When passion and purpose align, magic happens—and that’s exactly what BLOCH, the iconic dancewear brand, has achieved with its new Argentine tango shoe collection, designed with the expert guidance of Maria Tsiatsiani, professional Argentine tango dancer and BBC Strictly Come Dancing choreographer. In an exclusive interview, Maria shared her insights on collaborating with BLOCH, the inspiration behind the collection, and her vision for the future of tango footwear.
The Inspiration: Giving Dancers What They Deserve
For Maria, this project was deeply personal. “This shoe line was born out of my passion for tango and a desire to give dancers exactly what they need,” she shared. Years of performing and teaching around the world showed her how crucial the right footwear is—not just for performance but also for injury prevention and comfort. The opportunity to collaborate with BLOCH was a dream come true for Maria, who knew their craftsmanship and commitment to artistry would bring her vision to life. Together, they designed a shoe collection focused on three essential elements: stability, comfort, and elegance—everything a tango dancer needs to thrive on the dance floor.
Design Meets Function and Style
Maria’s experience as a dancer played a vital role in the design process. “Stability, comfort, and elegance had to be at the heart of every design,” she explained. The shoes feature reinforced arches, cushioned insoles, and balanced heels that move effortlessly with the dancer. These details provide the support needed for fluid pivots, smooth transitions, and precise footwork, while still looking stunning on stage or at a social dance event.
“BLOCH’s expertise helped us refine every element to meet the highest standards for both function and style,” she added.
Shoes for Every Tango Lover
Maria’s shoe line isn’t just for professionals. “These shoes are for everyone who loves tango—whether you’re a professional or someone just starting your journey,” she emphasized. For beginners, the collection offers immediate comfort and support to help build confidence. Professionals will appreciate the technical precision designed to handle both rehearsals and high-pressure performances.
Maria’s goal is clear: to inspire dancers of all levels to connect more deeply with the music and their partners through footwear designed to enhance their experience.
The Importance of Footwear in Tango
Tango demands precision, balance, and grace. Poor-quality shoes can hinder progress and even lead to injury, something Maria has witnessed firsthand. “The right footwear transforms your dancing by helping with posture, balance, and movement. Good shoes become an extension of your body,” she explained.
Partnering with BLOCH was essential to ensure the line would meet these needs. “They are the best in the business when it comes to dance footwear,” Maria said with pride.
Lessons from Strictly Come Dancing
Maria’s time on Strictly Come Dancing gave her unique insights into the demands of high-performance footwear. “Dancing under intense schedules for live performances requires shoes that can handle both rehearsals and shows without causing strain or injury,” she explained. This experience shaped her designs, emphasizing comfort, durability, and elegance.
Overcoming Challenges
Balancing performance and aesthetics wasn’t easy. “Dancers need shoes that are both durable and stylish,” Maria noted. However, BLOCH’s decades of expertise made overcoming these challenges possible through extensive testing and refinement. The result? A line of shoes that dancers can trust to perform beautifully without sacrificing style.
The Launch Party: A Night to Remember
Maria is pulling out all the stops for the launch party. “We’re planning a magical evening,” she revealed. Guests can expect live tango music, an exclusive preview of the collection, and a chance to try and purchase the shoes before the official release. The event will be a celebration of dance, creativity, and fashion—everything Maria has poured her heart into for this project.
Looking Toward Sustainability
Maria is also mindful of the growing importance of sustainability in fashion. While this first collection prioritizes durability and high-quality materials, she’s already exploring eco-friendly options for future designs.
Advice for Dancers
Maria emphasized the importance of investing in quality footwear. “The right shoes will protect your body, improve your technique, and enhance your confidence on the dance floor,” she said. She advises dancers to choose shoes that offer both flexibility and support and to allow time to break them in properly.
“A good shoe should feel like an extension of your body—not a limitation,” Maria reminded us.
What’s Next?
For Maria, this is just the beginning. “We’re just getting started!” she exclaimed. Plans are already in motion to expand the line with more designs and customizable options. In addition, Maria aims to continue sharing her love for tango through teaching, performances, and creative projects.
“Tango is a lifelong passion,” she said. “It’s exciting to blend that with the artistry of fashion through this collaboration with BLOCH.”
Maria Tsiatsiani’s new tango shoe line is a testament to her dedication to dance and the well-being of dancers everywhere. With a launch event set to bring together the tango community, Maria is taking yet another bold step forward in her mission to empower dancers to move with confidence, grace, and purpose.
“Dance Mogul Magazine is proud to support this celebration of artistry and innovation. Stay tuned for more coverage on the launch party and this exciting new chapter in Maria’s career.” – By Anthony Solo Harris for Dance Mogul Magazine
Photos by: blochworld.com