Whether your dancer is preparing for their first jazz class or perfecting barefoot contemporary work, having the right tights and accessories makes every rehearsal smoother. At Total Dance, Australia's home of premium dancewear, we ship tracked to New Zealand dancers every week, and one of the most searched combinations is a Bloch stitch kit paired with convertible tights. This guide breaks down exactly what you need, how the options compare, and how to choose the right combination for your dance style and budget, all priced in NZD.
What Is a Bloch Stitch Kit and Why Do NZ Dancers Need One?
A Bloch stitch kit is a small set of supplies, typically including a needle and thread, used to sew the convertible opening of Bloch tights closed. Dancers do this when they want the flexibility of a footed tight one day and a foot-free style the next, without buying two separate pairs. It is a popular technique in jazz, contemporary and lyrical, where the requirement to be barefoot or in shoes can change between class and performance.
If you are shopping for Bloch products for the first time, our complete Bloch buying guide for kids and adults is a great place to start before working through the specific options below.
The Convertible Tight Concept Explained
Convertible tights feature a small opening at the ball of the foot. Pull the fabric back and the tight functions like a footless style, perfect for contemporary and barefoot jazz work. Push the fabric forward and it covers the foot like a traditional tight. Stitching the opening closed permanently converts the tight to a footed style. This is where the stitch kit comes in.
Comparing Bloch Convertible and Footed Tights for NZ Dancers
Total Dance stocks four core Bloch tight options that NZ dancers regularly order. Here is a clear comparison to help you decide.
Embrace Convertible Child Tights
The Embrace Convertible Child Tights are Bloch's most popular children's tight for good reason. They are crafted from a soft, resilient nylon-elastane blend that holds its shape through classes, dress rehearsals and performances. The convertible opening sits at the ball of the foot and is neatly finished so there are no rough edges against the skin. Sizing runs from toddler through to older child, making them suitable for tiny beginners right through to tweens in senior classes.
These are the tights most often used alongside a stitch kit, because parents appreciate the versatility of one pair that adapts to both syllabus and freestyle requirements. If your daughter's school requires footed tights for one exam and footless for contemporary, a single pair of Embrace Convertible Child Tights with a stitch kit resolves the dilemma neatly.
Embrace Convertible Adult Tights
The adult version of the Embrace Convertible follows the same construction philosophy but is cut for a longer leg and a higher-rise waistband that sits securely through big jumps and extensions. Teens and adult dancers who train across multiple styles, such as jazz technique in the morning and contemporary in the evening, find these particularly practical. The fabric has a smooth, matte finish that photographs well under stage lighting.
Adult convertible tights are also the go-to choice for contemporary dancers who attend workshops where the dress code changes from class to class. Rather than carrying multiple pairs, one tight with a stitch kit covers every scenario.
Embrace Footed Child Tights
If your child's school has a strictly footed requirement and you know the style will not change, the Embrace Footed Child Tights are a streamlined, budget-friendly solution. The same soft fabric blend as the convertible version, but without the convertible opening, means there is nothing to stitch and no decision to make. These are ideal for younger students in structured ballet and jazz programmes where the teacher specifies footed tights year-round.
They are also a practical choice for recital and eisteddfod season, when you want tights that look immaculate and stay put without any modification.
Convertible vs. Footed: Which Should You Buy?
Use the table below as a quick guide:
| Feature | Convertible (with stitch kit) | Footed |
|---|---|---|
| Versatility | High, one pair for multiple styles | Low, fixed style only |
| Best for | Jazz, contemporary, lyrical, mixed classes | Ballet-focused or strictly footed programmes |
| Stitch kit needed? | Optional but recommended | No |
| Stage use | Yes, once stitched as preferred | Yes |
Jazz Essentials to Pair with Your Bloch Tights
Tights are just the beginning. The right socks and shoes complete the jazz dancer's kit and make a noticeable difference to technique, comfort and confidence on the floor.
Elastorib Jazz Socks
The Elastorib is a ribbed jazz sock designed to work with or without jazz shoes. The ribbing provides gentle compression around the arch and ankle, which helps with proprioception during turns and jumps. NZ dancers often layer the Elastorib over convertible tights when classes are held in cool studios, or wear them alone on warmer days. They wash well and retain their shape after repeated cycles, which is important when socks are in the wash every other day.
Bloch Jazz Socks
Jazz Socks from Bloch are a versatile ankle-length option with a smooth toe seam that sits comfortably inside jazz shoes. They are thinner than the Elastorib, making them the better choice when you want a closer fit inside a shoe. If your dancer has specific shoe requirements set by their teacher, Jazz Socks are the reliable, syllabus-safe option that most studios accept.
Elastaboot Jazz Shoe (Adults)
The Elastaboot Jazz Shoe is a lace-free, slip-on jazz shoe with a full-length elastic across the instep. This elastic panel gives the shoe a snug, secure fit without laces to come undone mid-routine. The split-sole construction allows full articulation of the foot, making it a favourite for jazz technique, commercial dance and musical theatre. The leather upper is durable, moulds to the foot over time and holds up well through term after term of training.
Paired with convertible tights and a stitch kit, the Elastaboot creates a complete jazz set that transitions easily between classroom work and performance. For a broader look at what is available across the range, you can explore our full Bloch collection at Total Dance, where you will find tights, shoes and accessories all in one place.
Buying Tips: How to Choose the Right Combination for Your Dancer
Shopping for dancewear involves more variables than regular clothing, so here are the key criteria to work through before adding to cart.
Consider the Syllabus First
Always check with the dance school before purchasing. Many schools specify tight colour, style and even brand for exams and concerts. If the syllabus allows convertible tights, a stitch kit gives you the freedom to adapt. If footed tights are mandatory for every class, go straight to the Embrace Footed Child Tights and save the stitch kit for later.
Buy One Size Up for Growing Dancers
Children's dancewear that fits well in February can feel snug by the time eisteddfod season arrives in mid-year. Bloch tights have enough stretch that buying one size up is generally safe and extends the life of the garment significantly. Check the Bloch size chart carefully, as their sizing is based on height and weight rather than age alone.
NZD Pricing and Shipping to New Zealand
All prices on the Total Dance website are displayed in AUD, but NZ customers can calculate their costs easily. Total Dance ships tracked from our Melbourne warehouse, with orders typically arriving in New Zealand within 5 to 10 business days. Free shipping applies on orders over NZ$140, which is easy to reach when purchasing tights, socks and shoes together as a complete jazz kit. Tracking is included so you can keep an eye on your parcel from dispatch to delivery.
If you would like more detail on how to order and what to expect at checkout, the guide on where to buy Bloch dancewear online covers the full process for NZ shoppers.
Matching the Shoe to the Tight
When combining jazz shoes with convertible tights, the foot opening in the tight should sit smoothly under the shoe without bunching. With the Elastaboot, which has a close-fitting elastic instep panel, a stitched-closed tight works best as it removes any excess fabric at the ball of the foot. If you plan to leave the tight unconverted, try the Elastaboot with Jazz Socks over the top for a tidy, stage-ready finish.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I buy a Bloch stitch kit separately in New Zealand?
Stitch kits are small accessory items that are sometimes sold alongside tights at dancewear retailers. At Total Dance, we recommend contacting us directly if you need a standalone kit, as stock and availability can vary. Alternatively, a basic needle and matching thread from a haberdashery store works perfectly for stitching convertible tights closed at home.
How long do Bloch Embrace tights last with regular use?
With proper care, such as cold machine washing in a laundry bag and air drying rather than using a tumble dryer, Bloch Embrace tights typically last one full dance year for children and longer for adults whose size remains consistent. Rotating between two pairs where possible significantly extends the life of each pair.
Are the Embrace Convertible tights suitable for ballet as well as jazz?
Yes. The Embrace Convertible tights work well for both disciplines. Many dance schools accept them for ballet classes, particularly in the child sizes. For formal RAD or ATOD examinations, always confirm with your teacher that the style and colour meet the specific exam requirements before purchasing.
How does NZ shipping from Total Dance work?
Total Dance ships all orders tracked from our Melbourne warehouse. New Zealand customers can expect delivery within 5 to 10 business days. Orders totalling over NZ$140 qualify for free shipping. You will receive tracking information once your order has been dispatched so you can follow its progress to your door.
