work, while higher options (around 2 inches) are more appropriate for senior students and adults with stronger ankles. Always check with your teacher or studio before purchasing, as some syllabuses specify a particular heel height for exams.
Sole Construction
Look for a suede or leather split sole. A split sole allows greater articulation through the foot, which is essential for jazz-influenced movement. Full-sole options offer more support, which can be helpful for students still developing arch strength. The Chorus features a sole construction designed to balance flexibility with the support needed for turns and footwork.
Upper Material
The upper material affects both durability and appearance under stage lighting. Satin uppers photograph beautifully and are traditional for examinations, while leather or microfibre options tend to be more hardwearing for regular class use. Consider how often the shoe will be worn and whether it is primarily for class, exams, or performances.
Sizing and Fit
Bloch uses its own sizing system, and New Zealand dancers should take extra care here. As a general starting point, Bloch recommends measuring the foot in centimetres and consulting the brand's official size chart. Because Bloch shoes are designed to fit snugly, many dancers find they need to go up half a size compared with their street shoe. However, a character heel should never feel loose, as this can compromise technique and lead to rolled ankles.
If you are ordering for a child, measure their foot at the end of the day when feet are at their largest, and allow a small amount of growing room, but no more than a thumb's width at the toe. For detailed guidance on navigating Bloch's sizing across their full range, the article on where to buy Bloch dancewear in Australia and New Zealand covers stockist options and practical ordering tips.
Ankle Strap and Closure
Most character heels, including the Chorus, feature an ankle strap with a buckle closure. This is both a functional and aesthetic choice. Functionally, the strap keeps the shoe secure during jumps and turns. Aesthetically, it creates the clean, classic line associated with character work. Check that the buckle sits neatly on the outside of the ankle and that the strap is wide enough to feel stable without digging in.
Styling Your Bloch Chorus Heels: What to Wear
Getting the shoes right is only part of the picture. The way you style your Chorus heels in class and on stage will affect your overall line and presentation. Here are some pairing ideas drawn from our Total Dance catalogue.
Leotards That Work With Character Heels
A well-chosen leotard creates a clean, uninterrupted line from the shoulder to the top of the shoe. For adult dancers, the Overture Oriana Princess Seam Adult Leotard and the Odetta Sleeveless Pleat Adult Leotard both offer elegant, structured silhouettes that complement the formality of a character heel. The Paradise Leotard is another versatile option for adults who want something with a little more personality for musical theatre work.
For younger students, the Celeste Princess Line Childs Leotard is a beautiful choice that sits neatly under a character skirt without bunching or slipping. The Overture Opera Leotard is available in both childs and adults sizing, making it a practical family pick if you have more than one dancer in the household.
Skirts and Bottoms for Character Work
A character skirt is a natural partner for the Chorus heel. The RAD Regulation Character Skirt Child & Adult is the go-to for RAD students, designed to meet syllabus specifications. For non-syllabus jazz and musical theatre work, the Julietta Chiffon Circle Skirt offers gorgeous movement, while the Mastery Dance Skirt provides a more streamlined silhouette. If your class calls for shorts, the V Band Shorts are a tidy, secure option that sits well with a heel.
Accessories and Hair
Polish your look from head to toe. For hair, the Flat Diamante Headpiece and Flower Diamante Headpiece add a touch of sparkle suited to musical theatre performances. The Alyssa Rose Gold Tiara and Willow Rose Gold Tiara are lovely for concert or eisteddfod work. For everyday classes, a simple Headband or one of our scrunchies, such as the Luna Scrunchie or the Coral Coast Scrunchie, keeps hair tidy without fuss. Secure your bun with the Ripple Pins 50 Pack 4.5cm Black for dark hair or the Ripple Pins 50 Pack 4.5cm Light Brown for lighter shades.
For carrying everything to class, the Legacy Tote Bag is a generous, stylish option, and the Duffle Dance Bag is a popular choice for dancers who need to pack shoes, a change of clothes, and accessories in one go.
Shopping for Bloch Chorus Heels in New Zealand: What You Need to Know
New Zealand dancers have historically had to rely on limited local stock or navigate uncertain international shipping. Total Dance makes this straightforward. We stock a curated range of Bloch shoes, clothing and accessories and ship all New Zealand orders with tracking from our Melbourne warehouse. Here is what to expect when you order.
Pricing in NZD
All pricing on the Total Dance website is displayed in Australian dollars, so you will want to factor in the current AUD to NZD exchange rate when budgeting. As a rough guide, NZ$140 is the threshold at which free tracked shipping to New Zealand applies. For many families ordering a pair of Chorus heels alongside a leotard or a few accessories, reaching that threshold is often straightforward.
Shipping to New Zealand
Orders ship tracked from our Melbourne warehouse and typically arrive within 5 to 10 business days. You will receive tracking information so you can follow your parcel's journey. We recommend ordering a few weeks before an exam date, concert, or eisteddfod to allow comfortable lead time, particularly during busy periods in the dance calendar.
Returns and Sizing Confidence
Because sizing a heel remotely can feel daunting, we recommend measuring both feet carefully before ordering, consulting the Bloch size chart, and reaching out to our team if you are unsure. Our customer service team is knowledgeable about Bloch's fit and can help you choose between sizes. For more on navigating Bloch's sizing system and what to expect from different styles, the guide to Bloch accessories and essentials for NZ dancers offers additional practical context.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Bloch Chorus heels suitable for beginners?
Yes, the Chorus is a well-supported heel that suits students at various levels. If you are brand new to character work, opt for the lower heel height and check with your teacher about what is recommended for your class or examination level.
How do I know what size to order in New Zealand?
Measure your foot in centimetres and compare against the Bloch size chart available on the product page. As a general rule, Bloch heels tend to run true to size, but many dancers prefer to go up a half size for comfort during long classes. If you are between sizes, our team is happy to advise.
How long will my order take to arrive in New Zealand?
Orders ship tracked from our Melbourne warehouse and typically take 5 to 10 business days to reach New Zealand addresses. Free tracked shipping applies on orders over NZ$140.
Can I order other Bloch products at the same time to reach the free shipping threshold?
Absolutely. Many NZ customers add a leotard, a character skirt, or a few accessories to their order to reach the NZ$140 free shipping threshold. It is a smart way to stock up on the essentials in one go, and everything ships together in a single tracked parcel.
