Bloch dancewear Australia has earned its reputation through decades of real studio use, competition seasons, and honest feedback from teachers, dancers, and dance parents. Founded in Sydney in 1932, Bloch understands Australian conditions, local sizing conventions, and what dancers actually put their gear through. This guide covers everything you need to choose the right Bloch products for children and adults.
Why Bloch Stands Apart from Other Dance Brands
Bloch started as a pointe shoe workshop in Sydney. That foundation in technical footwear shaped everything the brand produces. Every garment, tight, and shoe is designed with movement in mind, not just appearance. Seams sit flat to avoid friction. Fabrics stretch without losing shape after repeated washing. Waistbands stay put through a full class, not just the warm-up.
Most dance brands are built around fashion. Bloch is built around function first. That difference shows up in how their products hold up over a full dance year.
If you want to see the full range in one place, browse our Bloch collection to find footwear, apparel, and accessories for every style and level.
Sizing Guide for Kids Bloch Dancewear
Bloch uses its own sizing system. Do not assume Australian clothing sizes translate directly. A child wearing a size 8 in school uniforms may need a different size in Bloch leotards or tights.
Leotards for Children
Bloch child leotards are sized by height in centimetres. Measure from the top of the shoulder to the floor with the child standing straight. Use that measurement against the Bloch size chart, not the child's age. A taller child with a slim build may still need a larger size to avoid restriction across the shoulders and seat.
Tights for Children
Bloch tights use a combination of height and weight. If your child sits between two sizes, go up. Tights that are too small roll down at the waist and bunch at the knee, which is distracting during class and uncomfortable over a long rehearsal. Our guide to Bloch convertible tights and jazz essentials is a useful reference if you are choosing between tight styles for different dance disciplines.
Footwear for Children
Ballet shoes and jazz shoes from Bloch should fit snugly with no more than a thumb's width of growing room. Too much space causes slipping inside the shoe, which affects technique and increases the risk of ankle rolls. Measure feet in the afternoon when they are at their largest, and always measure both feet as one is often slightly bigger.
Sizing Guide for Adults
Adult Bloch sizing is more consistent with standard Australian clothing sizes, but fabric type matters. Microfibre leotards have more give than cotton-blend styles. If you are between sizes in a microfibre style, size down for a cleaner line. In a cotton-blend, size up for comfort over a long class or rehearsal day.
Adult tights from Bloch are sized by height and weight ranges printed on the packaging. These ranges are reliable. Follow them rather than guessing based on your usual hosiery size.
Choosing Bloch by Dance Style
Ballet
For ballet, choose Bloch canvas or leather ballet flats based on the studio's requirements and your foot type. Canvas shoes mould to the foot faster. Leather shoes last longer and hold their shape better for exams and performances. Full-sole styles suit beginners developing foot strength. Split-sole styles are suited to dancers with established technique who need to see the arch clearly.
Jazz and Contemporary
Bloch jazz shoes come in lace-up and slip-on styles. Lace-up suits wider feet and dancers who need more lateral support. Slip-on styles are faster to get on and off, which matters in busy changeover rehearsals. For contemporary, bare feet or half-soles are common. Bloch half-soles protect the ball of the foot during floor work while leaving the heel free for turning.
Tap
Bloch tap shoes are built with a firm shank to produce a clear, resonant sound. Choose low heel styles for younger children and beginning tappers. Oxford styles suit older students and adults working on more complex footwork. Check whether the studio requires split-sole or full-sole before purchasing.
Caring for Bloch Dancewear
Most Bloch apparel is machine washable on a gentle cold cycle. Turn leotards inside out to protect the fabric finish. Avoid fabric softener on any piece with Lycra or elastane content as it breaks down the fibre over time. Air dry in the shade. Direct sunlight fades colour and degrades elastic faster than any amount of regular washing.
Ballet shoes should be aired after every class. Canvas shoes can be spot cleaned with a damp cloth. Leather shoes benefit from occasional treatment with a leather conditioner to keep them supple.
For more background on the brand and what makes it a consistent choice for Australian studios, read our article on where to buy Bloch dancewear in Australia.
Finding the Right Bloch Products
Bloch covers ballet, jazz, tap, contemporary, and activewear for children and adults at every level. The range is broad, and the quality is consistent. Whether you are outfitting a first-year four-year-old or a senior dancer preparing for exams, there is a Bloch product built for that purpose.
Shop our full selection of Bloch shoes, leotards, tights, and accessories and filter by style, size, or dance discipline to find exactly what you need.
