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, every shoe, and every accessory is designed by people who understand how a body moves under studio lighting, on a sprung floor, in a competition venue. The construction standards are high because the starting point was always precision.
Bloch also sizes for real dancers. Children's leotards account for longer torsos and developing bodies. Adult sizing runs true, with stretch fabric that holds its shape across a full class. That consistency matters when you are buying online and cannot try before you purchase.
If you want to explore the full range before reading further, browse the Bloch collection at Total Dance to see current stock across all categories.
Choosing Bloch Dancewear for Kids
Children's dancewear needs to survive more than performance. It gets washed twice a week, pulled on by small hands, and worn through growth spurts. Bloch designs for all of that.
Sizing Children's Leotards
Bloch uses age-based sizing for most children's styles, typically ranging from 2 to 14 years. However, age is a starting point only. Measure your child's height and chest, then compare against the Bloch size chart. A child who is tall for their age will often need to size up. A shorter, finer-framed child may stay in their age size longer than expected.
For younger children, look for styles with a high leg cut and a scoop or sweetheart neckline. These offer full movement without the leotard riding up. For older children moving into classical training, a simple princess-seam leotard in the correct colour for their school is usually the right choice.
Bloch Children's Footwear
Bloch makes ballet shoes, jazz shoes, tap shoes, and lyrical sandals for children. Sizing follows Australian shoe sizing conventions. Ballet shoes should fit snugly with the drawstring cinched, leaving no excess fabric across the toe box. A common mistake is buying too large to allow for growth. This creates a safety issue and affects technique. Size accurately and replace when needed.
- Leather ballet shoes hold their shape longer and suit regular weekly classes.
- Canvas ballet shoes are lighter and pack flat for travel or exams.
- Jazz shoes should have a firm heel counter and a split sole for floor contact.
- Tap shoes need to fit with a thin sock if worn with hosiery, or bare foot for some studio requirements. Check with the teacher before purchasing.
Choosing Bloch Dancewear for Adults
Adult Bloch dancewear covers everything from beginner adult ballet classes through to professional training wear. The fabric technology has improved considerably across recent seasons. Bloch's Contour fabric range uses a compression-grade knit that supports without restricting, and the moisture management means garments stay comfortable through a two-hour contemporary class.
Adult Leotards and Tops
Adult leotards from Bloch fit true to Australian women's sizing. If you are between sizes, size up for a more comfortable fit through the shoulders and neckline. A leotard that pulls across the chest will restrict port de bras and feel restrictive by the end of a warm class. Bloch's adult range includes long-sleeved styles suitable for colder studio conditions, which is practical for dancers in southern states during winter months.
Adult Footwear and Accessories
Bloch adult pointe shoes remain among the most widely fitted styles in Australian studios. The Aspiration, Serenata, and Amelie are the most common models recommended for recreational and pre-professional dancers. Pointe shoes must be fitted in person by a qualified fitter. Never purchase a first pair of pointe shoes based on size alone.
For adult jazz, tap, and contemporary, Bloch's adult footwear sizing is consistent across styles. Adults with narrow feet may prefer lace-up styles for a more secure fit. Those with wider feet should consider styles with elasticated panels.
For a deeper look at where to source Bloch products with confidence, the guide to buying Bloch dancewear in Australia covers stockist considerations and what to look for in an authorised retailer.
Caring for Bloch Dancewear
Bloch garments last longer with proper care. Most leotards and dance tops are machine washable on a cold, gentle cycle. Turn garments inside out before washing. Avoid fabric softener, which breaks down elastane fibres over time. Air dry flat or on a hanger. Never tumble dry dancewear.
For footwear, leather shoes benefit from airing out after each class. Canvas shoes can be hand washed and air dried. Tap shoes should be kept dry and stored away from direct sunlight to protect the patent finish on some styles.
- Wash leotards after every wear to prevent fabric breakdown from sweat and body oils.
- Replace elastic in the legs of well-worn leotards rather than discarding the garment.
- Store pointe shoes unwrapped, in a breathable bag, never sealed in plastic.
How to Shop Bloch at Total Dance
Total Dance stocks a wide selection of Bloch styles across children's and adult sizing, with regular updates as new season ranges arrive. Sizing guides and product descriptions are kept current to help you make the right call without needing to guess. Shop the Bloch range at Total Dance to find leotards, footwear, and accessories across all dance styles.
If you have questions about fit, sizing, or which style suits a particular syllabus or exam requirement, the team at Total Dance can help. Reach out before purchasing if you are unsure, especially for footwear and exam-specific colours.
