Why Bloch Is a Trusted Name in Australian Dancewear
When Australian dancers need gear that holds up in the studio, on stage and through competition season, Bloch is a name that consistently delivers. Founded in Sydney in 1932, Bloch has grown into one of the world's most respected dance brands, and its product range reflects decades of understanding exactly what dancers need at every level. At Total Dance, Australia's home of premium dancewear, we stock a carefully selected range of Bloch products chosen for their quality, durability and genuine value. Whether you're a dance mum shopping for your daughter's first ballet class or an adult dancer refining your performance wardrobe, this guide will help you make the right choice.
If you'd like to explore the full range before reading on, browse our Bloch dancewear collection to see everything we carry.
Understanding Bloch Tights: Comparing the Key Options
Tights are one of the most essential purchases in any dancer's kit. The right pair should move with the body, stay smooth under a leotard, resist runs and hold their shape through repeated washing. Bloch's tights range is designed with these demands in mind, and there are a few key decisions to work through before you buy.
Convertible vs Footed: Which Style Do You Need?
The first choice most dancers face is whether to go convertible or footed. Here's a straightforward comparison to help you decide.
Convertible tights feature a small opening at the sole of the foot. This allows dancers to pull the fabric back and expose the foot entirely, which is essential for styles like contemporary and lyrical where bare feet or the ball of the foot needs to contact the floor directly. Convertible tights are also popular in ballet, as they allow pointe shoes to be worn without removing the tights. For children, the Embrace Convertible Child Tights offer a great fit with soft, stretchy fabric that accommodates growing bodies. For adult dancers, the Embrace Convertible Adult Tights provide the same flexibility in sizes suited to teenage and adult physiques.
Footed tights, by contrast, cover the entire foot and are the classic choice for ballet. They give a clean, polished line from hip to toe, which is particularly important in exam and performance settings where presentation is assessed. The Embrace Footed Child Tights are an excellent option for younger students, offering a smooth, matte finish that looks neat under a tutu or leotard and holds up well to the wear and tear of regular classes.
Quick guide: which to choose?
- Ballet (recreational or exam): footed tights
- Ballet (pointe work): convertible tights
- Contemporary or lyrical: convertible tights
- Jazz or tap: either style works, depending on the teacher's preference
- Multiple styles: convertible tights offer the most versatility
Sizing Bloch Tights: What to Know Before You Order
Sizing tights correctly is crucial. Too small and they'll restrict movement and wear out faster at the seams; too large and they'll sag at the knee and look untidy on stage. Bloch sizes their children's tights by height, which is generally more reliable than age-based sizing. Always measure your child's current height and cross-reference it with Bloch's size chart rather than assuming their age group applies.
For adults, Bloch tights are sized by a combination of height and weight. If your measurements fall between two sizes, sizing up is usually the better choice for comfort and longevity. Tights that are slightly generous will move more freely and last longer than those stretched to their limit every class.
Bloch Socks and Hosiery: Choosing the Right Fit for Your Dance Style
Not every dance style calls for tights. Socks play an important role in jazz, tap, street dance and many recreational classes, and the right pair can make a real difference to both comfort and performance.
Jazz Socks: A Practical Choice for Versatile Dancers
Bloch's Jazz Socks are a reliable staple for dancers who need a neat, comfortable sock that works with jazz shoes, tap shoes or sneakers. They sit at ankle height, keep the foot secure inside the shoe and offer a clean finish that looks polished in class and on stage. If your child attends a jazz or tap class where tights aren't required, a quality pair of jazz socks is well worth having in the dance bag.
Elastorib: Built for Performance and Comfort
For dancers who prefer a sock with extra support around the arch and ankle, the Elastorib is worth considering. The ribbed design provides a snug, supportive fit that doesn't slip during class, making it a popular choice for more intensive training. It's a particularly practical option for older students and adult dancers who spend long hours in the studio.
Building the Complete Dance Kit: Accessories That Work Alongside Bloch
Tights and socks are the foundation, but a well-equipped dancer needs a full kit. Total Dance carries a wide range of accessories that complement your Bloch purchases and help keep everything organised, performance-ready and looking its best.
Hair and Headwear Essentials
A secure, tidy hairstyle is non-negotiable in dance. Our accessory range includes everything from the Ripple Pins 50 Pack 4.5cm Black, Ripple Pins 50 Pack 4.5cm Brown, Ripple Pins 50 Pack 4.5cm Light Brown and Ripple Pins 50 Pack 4.5cm Gold for securing buns and updos, to the Ripple Pins 100 Pack 4.5cm for studios or families who go through them quickly. For a polished stage look, the Faux Pearl & Rhinestone Tiara, Alyssa Rose Gold Tiara, Willow Rose Gold Tiara, Flat Diamante Headpiece and Flower Diamante Headpiece add a beautiful finishing touch to performance hair. The Wrap Around Head Scarf and Headband are practical choices for class days when a simple, neat look is all that's needed.
For casual class days, our scrunchie range is a favourite. The Sprinkle Paint Scrunchie, Sky Leopard Scrunchie, Purple Diamond Scrunchie, Coral Coast Scrunchie, Florida Floral Scrunchie and Luna Scrunchie are gentle on hair and come in fun prints that younger dancers love. The Flower Headband with Ribbon is a sweet option for little ones in their first ballet classes.
Dance Bags and Organisation
A good dance bag keeps everything in one place and makes the before-class rush much easier to manage. The Legacy Tote Bag, Pretty Tote Bag and Adriatic Bloom Bucket Bag are stylish everyday options for carrying class essentials. For competition season or concert days when you're carrying multiple costumes, the Dream Duffel Garment Bag, Dream Duffel Gusseted Garment Bag and Dream Duffel Length Extension Rack are outstanding choices that help keep costumes crease-free and organised backstage. The Waterproof Bag and Mesh Pointe Bag are practical additions for keeping shoes separate from clothing.
Shoe Care and Pointe Accessories
Looking after pointe shoes and ballet shoes extends their life considerably. The Satin Ballet Shoe Ribbon and Ballet Shoe Ribbon are essential for any ballet dancer, and having spares on hand means you're never caught short before class. Lambswool is a time-honoured choice for cushioning the toes in pointe shoes, while Rock Rosin 4oz is a must-have for tap dancers and any performer who needs extra grip on a slippery stage. Super Spacers can also help with fit and comfort inside pointe shoes.
Gifts and Keepsakes for Dancers
If you're shopping for a dancer's birthday, end-of-year concert or a special milestone, Total Dance has plenty of thoughtful options. The Ballerina Buddies Keyring and Ballerina Keyring are charming gifts for young dancers, while the Sign Me Bear is a sweet keepsake that friends and teachers can sign. The Ballerina Pom Pom Ball is a lovely stocking filler. For something a little more special, the Hair Blossom and Rebecca Satin Hair Bow make beautiful performance accessories that double as gifts.
Dancewear Clothing to Complete the Look
Beyond tights and socks, building a versatile dance wardrobe means having the right tops, skirts and layers. The Essential Racer Back Crop, Essential Cross Back Crop and Essential Double Cross Strap Crop with Contrast Binding are clean, comfortable options for class. The Mae Dance Crossover and Adults Essential Cross Over are popular layering pieces for cooler mornings, while the Childs Energetiks Wrap Skirt CS01, Mastery Dance Skirt, RAD Regulation Character Skirt Child & Adult and Julietta Chiffon Circle Skirt cover a range of styles from classical ballet to character work. The Essential Coloured Wide Band 3/4 Coloured Band Legging is a versatile training piece that works across multiple dance styles.
To discover the full range of tights, socks and essentials in one place, visit our Bloch dancewear Australia range at Total Dance.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know which Bloch tights size to order for my child?
Bloch sizes children's tights by height rather than age, so always measure your child before ordering. If they're between sizes, choose the larger size for comfort and to allow a little room to grow. The fabric in Bloch tights has good stretch, so sizing up slightly won't affect the fit noticeably.
Are convertible tights suitable for all dance styles?
Convertible tights are versatile enough for most styles, including ballet, contemporary and lyrical. For jazz and tap, check with your teacher first, as some studios have a preferred style. Footed tights are generally preferred for classical ballet exams where a clean, finished line from hip to toe is part of the presentation standard.
How do I care for Bloch tights to make them last longer?
Wash tights in a mesh laundry bag on a gentle, cold cycle and allow them to air dry flat rather than in a dryer. Avoid washing them with items that have zips or Velcro, as these can snag the fine fabric. Turning tights inside out before washing also helps preserve the outer surface.
What accessories does a dancer need for their first year of classes?
For a beginner, the essentials are tights (footed for ballet, convertible for contemporary), a small dance bag, hair pins or a bun kit, and any shoe care items required for their particular shoes. As they progress, accessories like a garment bag for concerts, stage jewellery and additional layers become more relevant. Starting simple and adding items as needed is the most practical approach.
