A dancer’s feet are the most important tool, so it makes sense that shoes play their crucial part in comfort and performance. They’re that essential piece of the puzzle of grace, discipline and artistry hence the necessity to find a pair of quality. While the market has plenty to offer, few brands stand out as Bloch.

What is Bloch Known for?

While it all started out with ballet shoes back in 1932 in Sydney, created by Jacob Bloch, an Eastern European immigrant who was also a skilled shoemaker and admirer of ballet, it didn’t take long for his business to grow into production of dance footwear in general. The success led to the creation of the Bloch dance company, expanding to dancewear and dance fashion accessories too.

What helped set Bloch apart from competition as a leading provider of technical dance equipment is the dedication to creating pieces that are long-lasting, essential for enhancing the performance as well as ensuring dancers’ comfort. This would explain why founder Jacob worked closely with dancers and created one set of shoes at a time.

This is a tradition that’s still ongoing as the Bloch dance shoes, specifically the pointe ones that started it all, are still made by hand. Also, over the years, the company has continued the collaboration with dancers. This includes world famous names like Isabella Boylston, Lauren Lovette, Francesca Hayward, Yasmine Naghdi, Julian MacKay, WanTing Zhao, Sarah Lamb, Julie Kent, David Hallberg, Maria Khoreva, José Martinez, American Ballet Theater principals Irina Dvoronenko and Maxim Beloserkovsky.

Aside from dancers, they’ve also worked closely with internationally acclaimed choreographers, among which tap dance choreography duo Chloe and Maud Arnold, and award winning tap dance choreographer Jason Samuels Smith. The constant focus on improvement and adaptation to the needs of dancers, with the use of innovation as the tool, has turned this Australian brand international understandably.

The Pointe Shoe Legacy

As mentioned, it all started out with the pointe shoes Jacob Bloch first created in 1932. They came to be at a time when dancers struggled with ill-fitting and painful footwear. Working closely with the ballerinas, focusing on their needs and preferences, helped design the Bloch dancing shoes that have plenty to offer in terms of both technical precision and artistry.

Besides implementing top-notch materials (e.g. preferably lightweight, stretchable, breathable, and non-slip), these shoes are based on design techniques that improve the functionality, thus provide the dancer with the wanted outcome when it comes to performance. Some of the prominent features nowadays include the flexible and supportive shank strength, the flexible shank insole, the elastic drawstring, the resilient standard “A” paste, the cradling heel shape medium, the side low cut to enhance the foot profile, and the outsole split.

Moreover, I wouldn’t give these shoes the credit they deserve unless I also mention the shock absorption detail – the addition of the soft sponge cushion added inside the box at the platform. All this without being at the expense of aesthetics either as these are truly elegant and sophisticated shoes.

The Other Dance Shoe Designs

Don’t worry, there’s plenty more quality and exceptional craftsmanship to pick from if you’re not a ballet dancer. In addition to the Bloch ballet shoe collection, this brand is known for the tap and jazz shoes equally. Their tap designs are beloved among dancers because of the superior balance they provide, besides the incredible sound.

The jazz shoes are also a popular choice because of the lightweight and flexible design. From the more traditional to the modern, they have plenty to offer in terms of aesthetics based on what you’re up for, and the demands of the performance. Speaking of modern, this brand is all about keeping the pace with trends, so much so they’ve successfully ventured into the world of sneakers too. This resulted in the ultra-lightweight low-profile sneaker that’s fit for dancing as much as regular wear. Practical and trendy at the same time, who could ask for more?!

The Dance Apparel

Yes, alongside the iconic pointe shoes and other shoe designs that are part of the Bloch collection, the brand can also boast with the trendy dancewear. The secret to the success of their lineup is the merging of classic elegance with contemporary elements for each of their items, making for leotards, dresses, skirts, and warm-up essentials that stand the test of time and are beloved by dancers with different preferences.

Practical, functional, made from materials that are comfortable and moisture-wicking, they have plenty to offer in terms of aesthetics too. This comes from intricate details and elements in the likes of lace, colour, and the incredible silhouette that sets them apart. Supporting dancers of all ages and levels, you’re sure to find something suitable for your practice and performance requirements. Some of their garments are equally stylish and wearable outside the studios as well, and that’s the kind of versatility that makes them the great investment they are.