Jacob Bloch
Bloch was founded in the early 1930's in Sydney, Australia by European immigrant
Jacob Bloch during the height of the Great Depression. After getting started,
Jacob's reputation for making high-quality dance shoes spread rapidly. In the
late 1930's, many overseas ballet companies toured Australia, including The
Ballet Russe de Monte Carlo. Jacob made shoes for many of these visiting
Russian ballerinas, including Olga Spessitzava, Tamara Toumanova, Irina
Baranova, David Lichine, Tatiana Riabouchinskaya and Helene Kirsova, all to
their own specifications. His effort was so successful that it generated the
creation of a full range of dance and dance fashion products. Since that time
the rapid growth of Bloch's reputation has established the brand as one of the
most trusted within the industry.
Jacob Bloch during the height of the Great Depression. After getting started,
Jacob's reputation for making high-quality dance shoes spread rapidly. In the
late 1930's, many overseas ballet companies toured Australia, including The
Ballet Russe de Monte Carlo. Jacob made shoes for many of these visiting
Russian ballerinas, including Olga Spessitzava, Tamara Toumanova, Irina
Baranova, David Lichine, Tatiana Riabouchinskaya and Helene Kirsova, all to
their own specifications. His effort was so successful that it generated the
creation of a full range of dance and dance fashion products. Since that time
the rapid growth of Bloch's reputation has established the brand as one of the
most trusted within the industry.
The Shoes
One of Bloch's most popular styles of tap shoe is the Bloch Audeo. The upper of the shoe is made of full grain leather, with a leather stacked heel.
The inside features kashmir lining for comfort, and to reduce moisture. Under the lining lies a foam pad for comfort, and the back of the shoe features a heel notch to reduce pressure on the achilles tendon.
The Taps
Bloch manufactures their own taps for each of their shoes. The standard taps closely resemble that of Capezio's TeleTone, with three screws holding the tap on the shoe in each three corners of the tap. These produce the same tone as the TeleTone's, just a general tap tone.
Cost
Bloch tap shoes are generally more affordable than Capezio's. Beginner taps for young dancers are as cheap as $25, while Bloch Audeo's go for around $78.
Availability
Kicks Active Dance Wear in downtown Conway carries most Bloch brand tap shoes, from beginner shoes to the Audeo's. They sell the Audeo's for $78. Other than Kicks, Bloch Audeo's can be purchased in many dance stores in Little Rock, and they can also be purchased online straight from the Bloch warehouse.
- The make
One of Bloch's most popular styles of tap shoe is the Bloch Audeo. The upper of the shoe is made of full grain leather, with a leather stacked heel.
- Comfort & Support
The inside features kashmir lining for comfort, and to reduce moisture. Under the lining lies a foam pad for comfort, and the back of the shoe features a heel notch to reduce pressure on the achilles tendon.
The Taps
Bloch manufactures their own taps for each of their shoes. The standard taps closely resemble that of Capezio's TeleTone, with three screws holding the tap on the shoe in each three corners of the tap. These produce the same tone as the TeleTone's, just a general tap tone.
Cost
Bloch tap shoes are generally more affordable than Capezio's. Beginner taps for young dancers are as cheap as $25, while Bloch Audeo's go for around $78.
Availability
Kicks Active Dance Wear in downtown Conway carries most Bloch brand tap shoes, from beginner shoes to the Audeo's. They sell the Audeo's for $78. Other than Kicks, Bloch Audeo's can be purchased in many dance stores in Little Rock, and they can also be purchased online straight from the Bloch warehouse.