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, shoe, and accessory is designed around how the body moves during class, rehearsal, and performance. The cut of a Bloch leotard accounts for arm swing and leg extension. The fabric in their tights moves with the dancer rather than against them.
Most international brands adapt their sizing for Australian retail. Bloch was designed here. That makes a meaningful difference when you are sizing children, especially girls between age 4 and 10 where sizing can vary significantly between brands. If you want to understand how Bloch fits alongside other labels, this overview of Bloch dancewear in Australia breaks it down clearly.
Buying Bloch for Children
Kids grow fast. Buying dancewear that fits correctly today and allows a small amount of room for growth is the practical approach most dance teachers recommend. Here is what to know before you buy.
Leotards and Unitards
Bloch children's leotards are sized by age and height, not weight. Always check the height column on the size chart first. A child who is tall for their age will generally need to go up one size. Leotards that are too small restrict shoulder movement and can cause discomfort during barre work. Leotards that are too large shift during jumps and turns.
- Sizes run from 4 to 14 in most styles
- Check gusset depth if your child is long in the torso
- Moisture-wicking fabrics suit high-activity classes like jazz and contemporary
- Footed styles in microfibre are a favourite for younger beginners
Tights and Socks
Bloch tights for children are sized by height and weight together. The combined chart helps account for different body shapes. Full-foot tights work well for ballet and lyrical. Footless styles suit jazz and acro where bare feet or jazz shoes are worn. For younger children in their first year of dance, convertible tights are the most practical option because they work across multiple styles.
Dance Shoes for Kids
Fit matters more here than anywhere else. Bloch recommends measuring foot length and width before selecting a size. Ballet flats should have minimal gap at the toes and fit snugly without pinching. Jazz shoes should allow the ball of the foot to flex freely. If you are ordering online, measure both feet and use the larger measurement. Children's feet can differ by up to half a size.
Buying Bloch for Adults
Adult dancers have more specific requirements. Whether you are returning to class after a break, dancing recreationally, or training seriously, the fit priorities are the same. Comfort through a full range of motion, fabric that handles sweat without clinging, and construction that holds its shape across a full term of classes.
Adult Leotards
Bloch adult leotards are sized XS through XL in most styles, with some styles extending to XXL. The size chart uses bust, waist, and hip measurements. If you are between sizes, consider which measurement matters most for your body shape and the style of neckline or back you are choosing. A deep V-back leotard needs to fit through the chest and shoulders first. A high-neck style is more forgiving through the upper body but needs to fit correctly through the hips and seat.
Adult Footwear
Bloch adult ballet flats are available in split-sole and full-sole constructions. Split-sole styles show the arch more clearly and are preferred in most adult recreational and pre-professional classes. Full-sole styles offer more support and suit beginners or dancers returning from injury. Pointe shoes require a professional fitting and should never be purchased purely on size alone.
Fabric and Care
Most Bloch dancewear uses polyester and elastane blends. These fabrics are durable, stretch in all directions, and hold their colour through repeated washing. A small number of styles use nylon-based fabrics that feel softer against the skin and have a slight sheen, which suits performance and exam wear.
- Wash in cold water on a gentle cycle
- Avoid fabric softener, it degrades elastane over time
- Hang to dry rather than tumble dry
- Store leotards flat or folded, not hung, to prevent stretching at the straps
Following these steps consistently will extend the life of Bloch dancewear significantly. Most garments worn in weekly classes will last a full year or more with correct care.
Where to Shop Bloch in Australia
Buying from an authorised Australian retailer means you receive the correct local sizing, genuine products, and access to support if something does not fit as expected. You can browse the full range of Bloch styles available at Total Dance, including current season leotards, tights, footwear, and accessories for children and adults. Stock changes with each season, so checking regularly ensures you do not miss a style your studio has recommended.
For a broader look at what Bloch offers across categories, read more about choosing Bloch dancewear in Australia before making your final decision.
