Bloch is proud to announce the opening of its largest Victorian store - Bloch Camberwell. Although it has not yet enjoyed an 'official opening', business is already booming as Bloch fans flock to the new facility for all their dance wear needs.

The Camberwell store will stock the full range of all Bloch footwear and dance products with all new seasonal apparel ranges. When asked why Bloch chose Camberwell for their new retail facility, National Manager of Dance Products and Services Sandie Windsor-Richards remarked, 'Location, Location, Location! Camberwell is a great retail area and the size of the store was perfect for a fantastic Dance Destination store.' The store certainly is BIG, allowing Bloch to showcase its huge range of footwear with a purpose built shoe fitting mezzanine level, and fantastic merchandising areas to display Bloch's new ranges of dance wear. Designer leotards, sleek skirts, and fashionable active wear line the walls, with well designed rack systems to make searching for a new dance outfit easy, but hard to choose!

Current instore ranges include 'Super Soft' knitwear, 'Dance Star' girls and ladies, 'Performance Essentials', cotton 'Primavera' leotards for spring, and basic 'Premiere' leotards for class. A stunning range of sophisticated and mature leotards designed by Australian Fashion Designer 'Jozette' has also just hit the shelves.

To add to these ranges Bloch is very excited to announce that they have been given exclusive rights to import the beautiful French leotards 'Wearmoi' made in the new Meryl® fabric. Meryl® is a natural feeling fabric which offers performance, protection, moisture management and thermo regulation, and retains its great fit longer than other fabrics. It is the first hollow core bacteriostatic microfibre nylon in the world. This makes it possible to construct very comfortable, fine close-woven, crease resistant knitted fabrics, characterised by a very soft hand and breathability. It allows the skin to maintain its natural bacteria level, guaranteeing hygiene and well-being even in intense physical activity. These advanced leotards are a feature of the new Victorian store, and are proving to be popular.

Coming into the store in the next weeks will be the ranges 'Fantasy', and later at Christmas 'Holiday 07 Accessories', plus a 'Winter Wonderland' apparel range. Bloch will also be stocking selected styles in the brand 'Mirella' which is an American range of very fashionable designs of leotards, also using the new Meryl ® fabric.

Coinciding with the opening of Bloch's new retail store is the launch of the revolutionary 'SplitFlex' - a new versatile T Bar character shoe. Designed for both students and professionals, the SplitFlex can be used for commercial stage work as well as some styles of Ballroom and Latin. Perfect for achieving a great pointe, the shoe has a shorter shank and elastic that wraps under the shoe attaching to either side of the upper to enhance the foot's arch. The SplitFlex is stocked at the new store, as well as all Bloch stores across the country.

As Bloch Camberwell's first customer, I purchased a pair of Bloch's SlipStream Jazz shoes, after a professional and informative fitting in the footwear arena. Setup like a dance studio, with barres and custom built mirrors that can be turned and moved to display all angles, this new shoe facility is beautiful. I suggest all dancers visit the new store, even if just to enjoy the huge well displayed range of innovative footwear and to try some new styles.

Those visiting the store can be assured of professional service and advice. Fiona MacMillan, the store's manager, is an ex-professional dancer and has been with Bloch almost 4 years. After graduating from The Australian Ballet School, Fiona went overseas as a commercial dancer for almost 8 years before hanging up her shoes. When returning to Australia, Fiona wanted to remain in the industry and so began working with Bloch to assist dancers with her expertise and professional dance experience. Fiona is one of Bloch's top expert shoe fitters and is excited about being able to offer her services to Bloch's new Camberwell customers. Specialist shoe fittings can be booked with Fiona by calling 03 9813 2223.

Fiona says 'Since 1932 Bloch's philosophy has been to listen to dancers and translate their ideas into real world products, giving them what they want and need.'

Bloch is focused on remaining the market leader in quality, performance and aesthetic and is one of the best known and most respected suppliers of dancewear in the world. Bloch's design and innovation is responsible for many of the advances in dance footwear and apparel that are taken for granted today, with all products designed and tested by practicing professional dancers and industry experts. Drop into the new store and see!

Visit Bloch's great new store:
Rear 642 - 644 Burke Road, Camberwell, VIC 3124
Tel: 03 9813 2223
camberwell@bloch.com.au

To locate a store near you visit www.bloch.com.au