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.

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Anyway, since there are many different dance styles nowadays, choosing the proper shoes might be a little bit tricky. That is why you need to consider some things before buying dancing shoes that can help you with your purchase.

Determine the Dance Style

One of the first steps when choosing dancing shoes is to consider the dance style you are going to use them for. Whether you like Latin, jazz, hip hop, tap dance, ballet, or you just want to try them all, you cannot use only one pair of dance shoes. Different dance forms require different shoes. For example – Latin dance requires shoes with open toes and higher heels because the height of the heel places the weight forward onto the ball of the foot, so the sole of the shoe can be flexible enough to point the foot while making turns and sharp movements.

Ballet shoes, on the other hand, are designed to protect your toes and they are different from shoes for salsa dancing or hip hop dancing (which is obvious). Anyway, if you are beginner, it is best to consult with your dancing instructor who can advise you to check out some stores or an online shop that offers a wide range of dance shoes in order to find the perfect ones for your dancing class.

Find the Right Fit

Finding properly fitting shoes for dancing is crucial, and that is why paying attention to sizing is essential. If they are too big, your footwork might suffer, but if they are too small they may pinch and blister hence making your dance lesson a painful experience. That is why your shoes should fit as snug as a bug in a rug while doing your favourite dance.

Choose Between Open and Closed Shoes

Open-toe shoes are better for Latin dances because they make it easier for dancers to point their feet and articulate dance steps. On the other hand, closed-toe shoes support movements that flow and are more appropriate for dances that require a lot of footwork like hip hop, waltz or foxtrot. They also offer more protection from hurting your feet or stubbing your toes.

Pick a Suitable Type of Heel

The type of heel depends on the type of dance. Salsa shoes for women, for example, have a heel for better balance to create a clean line. So, if you want to buy salsa shoes you should know that the most common sizes go between 5 and 7.6cm. However, if your like higher or lower shoes than the standard ones, you can go for shoes that are as low as 1.2cm or as highs as 10cm. The higher the heel, the more weight will be pushed forward to the ball of your foot that makes turning easier. However, if you are beginner, it is advisable to stick to the lower sizes until you can solidify your balance.

There are also different shapes of heels. Dancing shoes for women with flared heels provide more stability, while for men, a 1.2cm heel may work well for ballroom dance styles. As for Latin dance styles, a 3.8cm Cuban heel would be perfect.

Anyway, if you don’t have any issues with your feet and feel confident, instead of attending classes with practice shoes, don’t think a lot and take the real deal.

Consider the Looks

Your shoes for dancing should match your outfit, or they can be neutral so you can match them with multiple outfits. Because shoes are the most important thing that you wear while dancing, don’t compromise on the quality because of the appearance. Your dancing shoes should feel comfortable whether they catch the eye or not.

However, today there are many different dance shoes online that it is impossible not to find shoes that are comfortable and stylish at the same time. So, just like you can wear ballet flats in stylish ways, you can also come across actual ballerina shoes that look amazing and modern while keeping your feet comfy and protected.

Furthermore, different colours and materials may help you to express your personal style. Usually, when people choose their first shoes for dancing, they pick tan, bronze or flesh coloured leather shoes. On the other hand, female dancers who attend competitions, usually choose patent leather shoes due to their sharp look, while male competitors go for combinations of leather and suede.

Decide Upon the Material

The most common dancing shoes offered on the market are leather or suede/satin shoes. Quality leather dancing shoes are always the preferred option because they are breathable and can stretch and mould to the shape of the foot over time, which can provide you with more comfort than synthetic materials. There are also brands that have begun to produce vegan leather shoes as well, but they don’t stretch like authentic leather.

Suede shoes are very comfortable as well and they can conform well to the shape of the dancer’s feet. You can also dye suede shoes in different colours which can allow you to pair them with different dance outfits without breaking the bank.

Check the Soles

Soles are as important as the shoes. There are chrome, suede leather and smooth leather soles. Chrome soles can be used for any kind of surface, while suede leather works better with wooden flooring where can provide the right amount of grip and slide while moving on the dance floor.

However, it is advisable to not go for smooth leather soles if you are not a professional dancer because they are too slippery. Rubber soles may cause too much friction hence you may not be able to move freely. So, if you are a beginner it is advisable to avoid them.

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